Broadway is a strange aspect of America's cultural make-up. Though considered the height of commercial theatre in the States (and, debatably, the world), so many of us will go our whole lives without ever making the trek to New York City and catching a show in the flesh. But the Great White Way's influence remains undeniable still, with people from across the globe familiar with its songs while never leaving their countries and more performers dreaming of seeing their name in lights every year. Capturing the history and many facets of the most famous street in the world seems like a massive undertaking, but the 2004 documentary Broadway: The American Musical pulls things off rather smoothly. Clocking in at six hours, this film still only scratches the surface of its subject, but it's lovingly-made, incredibly informative, and an essential viewing for any with more than a passing interest in the stage.

Today, Broadway's multitude of venues are destinations for tourists and theatre buffs alike. No matter where you turn, the entertainment experience of a lifetime is promised, be it from an old favorite being revived or a new show hoping to make it big. But Broadway wasn't always that bustling, not until a handful of impresarios kick-started its transformation into the hot ticket it is now. Figures like George M. Cohan and Florenz Ziegfeld saw a future in supplying theatergoers with attractions the likes of which they'd never seen, crafting revues stocked with awe-inspiring costumes, pretty girls, and catchy tunes. These variety shows soon evolved into the musical as we know it, plays that grew to place equal importance on both songs and storytelling. The years to follow would see Irving Berlin, Jerome Kern, and other composers constantly taking their art to the next level, moving the genre away from frivolous shows about pretty people to serving as cultural barometers. From the political irreverence of Hair to the multi-million dollar spectacle of Wicked, it's clear that Broadway gives audiences more than just a little song and dance.

Hosted by theatrical royalty Julie Andrews, Broadway: The American Musical recounts in six one-hour installments the history behind one of the most impressive art forms of our era. It might seem like too rich a background to summarize in a fraction of the time that Ken Burns would probably use to discuss our friend the toothpick, but this rundown has no trouble hitting the spot. Interviews with composer Stephen Sondheim, critic John Lahr, actor Joel Grey, and many more take viewers on a fascinating chronicle from Broadway's beginnings and onward. It spotlights the expected big events, from the success of Show Boat in changing how musicals were presented to the dominance of mega-productions like Cats and The Phantom of the Opera during the '80s. But the film also makes sure to feature folks that even people like me who've spent a good deal of time in theatre might not have been familiar with beforehand. The lives and careers of Ethel Waters, Bert Williams, and Marilynn Miller are given as much exposure as those of Rodgers or Hammerstein, making a compelling case that the medium's most vital players aren't always the ones on the marquee.

One thing I particularly dug about Broadway: The American Musical was how long it dwelled in the past. Only the final episode touches upon the current shows (or, current for the time, given the documentary was originally broadcast in 2004) that average schmoes might be able to recall off the top of their heads. Broadway helps us get acquainted with the eponymous avenue's roots, showing how key players influenced its evolution from mere entertainment to an outlet for reflecting whatever societal ails the country experienced at the time. Of course, I have no doubt that certain game-changers got shortchanged, that those more well-versed in theatre history than I am could list many people who didn't get the credit they deserve or failed to receive a mention at all. But I think this documentary is quite fair and comprehensive, showing great affection for its subject matter while not facing away from its ugly side (as when Ziegfeld refused to support his unionizing performers, after risking his career putting an African-American actor on the stage). The film's pacing nimbly guides it from talking point to talking point, the interview segments are rarely without any interesting information for us to absorb, and Andrews' lovely, warm narration never ceases to lift your spirits.

Speaking as someone who fell victim to the acting bug a while ago, Broadway: The American Musical is an astounding achievement. It's not for the documentary-phobic or the faint of heart where extended running times are involved, but so briskly and with such fond reverence does it cover its abundance of ground, it was impossible for yours truly not to be sucked in by all of its stories a second time. Though I'd love to see an updated version catch viewers up to speed on all the history that's taken place since its broadcast, Broadway: The American Musical stands proud as one of the finest tributes the stage will ever receive.