Broad Suggestions

I'll admit it.  I watched Hairspray Live in its entirety.  Why?  Two words, Martin Short.  That said, his roll was diminished and unimpressive, but had clear flashes of Ed Grimley.  It got me thinking, with this trend of airing live productions (albeit canned and without the benefit of either a "real" live audience or laugh-track), where does it end?  I had some thoughts about other revivals they may want to consider that have, probably, been beaten to death.

Guys & Dolls - Yes, I know that this show has had so many incarnations to it...from the original Broadway show to the 1955 movie with Sinatra...to a Rat Pack soundtrack in 1964...to its revival in 1992 and then a Carnegie Hall review starring Nathan Lane (again) and Meghan Mullally.  That said, we could jazz it up for modern day with revamped hip beats and have Harry Connick Jr. play Sky Masterson and Lady Gaga play Adelaide.  No?

How about The Music Man...starring Neil Patrick Harris as Harold Hill, Kal Penn as his conniving associate (think "Bollywood" for Shipoopi) and a way-too-old Macaulay Culkin as the little boy lisper.  Wells Fargo Wagon never sounded so good!  No?

OK, what about Hedwig and the Angry Inch...J.K. Rowling's latest foray into live theater showcasing Hedwig's trials and tribulations as Harry's letter carrier Owl and his search for his own sexual identity after a grooming mishap at Hogwart's owlry!  All set to music provided by the John Williams Glam Rock Orchestra.  Hedwig's obviously played by Idris Elba.

No?

OK, I promise, this is my last one: Camelot, starring Gilbert Gottfried as Lancelot...only because there's more singing...by the second act, if you don't have a headache you're doing it wrong.  King Arthur would be played by the resurrected body of Robert Goulet (who else?); Merlyn would be played by Ellen DeGeneres...you know, for comedic effect. 

A boy can wish...now I've got "If ever I could leave you" being sung by Gilbert's impression of an old Groucho Marx followed by his impression of a Jewish vampire...followed by his impression of Jerry Seinfeld.  All for one low low price!  Priceless!