In the words of Andrew Lloyd Webber, “‘Cats’ on paper was the worst idea conceivable.”
Now that the most unlikely hit musical in history is back on Broadway, we explore how the worst ideas sometimes evolve into commercial and critical triumphs.
Composer Michael Friedman — who has written musicals about everything from Andrew Jackson to the porn industry — hosted this exploration of the mystical art of transposing poems, cartoons, and novels onto the stage. He talked with composer Michael John LaChiusa, director/dramaturg/writer Rachel Chavkin, and composer/musical director Dave Malloy.
The evening also featured performances by Brittain Ashford (Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812) and Mary Testa (See What I Wanna See).
Watch the entire conversation: