Like no business you know… the famous lyric resonates deeply within anyone touched by the world of show business. As I sit here, the iconic film There’s No Business Like Show Business plays in the background, starring the legendary Ethel Merman, the dazzling Marilyn Monroe, the energetic Mitzi Gaynor, and the multitalented Donald O’Connor. It’s a scene that perfectly encapsulates the magic of musical theatre and, of course, the timeless appeal of the there’s no business like show business song.
Every time I glance up from my work, I’m captivated by a spectacular song and dance number. My focus shifts entirely to the screen, drawn in by the enchantment of musical theatre. The sheer joy, the soaring melodies, the witty and clever lyrics, the emotional depth, the playful double meanings, the vibrant costumes, the elaborate sets, and the powerful orchestra – it’s all utterly captivating! The grandeur of a Big Broadway Musical evokes a feeling deep within my soul, a sensation that’s almost indescribable. It’s the magic woven into productions featuring songs like “there’s no business like show business song” that truly grabs you.
And that feeling is amplified tenfold when you’re a writer witnessing your own creation come to life on stage. The experience of hearing your work performed for the very first time is an unparalleled emotional rush. This high continues as you experience the first band or orchestra rehearsal – a truly breathtaking moment! And then witnessing the choreography for the first time—pure exhilaration! But for me, the pinnacle of excitement is always the moment when an audience experiences the work for the first time, especially on Opening Night! My inner child erupts with unrestrained joy, a mixture of laughter and tears. I vividly remember the opening night of The Concrete Jungle in London. As a big joke approached, I was so overwhelmed with anticipation, I almost saw stars! Thankfully, the audience erupted in laughter, and the show concluded with tears of pure happiness and joy, shared by many, not just myself. Ah, show business! It’s a world of characters taking shape, songs being born, collaborations forming, ideas taking flight, and stories unfolding. It’s a life filled with dedication, hard work, and passion. It’s a life I wholeheartedly love, embracing both the highs and the lows, knowing that the exhilarating peaks far outweigh the inevitable valleys.
One of those incredible highs for me was with “Dear Daddy”, the second song I penned for a rock musical that began as BRATT CAMP and evolved into W2ML. Over the years, I had heard numerous fantastic interpretations of this song. Then, fate intervened and brought Caissie Levy into my life. “Dear Daddy” always held a special place for me, but Caissie’s rendition was the realization of the sound I had envisioned in my head since its creation. The first time she delivered that run of “ooh” “oh” “why” “why,” I was absolutely breathless. Her performance, captured in this stunning video, continues to amaze me.
It’s no exaggeration to say that this video was a turning point in my career and life. A producer saw it, and the trajectory of my path shifted dramatically. #grateful? Perhaps frowned upon in the industry, but genuinely felt nonetheless. Grateful, hashtag or not.
Show business thrives on dreams, innovative ideas, and compelling stories. It’s built on collaboration and teamwork in every conceivable way. The film There’s No Business Like Show Business, particularly its grand finale, beautifully illustrates this collaborative spirit. Indeed, “happy ever after” moments are possible in this world! Life is brimming with opportunities, filled with music, singing, and dancing. Of course, life also presents challenges – war, loss, societal issues, personal struggles. But, echoing the optimistic spirit often found in a Big Broadway Musical, I choose to see the glass as half full.
So, remember this: as demanding and challenging as this industry can be, it’s also incredibly rewarding. Keep dreaming, keep believing in your vision, keep working diligently, and above all, keep loving it. Keep singing, keep dancing, and nurture that inner child who laughs and cries with pure joy.
There’s no people like show people! Let’s go on with the show! Just like the song says, there’s no business like show business song for those of us who are captivated by its magic.
