Read Part I of the Revival of Musical Theatre here.

Musical theatre has now created a huge market in the television scene. While it did have it roots as early as the 40s, it wasn’t until the advent of the 21st century where Broadway and musicals alike became ingrained into the television scene. The first musical that was showcased on television was the Boys from Boise, which involved showgirls herding cattle in order to find their way home. The musical was average at best as it did not have any standout songs or actors. The two hour broadcast had a plethora of technical difficulties plaguing its broadcast and it wasn’t until years later that another musical would be broadcast.

Musical theatre on television began to hit its stride with the program Broadway Television Theatre, which debuted on American television on April 14, 1952. It ran for 73 episodes before reaching its conclusion two years later. The show ran shortened forms of full Broadway shows. It was compressed into a 60 minute show and it ran the gamut of Broadway shows at the time from Three Men on A Horse, a comedy about a lucky man being the most successful man at the racetrack, to Night Must Fall, a psychological thriller involving a murder in the family, to The Bat, a story about treasure hunters being murdered systematically.

Broadway Television Theatre became the home for many actors to showcase their talent to the viewing audience at home. Actors included such stars as Christopher Plummer, Jack Warden, and Lee Grant, all of whom received nominations for a BAFTA award, an Emmy, and an Academy Award. By being part of Broadway Television Theatre, actors were guaranteed exposure to the mainstream audience. With that exposure came the increased name value and in that came more opportunities for the actors to flourish and to make a name for themselves. In a way, the Broadway television Theatre show based from New York City became a stepping stone for actors to shoot towards stardom.