Harold Prince left this year's Tony Awards disgusted.
The Broadway impresario, who has spent a half-century creating musicals such as Evita, Cabaret, Company and Phantom of the Opera, was appalled to learn that the June ceremony's network telecast did not include any mention of authors, designers, directors or choreographers.
And that, the 20-time Tony Award winner told a packed Cabot House Living Room yesterday afternoon, is emblematic of Broadway's current, sorry state.
"I'm deeply concerned about the future of this art form that I've spent 50 years in," said Prince, who will turn 72 in January. "The advent of giant corporations--the conglomerations--has deeply inhibited creativity."
Prince bemoaned "McShows--small vest-pocket revue-type versions of Broadway shows," which take up space better used by more imaginative productions.
Prince's remarks led an audience member to ask if the future of theater is doomed.
"I don't think so," Prince said. "I'm in the theater--I'm an idealist, and I'm a dreamer."
Indeed, a jovial Prince pointed to several beacons in American musical theater.
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