Revising Childhood: Meeting the Cast and Crew of 'Snow White Live at Radio City Music Hall
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Starting with a month-long run at Radio City Music Hall, �Snow White� went on a national tour with stops in Washington D.C.(including a special performance for then president Jimmy Carter) and Chicago. Popular demand triumphantly brought the production back to Radio City before closing in March of 1980. If you were lucky enough to have HBO that year, the show was televised on the cable network in time for Christmas.
As a five-year old asthmatic kid who found himself hiding from bullies on a daily basis, I needed to believe in a little magic. The experience of seeing this production first hand remains as much of a cherished childhood memory as meeting Santa Claus for the first time. Best of all, it put me on a lasting and successful path to the performing arts.
So it was only too appropriate to have revisited this wonderful show as an adult. Little did I know at the time it would end up becoming a wonderfully rewarding experience beyond anything I could have imagined. It wasn�t planned that way but serendipity has a funny way of getting involved.
While emptying out some boxes in the garage, I found my VHS copy of �Snow White Live� and after a quick trip to the VCR, I felt like I was five years old all over again. Looking at this show brought back a sense of wonder and awe that I had not felt in a long time.
Still shot from the production
The production�s magical effect stems from a culmination of exceptional talent who remained truthful to a great story. Superbly choreographed and directed by Frank Wagner, there was no campy humor and it didn�t waste precious stage time reminding you that this was make believe. One could simply sit back and enjoy the unfolding fairy tale and the massive, plush interiors of Radio City made it easy to believe you were in a faraway kingdom somewhere.
I found myself curious as to what some of the cast and crew were doing these days. Were they still involved with theatre? What was it like to be part of such a special show?
With a little patience, a lot of luck and extensive help from the internet, I managed to locate some of the key people involved. To my happy surprise, not only were they thrilled to hear from a devoted fan but were also willing to meet with me and share their incredible stories about how the production came together.
Armed with a one-man production crew and a very tight budget, I began a series of in-depth interviews about �Snow White Live.� Frankly, you could not ask to meet a more welcoming and generous group of people, all happy to discuss a production that still remains very close their hearts. The sense of magic we all felt in the audience was there from the very beginning of rehearsals. Everyone knew that something special was taking place.
Mary Jo Salerno today with Michael Sanchez at the
cast's 30-year Reunion in New York City.
Michael Sanchez posing with actor Rick Davis (Happy
the Dwarf) and Marsha Wagner, wife of late director and choreographer Frank
Wagner.
I was even fortunate enough to join the cast for a 30-year reunion in New York City on Memorial Day Weekend.
By the time I was finished, I accumulated more than 12 hours of interview footage. I have now begun the journey to � hopefully � present this to the Disney people in time to celebrate the production�s 30th anniversary. (Note: Click of the documentary are available by clicking here).
Some of my filmmaker colleagues questioned why I would even consider such a risky project. I simply refer to a saying that came from Robert Jani himself: �always aim high and dare to dream.�
This project has already proven to me that dreams do come true.
-- Article by Michael A. Sanchez. An
independent filmmaker and playwright, Michael lives in Pennsylvania with his
wife of ten years. They are expecting their first child this fall.
-- Posted December 9, 2009