Spotlighting four musicals during the 2003-2004 theater season, ShowBusiness: The Road to Broadway offers viewers a realistic and fascinating look at the hard work, triumphs and heartaches involved as these productions journey toward -- and compete with each other for -- the coveted "Best Musical" Tony Award. Dori Berinstein’s thorough, entertaining feature-length documentary focuses on Wicked, Taboo, Avenue Q, and Caroline, or Change. Happily, this film is a special treat for people like me who love musicals, whether live or onscreen.

Some of my favorite scenes in ShowBusiness take place as newspaper theater critics dine together and discuss their impressions of the four musicals during different stages of production. I had to laugh while listening to barbs slung at Wicked, which ended up being an impressive financial success. Based on the book about the early friendship between the Wicked Witch and the Good Witch from The Wizard of Oz, this popular musical co-stars Idina Menzel (Rent) and Kristin Chenoweth (Deck the Halls). Not surprisingly, the show continues to appeal to young girls and their families while touring throughout the nation. (Note to self: never underestimate ANYTHING related to the beloved Wizard of Oz.)

Starting out as an underdog, Avenue Q gained momentum despite its quirky pairing of live actors and irreverent puppets. No one seemed more pleasantly shocked about this than Bobby Lopez and Jeff Marx, the show’s composer/lyricist team -- neither of whom had previous Broadway experience.

Next, the extremely dramatic Caroline, or Change earned support from author Tony Kushner’s (Angels in America) many fans and because of Tonya Pinkins’ bravura acting and singing performance. Wow, can she belt out a song!      

Finally, Taboo made it to Broadway as a result of backing from Rosie O’Connell, who brought this Boy George musical over from London, even investing ten million dollars of her own money in it. Sadly, even with a marvelous lead turn by Euan Morton, Taboo failed to find its audience in significant numbers and closed early. (Another note to self: put on hold planned investment in upcoming Grease revival -- unless advance ticket sales look very, very promising.)

While I wish ShowBusiness contained more musical numbers instead of so many interviews (granted, as a former member of a Musical Comedy Troupe, I always want more song and dance numbers!), the music featured here sounds quite impressive. Composer Jeanine Tesori (Caroline, or Change), a Tony nominee for Thoroughly Modern Millie, prepared arrangements of classic show tunes for the documentary, and her unusual versions of “Cabaret” work well at the opening and closing of the film. Also, her edgy “Lullaby of Broadway,” as sung by Idina Menzel, gives us another chance to admire this performer’s extensive vocal talent.        

So which of the four productions won the 2004 Tony Award for Best Musical? Most people reading this review already know, but I’m not going to spoil the fun of watching ShowBusiness for those who don’t. Luckily, both groups of viewers are in for a heck of a good time. 

(Released by Regent Releasing and Liberation Entertainment; rated "PG" for language and some sexual references. ShowBusiness: The Road to Broadway opens on May 11th in New York City and on June 1st in Los Angeles. A nationwide release will follow.)

Click here to read Betty Jo's interview with Dori Berinstein.