The twelve block stretch from 41st to 53rd Streets in the middle of Manhattan is where all those who dream of making it in the theatre long to be. Broadway remains the pinnacle of the American theatre world and a hit Broadway musical is the golden ring many aspiring theatre artists shoot for. The new documentary film, SHOWBusiness: The Road to Broadway, follows the trajectory of four musicals that debuted in the 2004 Broadway season: Wicked, Avenue Q, Caroline, Or Change, and Taboo. Larry talks with Berinstein about her new film which gives us a rare glimpse behind the scenes as she follows each show from concept, through workshops, opening night, to the Tony Awards, when one show takes home the top prize: the Tony for Best Musical. Also, talks with Bobby Lopez and Jeff Marx, composers and lyricists of Avenue Q.
Plus Larry and critics Andy Klein, film editor and chief critic for CityBeat, Claudia Puig of USA Today, and Charles Solomon of amazon.com, discuss this week's new releases, including Knocked Up, Mr. Brooks, Paprika, Gracie, Golden Door, and Day Watch. Scott Foundas of the L.A. Weekly will also provide a wrap-up of the Cannes Film Festival.