It's an entertaining primer on the surprisingly arduous process, as well as a glimpse into the involvement of folks like Rosie O'Donnell, Boy George, Alan Cumming and Idina Menzel.
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06/08/07
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ShowBusiness: The Road to Broadway (2007)
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Reviews Counted:51
Fresh:45
Rotten:6
Average Rating:7.3/10
Consensus: Made with obvious care and attention, Showbusiness is an entertaining, insightful look into Broadway.
Theatrical Release:May 11, 2007 Limited
Synopsis: Over the course of one Broadway musical season (2003-2004), "ShowBusiness" follows the four high-profile productions that would eventually become Tony nominees for Best Musical: a big-noise musical... [More]
Starring: Kristin Chenoweth, Alan Cumming, Boy George, Idina Menzel
Director: Dori Berinstein
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Reviews for ShowBusiness: The Road to Broadway
In the end, I wish Berenstein had devoted her filmmaking to two musicals instead of four, thus affording even more screen time to each show's creative process (the audition process, the choreography, early rehearsals and such).
06/08/07
The film's slick and entertaining, an obvious must-see for musical hounds. It holds water for laypeople, though, because the insights into a communal creative process are so sharp.
06/08/07
Gives a strong impression of the atmosphere, excitement and complexity of a Broadway production.
06/08/07
Even audiences not enamored with Broadway musicals could find Dori Berinstein's documentary, about the trajectory of four Broadway shows, entertaining and informative.
06/08/07
Sheds much-needed light on a fascinating show-business institution.
06/08/07
Dori Berinstein's cameras catch gallant theater people doing what they've done since Sophocles was a pup: rehearsing, revising, worrying, learning, stretching, struggling to bump things up from good to wonderful and constantly, fervently hoping.
06/07/07
Top CriticDori Berinstein's fine documentary chronicles the production of four high-profile musicals during the 2003-'04 New York theater season.
06/07/07
Much of this strikingly human, rapidly paced and laudably well-rounded film is fascinating.
06/07/07
Does nothing to analyze why 'Wicked' and 'Avenue Q' became monster hits and the others didn't.
06/07/07
Anyone should be fascinated by the thoroughness and all-around intelligence this documentary applies to a multilayered and very entertaining subject.
06/01/07
The film is a love letter to theater and the people who make it.
06/01/07
If you love Broadway, you'll love this movie.
05/30/07
Following the shows from rehearsals to Tony Awards night, [director Dori Berenstein] gets behind the scenes and does a good job conveying the incessant anxieties and glee of the talents involved.
05/24/07
A smart, highly entertaining piece of cinema-reportage.
05/12/07
The engaging story of the obsession that is Broadway musical theatre with the world-class melodies and melodrama that go with it. A vibrant microcosm of human hopes and dreams.
05/12/07
It's riveting to watch the shows' respective creators work, clash, whine, celebrate and commiserate as the season and their stories unfold.
05/11/07
The doc does a fine job conveying the magic of the Broadway experience, along with the particular heart and soul of those who work there.
05/11/07
Made with care and affection.
05/11/07
Top CriticShort on insight. You'll have to look elsewhere than this love letter to the Great White Way to explain why Wicked and Avenue Q became huge hits, and why Caroline, or Change joined Taboo as a costly flop.
05/11/07
Top CriticLatest News for ShowBusiness: The Road to Broadway
May 10, 2007:
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This week at the movies we have zombies ("28 Weeks Later," starring Robert Carlyle), family conflict ("Georgia Rule," with Lindsay Lohan and Jane Fonda),... More...
May 05, 2007:
Trailer & Poster review 
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