Musical-theater lovers in these parts must learn to be patient. A documentary tribute to Jerry Herman aired nationally on PBS in January but only makes its way to Rocky Mountain PBS this weekend, airing today at 11:30 a.m. on KRMA-Channel 6.
Not true that they sent the film from New Jersey Public TV and Radio by mule train. That’s just the way they program Channel 6.
Turns out it was worth the wait. Truly an insider’s guide to the Broadway composer/lyricist’s life and work with terrific vintage clips, “Words and Music by Jerry Herman” offers interviews, film from rehearsal sessions, family photographs and some never-before-seen footage of original Broadway shows. It’s must viewing for theater aficionados and a primer for those just warming to the subject.
From boyhood summer camp shows to “Milk and Honey,” through “Hello Dolly” and “Mame” to “Mack & Mabel” and “La Cage aux Folles,” the 90-minute film lets Herman himself describe his writing process, his musical talent and the character-based songs that personify the “show tune.”
The clever simplicity of his lyrics is praised by Michael Feinstein, who demonstrates at the piano. Herman’s leading ladies sing his praises. Carol Channing and Angela Lansbury are most complimentary about his contributions to the form.
Filmmaker Amber Edwards has assembled numerous bright lights including Leslie Uggams, Fred Ebb, Arthur Laurents and Charles Nelson Reilly. Others, notably Edie Gorme, Pearl Baily and Louis Armstrong, are represented in clips.
Herman seems to have worked diligently to keep sorrow away. Only late in his career does a serious side beam through. A review of the moving “I Am What I Am” from “La Cage” finds the roots of that song’s power. Herman downplays it, saying his only goal was to create entertainment, leaving it to star George Hearn to observe that the number made social-political history.
Now 70, Herman reflects briefly on his personal life and health (he was diagnosed with AIDS in 1985). His optimism, apparent in so many songs, continues.
“Sassy,” “Martini”
Denver Radio Co. is changing formats after a personnel house-cleaning that removed Gloria Neal and others from the air. The former Sassy at 107.1 FM will now be known as “1 FM,” aiming for younger listeners (women 28-40), and playing rhythmic pop, including Justin Timberlake, Alicia Keys, Mary J. Blige and Rihanna. They’ll compete with KIMN, KPTT, KS107 and KALC.
KTNI 101.5 FM, “Martini on the Rockies” will dump the Sinatra and aim younger (men 30-40), with an eclectic AAA format that includes the likes of Cake, Green Day, Fatboy Slim and Violent Femmes. Target competitors are KALC, KIMN, KQMT and KCUV.
In Chapter 11 since late December, Denver Radio Co. has come to terms with lenders, is putting money into technical upgrades and expects to emerge from bankruptcy within 12 months, according to general manager Steve Keeney.
“Younger (skewing) stations are flourishing in a down market,” Keeney said, which tells you all you need to know.
Telemundo late night
The first late-night talk show from Telemundo, “Más Vale Tarde con Alex Cambert,” will launch in November, the network announced this week. The plan is to feature interviews in both English and Spanish (the choice is up to the host), cross-cultural comedy and a house band, broadcast from L.A.
Edie Falco dramedy
Showtime is rushing an Edie Falco (“The Sopranos”) half-hour into production in New York, “a darkly comedic view of a health care system gone awry” in which she plays a nurse. No word on title or when it might air. Falco knows comedy: She just appeared in a memorable three-episode arc on “30 Rock,” dating Alec Baldwin’s character.
Joanne Ostrow’s column appears Tuesday, Friday and Sunday: 303-954-1830 or jostrow@denverpost.com
