Thu 11/11 @ 7PM
In the lexicon of works by major Broadway musical composers Alan Jay Lerner (lyrics) and Frederick Loewe (music), the 1974 film The Little Prince doesn’t loom large. It’s easily forgotten in shadow of the dazzling works such as My Fair Lady, Brigadoon, Camelot and the film Gigi.
Based on the charming “children’s” novella by Antoine de Saint-Exupery, but probably more beloved by sentimental adults, it tells the story of a pilot who crashes in the dessert where he meets an alien boy who is travelling through the solar system. Published in 1943, the international bestseller is estimated to have sold 140 million copies in hundreds of languages and become a touchstone for works in other media.
The film, which was directed by Stanley Donen, wasn’t a big hit, and the songs aren’t familiar ones. But tireless musical lover, Bill Rudman of Cleveland’s Musical Theater Project, has unearthed it for the next segment of his Movies at Home series. He calls it a “fascinating curiosity” (among other things it features Gene Wilder as “The Fox”).
As usual, Rudman has posted an intro telling you what to watch for in the film before you go watch it (it’s available only on YouTube to buy or rent). Then join him on Zoom Thursday November 11 to talk about what you saw.
musicaltheaterproject.org/moviesathome