A Decade in the Making: On Broadway

 

This was the website for the the film On Broadway which premiered at the Independent Film Festival of Boston in April 2007.
Content is from its archived pages as well as other outside sources.

 

Rating: Unrated
Genre: Drama, Comedy
Directed By: Aryo Danusiri, Dave McLaughlin
Written By: Aryo Danusiri, Dave McLaughlin
In Theaters: Mar 14, 2008 Wide
On DVD: Mar 9, 2010
Runtime: 1 hr. 42 min.
Director: Dave McLaughlin
Writer: Dave McLaughlin
Staring: Joey McIntyre, Jill Flint, Eliza Dushku, Mike O'Malley, Amy Poehler, and Will Arnett

On Broadway premiered at the Independent Film Festival of Boston in April 2007, and later was screened at the Galway Film Festival and the Newport Beach Film Festival.

One review of the film expressed disappointment with the director's inability to dig below the surface of the movie's story or the characters by never offering more than a superficial view of Boston area and the New Englanders who call it home. The reviewer felt that despite the abundance of Boston natives and local stage actors sprinkled throughout the production both on and off screen, most of the location shots, including Copley Square and the view from the Longfellow Bridge, seemed oddly generic. And with a linear structure that plods along to a disappointingly anticlimactic ending, "On Broadway" never soared offering only a superficial view of Boston and the people who call it home. Never the less, a number of the actors did turn in some impressive performances. Joey McIntyre who underplays the crusading Jack, manages to give him a charming sense of humility and sincerity that never felt forced. Eliza Dushku who portrays the over-eager actress with a weak spot for good-looking guy is also compelling. She shined in her scenes with Lucas Caleb Rooney, who portrayed Jack's goofy best friend, Neil.

I was in town for a meeting with a large financial services company when it premiered at the Independent Film Festival of Boston. I was giving a pitch on the development of Salesforce applications to show them how my team could help them to fully leverage their Salesforce org capabilities. I explained how we would do the heavy lifting while allowing them to stay abreast with the newest cutting edge technology. My pitch worked so we celebrated by going to the film festival. All of our team of data architects, business and system analysts, and software developers when to see On Broadway. We gave it the Thumbs Up! With the commercial release in 2008, my mom got to see it and being Irish, well, she disagreed with the critics and saw it numerous times.

One can say that the heart of "On Broadway" is in the right place. However, the story behind a film turns out actually to be more interesting than what's on the screen. Dave McLaughlin left school to write fiction when he was in his early 20's. Because he grew up in a house that didn't have a TV for years, the only movies he remembers seeing as a kid were "The Champ" and a free summertime series of silent films he went to with his parents in the courtyard of the Boston Museum of Fine Arts. However, his childhood was rich in stories via books, and stories from his Irish neighborhood. McLaughlin started writing "On Broadway" as a direct response to his frustration as a screenwriter in LA. His inspiration was from a time earlier in his career when he had actually directed a play of his called "God Willing" in the back room of a pub in Somerville, MA. At the time he and his wife were living in a sort of ramshackle three story house on a little street nearby called Broadway. He liked the humble environment and remembers how proud they felt regarding their contribution, integrity and value of their act of self-expression. No one was getting rich and nobody was getting famous. But everyone involved in the production felt alive while having fun. The original play, "God Willing," reflected McLaughlin's Irish heritage and celebrated his connection to family through rituals, especially the classic Irish wake. McLaughlin turned his original journey of writing and producing the play into the movie"On Broadway." The Broadway reference has multiply meanings: the street in Somerville, MA where he and his wife once lived early in his career, the fictional address of the pub where the play in the movie is staged, and the dream destination of every playwright.

After McLaughlin finished his script, he and Lance Greene, the film's producer, started looking for investors in NYC in 1999. But it wasn't until late 2005, they finally found two great partners in Henry and Donna Bertolon, who became the film's executive producers. During the ups and downs of the close to ten years in trying to produce the film, Greene continued to believe in Dave's vision. Greene felt that Dave McLaughlin brought a tremendous amount of value to the production as the director and as the story writer.

On Broadway was shown at a number of film festivals, both in the Us and in Europe. Dave McLaughlin mentions incidents from two different festivals that gave him great satifcation in knowing that the film touched people in meaningful ways.

In Michigan, after a screening of On Broadway at the Waterfront Film Festival, a Jamaican man stopped McLaughlin on the street. The man started to talk about how the film reminded him of his relationship with his own father, and how cathartic it was for him. It's moments like this, said McLaughlin, that confirms the reason to make films. It also showed how universal the message is and that a film that is about the Boston Irish is not limited to people whose surnames begin with O' or Mc.

At another screening, this one in Ireland at the Galway Film Fleadh, an Irishman in the audience raised his hand after the screening and said, basically, "This is the best film I've ever seen about Irish culture. Can you tell me how it is that it was made by a bunch of yanks?"

On Broadway is available on Netflix.

 

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On Broadway: The Movie - More Background

"On Broadway: The Movie" is a captivating exploration of the local theater scene in Boston, told through the journey of Jack O'Toole, a carpenter who decides to write and produce a play to reconnect with his estranged father. Directed by Dave McLaughlin, the film stars Joey McIntyre, Jill Flint, Eliza Dushku, Mike O'Malley, Amy Poehler, and Will Arnett.

Background and Production

The film's journey began in the late 1990s when McLaughlin started writing "On Broadway" inspired by his own experience directing a play in a pub in Somerville, Massachusetts. The project faced numerous challenges, taking almost a decade to complete. The film premiered at the Independent Film Festival of Boston in April 2007 and was later shown at various international festivals, including Galway and Newport Beach. It was officially released in theaters in March 2008 and became available on DVD in 2010.

Plot Overview

"On Broadway" follows Jack O'Toole, portrayed by Joey McIntyre, who quits his job as a carpenter to write and produce a play about his deceased uncle. With the help of his friends and family, he stages the play in the back room of a neighborhood pub. The film captures the humorous and touching moments of amateur theater production, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of bringing a creative vision to life.

Critical Reception

The film received mixed reviews. While some praised the performances, particularly McIntyre's portrayal of Jack, for its sincerity and humility, others criticized the film for its superficial exploration of Boston's cultural and social backdrop. Critics noted that despite the presence of Boston natives and local stage actors, the film failed to deeply engage with the city's essence. Nevertheless, the heartfelt story and passion behind the film were appreciated.

Press and Media Coverage

"On Broadway" garnered attention at various film festivals and was reviewed by multiple media outlets. The Hollywood Reporter described the documentary aspect of the film as lacking in memorable impact, despite its star-studded cast, which includes Alec Baldwin, Helen Mirren, and Hugh Jackman. The film was seen as more of an infomercial than a deep exploration of Broadway's cultural significance. However, moments featuring seminal Broadway shows like "A Chorus Line," "Cats," "Angels in America," and "Hamilton" provided engaging insights into the theatrical world.

The Wrap

Review Summary: "The Wrap" review highlights that "On Broadway" offers a surface-level exploration of Broadway's artistic impact. The film is described as feeling more like a promotional video than an in-depth documentary, with brief appearances by stars like Alec Baldwin and Helen Mirren. Although it includes interesting moments from Broadway shows like "Cats" and "Hamilton," it lacks depth and memorable insights. The film's superficial approach and lack of compelling conversations were noted as its main weaknesses.

Critical Points:

• Star Presence: The review mentions numerous big names but criticizes their lack of substantial input.
• Superficial Coverage: The review criticizes the film for not diving deep into the history or cultural significance of Broadway.
• Highlight Moments: Some Broadway shows receive more attention, providing interesting trivia and moments.
• Historical Context: The review notes the focus on Broadway's history, particularly the contributions and commercial challenges it faced.

Notable Quotes:

• "Brought to the screen by film and theater director Oren Jacoby... this earnest but oddly superficial documentary zips through decades of artistic impact without taking enough time to create its own memorable impression."
• "For the most part, it seems we’re supposed to be impressed by their mere presence."

Cultural and Social Significance

The film resonates with audiences due to its universal themes of family, loss, and the power of art to heal and connect. It highlights the importance of community theater and the significant role it plays in preserving cultural heritage and fostering creativity. The film's setting in Boston, with its rich Irish heritage, adds another layer of cultural depth, despite some criticisms about its portrayal of the city's essence.

Audience and Impact

"On Broadway" appeals to a wide range of audiences, particularly those interested in theater and independent film productions. It serves as an inspiring story for aspiring playwrights and filmmakers, demonstrating the challenges and rewards of pursuing one's creative passions. The film's modest setting and relatable characters make it accessible and engaging for viewers from various backgrounds.

Behind the Scenes: Dave McLaughlin's Journey

Director Dave McLaughlin's journey is as compelling as the film itself. He left school to write fiction and drew inspiration from his childhood filled with stories from his Irish neighborhood. McLaughlin started writing "On Broadway" out of frustration with his career as a screenwriter in LA. The film's original play, "God Willing," was based on McLaughlin's own experiences and celebrated his connection to his family and Irish heritage.

Production Challenges and Triumphs

The production faced numerous challenges, including financial constraints and the lengthy process of finding investors. It wasn't until late 2005 that McLaughlin and producer Lance Greene found executive producers Henry and Donna Bertolon. Despite the ups and downs, Greene continued to believe in McLaughlin's vision, bringing tremendous value to the production.

Memorable Festival Moments

"On Broadway" was shown at various film festivals, where it received heartfelt responses from audiences. In Michigan, after a screening at the Waterfront Film Festival, a Jamaican man expressed how the film reminded him of his relationship with his father, highlighting the film's universal appeal. In Ireland, an audience member at the Galway Film Fleadh praised the film for its authentic portrayal of Irish culture, despite being made by Americans.

 

"On Broadway: The Movie" is a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring spirit of local theater. While it may not delve deeply into the cultural nuances of its setting, it offers a heartfelt narrative about family, creativity, and the transformative power of art. Its mixed reviews highlight both its strengths in performances and its shortcomings in depth, but overall, it remains a beloved piece for those who appreciate the charm and struggles of grassroots theater production.