Theatrical Voices

At the risk of deflating a large, over-inflated pink balloon, I take exception to The Times allowing Broadway on Sunset founders Kevin Kaufman and Libbe HaLevy ample space to self-promote their Pollyannish musings on musical theater (“L.A. Can Be a Potent Force for New Musicals,” Oct. 9).

It is typical of Kaufman and HaLevy to gently yet firmly refute Don Shirley’s reporting of their recent conference. However, Shirley only reported the truth: There is simply no interest by Disney and other studios in funding local musical theater talent--good, bad or indifferent. That’s the unvarnished truth, folks.

They even trot out that old axiom, “Broadway veterans and audience members agree Los Angeles is the perfect place to develop new shows, not only because of the talent, but also because of the 99-seat theaters, where new shows can be produced for relatively little money.” I challenge them to name a single Broadway producer with credits who has ever successfully launched a show at an L.A. 99-seat theater. Trust me: No New York producers are beating the bushes to produce L.A. shows--in or out of L.A.

Yes, musical theater is in a crisis. Both the form and music are at a standstill. Traditional “musical comedy” seems to be out of fashion, so they trot out old shows to little avail or profit. Then there’s the movie make-overs--also unsuccessful. Even the few award-winning “hits” tend to lose money. Giants like Stephen Sondheim and Andrew Lloyd Webber are at odds with the genre in their recent efforts. What will “sell” is anybody’s guess and few money people are willing to take the time and effort to find out.

Mickey and Judy could put on an extravaganza in a barn for $5. Despite the gung-ho, gee-whiz musings of Kaufman and HaLevy, it’s a lot different now.

RICHARD STEVENS

Los Angeles