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Podcasts The Frame
'Moulin Rouge!' Is The Ultimate Jukebox Musical
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The Frame Tile
Episode 20504
Listen • 25:52
'Moulin Rouge!' Is The Ultimate Jukebox Musical

Justin Levine, music supervisor for the Broadway adaptation of Baz Luhrmann’s 2001 film, talks about adapting recent pop songs for the period musical; The Lucas Museum has acquired a prominent collection of ephemera related to African American film history; Mary Steenburgen's sudden and odd songwriting career.
A scene from the Broadway production of “Moulin Rouge! The Musical.”
A scene from the Broadway production of “Moulin Rouge! The Musical.”
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On today's show:

The Beat Goes On

Justin Levine is a musical theater composer, lyricist and arranger. He served as music supervisor for the current Broadway production, “Moulin Rouge! The Musical,” which earned him a Grammy nomination for Best Musical Theater Album. The show is an adaptation of Baz Luhrmann’s iconic 2001 film. Levine talks with John Horn about the challenge of bringing the film to the stage, and reimagining its most cherished song, “Elephant Love Medley.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=3&v=SxefJ8jTqe0

African American Film Ephemera Finds A Home

The Lucas Museum has acquired Separate Cinema — believed to be the most prominent collection of ephemera related to African American film history in the world. This archive of more than 37,000 rare items includes original film posters, publicity materials and film stills featuring the work of Oscar Micheaux, Josephine Baker, Paul Robeson, Dorothy Dandridge, Sidney Poitier and others. John talks with the Lucas Museum's film curator, Ryan Linkof.  

Mary Steenburgen, Songwriter?

On the new TV show, “Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist,” Jane Levy plays a young woman who, after a freak accident, can suddenly hear the thoughts of other people — in the form of popular songs. Levy’s mother is played by Mary Steenburgen, who had a real life episode that resulted in music taking over her brain. And it led to the veteran actress launching a career as a songwriter. The Frame contributor Tim Greiving has her story.