Music, Sound, and Audio Technology

"Houdini" Finds New Life on the Great White Way

By StudentFilmmakers.com
posted Nov 4, 2011, 09:41

(New York, NY)- In the early twentieth century escape artist Harry Houdini wowed audiences with his death-defying escapes from seemingly impervious traps. Now a century later the famed magician is set to cheat the Grim Reaper once more with "Houdini", a production that tells the story of the Hungarian illusionist and his insatiable desire to push the boundaries of human existence through his incredible feats. Conceived in 2008 by Tony award-winning producer Scott Sanders and Tony-nominated architect/set designer David Rockwell, "Houdini"'s score will feature the work of Danny Elfman in his Broadway compositional debut.

Despite repeated delays (the musical was originally scheduled to premiere in spring 2010), Elfman reports that production is progressing. Concerning the experience of composing music for the Great White Way, Elfman said: "It's such a different process [from my film scoring work]. For me, it's taking forever. But other people say, 'Oh, no, you've only been on that a couple of years, that's nothing.'" Elfman recently met with other members of the creative team including writer Aaron Sorkin, director Jack O'Brien, lyricist Glenn Slater, and a producer to discuss the show's progress. A reading is scheduled for January and may make its Broadway debut by early 2012. Elfman voiced his thoughts and outlook on the show's prospects, saying:"Hopefully [the show] will happen, but I know that there are so many things that need to still happen, and reasons why it may or may not. I just try to take an attitude of, 'If it happens, great, and if it doesn't, I'll have learned what it's like working on a Broadway musical'".





Resources:

http://popwatch.ew.com/2010/11/02/hugh-jackman-houdini-musical/

http://broadwayworld.com/article/New_Musical_HOUDINI_by_Danny_Elfman_and_David_Yazbek_Due_2010_on_Broadway_20080417#