A Journey Through broadway History: August Reflections
August holds a special place in the vibrant tapestry of American theatre. From groundbreaking performances to viral sensations, this month has consistently delivered moments that shape the art form. Let’s take a look back at key events from 1980, 2020, and beyond, highlighting the evolution of Broadway and it’s enduring impact.
A Legacy of Powerful Performances: Viola Davis
Viola Davis stands as a towering figure in contemporary American theatre. She first garnered critical acclaim in 1997 with her role in August Wilson’s Seven Guitars,earning a Tony Award nomination for Best Featured actress in a Play. Davis seamlessly transitioned to film and television in the 2000s, but consistently returned to the stage.
Her dedication culminated in Tony Awards for her breathtaking performances in Wilson’s King Hedley II and Fences. You can see her early work in a captivating photo from the Huntington Theatre Company’s production of Seven guitars (pictured above).
[Image of Viola Davis and Keith David in “Seven Guitars” at Huntington Theatre Company. (Photo by T. Charles Erickson)]
1980: The Rise of 42nd Street
August 25th, 1980, marked the premiere of the dazzling musical 42nd Street on Broadway. This meta-theatrical production, adapted from the 1933 film, offered a glimpse behind the curtain of a Broadway musical during the Great Depression.The show quickly became a hit with audiences.
Tragically, the show’s director and choreographer, Gower Champion, passed away the morning of opening night. Producer david Merrick honored Champion’s memory with a poignant proclamation at the curtain call. 42nd Street went on to win the 1981 Tony Awards for Best Musical and Best Choreography (posthumously awarded to Champion).It ran for an impressive 3,486 performances, closing in 1989.
2020: The TikTok Revolution – Ratatousical
The year 2020 brought unprecedented challenges, but also unexpected creativity. On August 10th, amidst Covid-19 lockdowns, schoolteacher Emily Jacobsen posted a 10-second TikTok clip titled “Ode to Remy.” This satirical song celebrated Remy, the protagonist of Pixar’s Ratatouille.
The video quickly went viral, sparking a collaborative phenomenon. daniel mertzlufft added an orchestral composition, and other TikTok users contributed songs, ultimately creating an entire musical dubbed ratatousical or Ratatouille: The TikTok Musical.
In January 2021, Seaview productions presented a charity benefit concert of Ratatouille: The TikTok Musical. Directed by Lucy Moss and featuring stars like Titus Burgess,wayne Brady,and Adam Lambert,the event raised over $2 million for the actors Fund. This demonstrates the power of digital platforms to foster community and support the arts.
The Ratatousical story highlights several key points:
accessibility: TikTok democratized musical theatre creation. Collaboration: The project thrived on collective creativity.
* Philanthropy: The event successfully raised funds for a vital cause.
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