Masters of the Stage

At its 2002 Musical Theatre Symposium, SDCF hosted a panel on directing revivals featuring director/choreographers Jeff Calhoun (Big River 2003 Revival), Robert Longbottom (Flower Drum Song 2002 Revival) and Susan Schulman (Sweeney Todd 1989 Revival) and moderated by Victoria Traube. The panelists discuss how directing revivals is different and how it is the same as directing new work, particularly focusing on the relationship with composers, lyricists and bookwriters who are still alive and around to see their work revived. The conversation features in depth stories about the creative processes for Flower Drum Song, Grease, Sweeney Todd and the Deaf West revival of Big River, among others. Other topics include reviving classics, the director's interpretation, and rights and royalties for revivals. This recording is filled with fascinating anecdotes and lessons for both the enthusiast and the aspiring musical theatre director.