Movie spotlight
BBC Proms: Bernstein's On the Town
John Wilson and the London Symphony Orchestra present the hit Broadway musical On the Town live from the Royal Albert Hall. With classic numbers such as New York, New York and l Can Cook Too and a star-studded line-up of singers including Nathaniel Hackmann and Louise Dearman, this concert performance launches a packed bank holiday weekend of Proms tributes to the late composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein, who would have been 100 years old on 25 August 2018. Katie Derham presents, with special guest Clarke Peters.
Insights
Plot Summary
This 2018 BBC Proms concert performance captures Leonard Bernstein's electrifying 1944 musical 'On the Town'. Set during World War II, the story follows three sailors on a 24-hour shore leave in New York City, each determined to find romance before their time is up. The performance features a star-studded cast and the London Symphony Orchestra, bringing the vibrant energy and iconic score of this beloved American musical to life.
Critical Reception
The BBC Proms performance of Bernstein's 'On the Town' was met with widespread acclaim from critics and audiences alike, celebrating its energy, superb musical direction, and the impressive vocal and dramatic talents of the cast. It was lauded as a triumphant realization of a classic American musical.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its high-energy rendition of Bernstein's score.
Lauded the exceptional performances of the lead vocalists.
Celebrated the faithful and exhilarating staging of the classic musical.
Google audience: While specific Google user ratings for this particular broadcast are not readily available, audience feedback for live performances and broadcasts of 'On the Town' generally highlights its infectious music and charming storyline.
Awards & Accolades
None notable for this specific broadcast, though the original musical won multiple Tony Awards.
Fun Fact
Leonard Bernstein wrote the score for 'On the Town' with lyricists Betty Comden and Adolph Green, and it was based on Jerome Robbins' ballet 'Fancy Free'.
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