Librettist Rick Elice | THEATER: All the Moving Parts

Because musical book writing is so often misunderstood, these uncelebrated heroes are the first to be blamed, last to be praised — when mentioned at all.  On this episode of “THEATER: All the Moving Parts”, host Patrick Pacheco welcomes Rick Elice, one of Broadway's top musical book writers.

Elice co-wrote with Marshall Brickman the smash hit “Jersey Boys” for which they were Tony-nominated and which they followed up with “The Addams Family.”  Elice, who was also Tony nominated for “Peter and the Starcatcher,” most recently wrote “The Cher Show,” the biographical musical about rock icon, Cher. In a frank and funny interview, Elice recounts the trials of capturing the mercurial star who remained unconvinced that musicals were designed to capture the essence, not the documentary truth,  of a life. Elice also recalls that his friend, writer Peter Stone (“1776” “Titanic”), advised him that musicals were “talked into existence” and "negotiated through tantrum.” Which has been true, he wryly observed, but added he thought they were supposed to be “my tantrums.”  He also discusses the new challenges of finding the theatrical sweet spot for “Smash,” a show created first for the medium of television.
 
 

(Taped: 02/02/2021)

On THEATER: All the Moving Parts, host Patrick Pacheco looks beyond the spotlight at the passionate and unheralded creative talents that are critical to the theatrical experience. From costumer designers to dramaturges and everything in between, Patrick looks at all the moving parts of a Broadway production.

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[markmasi]

What a great interview. Patrick, if you ever read these, I remember you so fondly from my days working for Jerry Lawrence at his Malibu house back in the late 70s. You were often there, and always so lovely and smart and kind and encouraging to my young self back then. Looking forward to seeing your other theater interviews.