The State of the Musical

Concerning “Hollywood Strikes Up the Band,” by Nina J. Easton and David J. Fox, Oct. 31:

I work for the studio that produced countless film musicals during the Golden Age of Hollywood. Those of us in the industry who mourn the death of the Hollywood musical would gratefully cheer any resurgence of this art form.

I agree with producer Craig Zadan that “musicals are the only genre that, when they flop, people say that the audience doesn’t want to see those kinds of movies anymore.” The people to whom he refers are not the moviegoers but rather the studio and production executives, the major company stockholders and others in financial power who are ill-versed in quality musical entertainment and are unwilling (or perhaps afraid) to delegate the development of film musicals to those who know and love the genre.

David Geffen commented that “it’s hard to integrate music into a story without stopping it”--not true, Mr. Geffen. The integrated musical is part of our nation’s history, a treasured art form. There are many talented individuals to carry on this tradition, and in a profitable manner, if only they are given the opportunity.

MARILEE BRADFORD

Music Department, MGM/UA

Culver City