An edge-of-your-seat thriller for the theatergoers among us, "Moon Over Broadway" is the documentary record of Carol Burnett's return to Broadway after a 30-year-stopover in Hollywood. Will "Moon Over Buffalo" make it to Great White Way? Will the critics accept Burnett back into the Broadway fold? Will the damn thing make money for the Landesman's and their co-producers?
In 1997, Ms. Burnett took on the task, along with noted thespian Philip Bosco, attempting to make Ken Ludwig's mediocre farce palatable to the theater crowd deeply buried in the over-the-top world of Andrew Lloyd Weber. And work overtime they did! What is most fascinating here is seeing Ms. Burnett and Mr. Bosco uncertain of their own talents. Often we find Carol unsure of herself, attempting to justify acting choices that really don't matter much when you have such a weak vehicle. The constant `new pages' cause her to worry that her years of improv in TV fare have left her unable to keep up with the rigors of molding a finished product. And then there's Bosco uncharacteristically bellowing as he realizes the laughs just aren't there.
It's a treat to follow these two, along with director Tom Moore and the playwright, from first reading to closing in New York, all taking place in just a bit over a year. I saw the show on Broadway. Since it's closed a long time ago you won't have the chance. Not necessarily a drawback! This film is much more entertaining and will keep you on your toes wondering what hurdle these professionals will next have to overcome.