Podcast Summary: MickeyJoTheatre – "Where are all the missing proshots?! | Frozen, Bonnie & Clyde, Six, Aladdin and more!"

Episode Release Date: April 19, 2024
Host: MickeyJoTheatre (Micky Jo)
Podcast Title: MickeyJoTheatre

Micky Jo, the passionate and investigative host of MickeyJoTheatre, dives deep into the mysterious disappearance of professionally filmed musical theater recordings, known as "pro shots." In this episode, titled "Where are all the missing proshots?! | Frozen, Bonnie & Clyde, Six, Aladdin and more!", Micky Jo explores the current landscape of pro shots, uncovering the reasons behind the delays and, in some cases, the unlikely hope of their release.

Introduction to Pro Shots (00:00 - 05:00)

Micky Jo begins by explaining the significance of pro shots in the theater community. He defines a pro shot as a professionally filmed recording of a musical, providing fans worldwide access to performances they might never experience live.

"A pro shot is what we call a professionally filmed video recording of a musical. For example, the version of Hamilton that's on Disney." (02:15)

He reminisces about how pro shots like Cats influenced his early love for musicals and emphasizes their role in making theater more accessible.

The Impact of Hamilton and the Streaming Landscape (05:01 - 10:30)

Micky Jo discusses the groundbreaking release of Hamilton on Disney+ during the pandemic, highlighting it as a catalyst for the greenlighting of many pro shots. However, he points out a subsequent decline in interest from streaming platforms, leading to numerous pro shots being filmed without confirmed release dates.

"When these recordings are made, they do not have a distributor, guaranteed at that time, which is something we'll find out more about later." (08:50)

Top Missing Pro Shots

Micky Jo enumerates ten significant pro shots that have yet to see the light of day, providing detailed insights into each.

1. Frozen (10:31 - 15:45)

The West End production of Frozen was recently filmed at Theatre Royal Drury Lane. Micky Jo expresses excitement about the high production values and a stellar cast, including Samantha Barks as Elsa.

"When exactly are we going to see it? Well, it seems pretty obvious that this one is going to be on Disney, right?" (12:10)

He speculates that the release could coincide with the show's West End run conclusion in September or around Christmas for thematic relevance.

2. Jersey Boys with Nick Jonas (15:46 - 21:20)

Jersey Boys featuring Nick Jonas was filmed in summer 2021. Despite significant buzz and a high-profile lead, the pro shot remains unreleased, possibly due to issues with the original distributor, HBO.

"From what I understand, a bunch of projects were effectively scrapped in perpetuity by the studio in order to attain a tax write-off." (18:35)

3. Bonnie and Clyde in Concert (21:21 - 28:10)

Filmed at Theatre Royal Drury Lane, this concert production showcased Jeremy Jordan as Clyde and Frances Melanie McCann as Bonnie. Micky Jo attended the performance and praises the intense and dynamic staging.

"We need to see this pro shot of that concert because it was sensational." (24:50)

He calls for a community-driven campaign to urge the producers to release the recording.

4. Six the Musical (28:11 - 34:00)

Despite Six being a global sensation with a dedicated fanbase, its pro shot filmed in 2022 has yet to be released. Micky Jo remains hopeful, citing the show's enduring popularity as a strong incentive for eventual distribution.

"But I have faith that this one will turn up sooner rather than later." (32:20)

5. Aladdin (34:01 - 40:30)

The pro shot of Aladdin, filmed towards the end of its West End run, has not been released, raising concerns about possible issues with casting authenticity and Disney's cautious approach to representation.

"I don't think we're ever going to see Aladdin." (38:15)

Micky Jo highlights Disney's efforts to celebrate the show's 10th anniversary, yet the pro shot remains absent from their streaming platform.

6. Girl from the North Country (40:31 - 45:50)

This Broadway show, combining Conor McPherson's script with Bob Dylan's music, was professionally filmed and is also being adapted into a major motion picture. The uncertainty surrounding the film adaptation possibly delays the release of the pro shot.

"It could be that we get the pro shot release after the film, especially if the film is surprisingly really successful." (43:40)

7. Mr. Saturday Night (45:51 - 48:30)

Starred by Billy Crystal and Shoshana Bean, Mr. Saturday Night was filmed by BroadwayHD. However, no release date has been announced, leaving fans puzzled.

"It's also a little puzzling that that hasn't come to fruition yet." (47:10)

8. Between the Lines (48:31 - 51:45)

This show was previewed at BroadwayCon and snippets were released, but the full pro shot remains elusive. Micky Jo expresses a desire to see more of it.

"If a pro shot exists, I would watch the heck out of that pro shot because that's a great way to discover a new show by getting to watch a professional recording of it." (50:00)

9. Emoji Land (51:46 - 54:30)

The planned tour for Emoji Land in summer 2022 was canceled after one public performance, intended for filming a pro shot that never materialized.

10. The Play That Goes Wrong (54:31 - 58:00)

There are conflicting reports about whether this hit show was filmed in the UK or the US. No official release has been confirmed, leaving the existence of its pro shot in doubt.

"But as we've seen from Hamilton, the existence of an available recorded version of the show doesn't stop people going to see it." (57:20)

Community Engagement and Call to Action (58:01 - End)

Micky Jo encourages listeners to share any information they might have about these missing pro shots, urging them to comment or message him privately. He emphasizes the importance of supporting live theater to ensure that future pro shots remain possible.

"Remind your theater friends that we are still waiting for these pro shots." (59:30)

He concludes by expressing his hope for positive news regarding the release of these recordings and invites listeners to stay connected through his YouTube channel and other social media platforms.

Key Takeaways:

• Pro Shots’ Importance: Professionally filmed theater productions are crucial for preserving performances and making them accessible globally.

• Distribution Challenges: Despite the initial surge in interest post-Hamilton, many pro shots face distribution hurdles, leading to prolonged uncertainty.

• Specific Cases: High-profile productions like Frozen, Jersey Boys, and Six highlight the ongoing issues within the industry regarding the release of pro shots.

• Community Involvement: Active engagement from theater fans can potentially influence the release of these valuable recordings.

Micky Jo’s investigative approach sheds light on an under-discussed issue in the theater world, advocating for greater transparency and accessibility of recorded performances. His passionate appeal underscores the intricate relationship between live theater and its digital preservation.