I'll never forget the fist time I saw Mel Brook's "Blazing Saddles." I like Brooks' irreverent humor and laughed during much of the movie.
But there is a scene that is beyond my sense of decorum.
The campfire scene.
If you've seen the movie, you know what I'm talking about. If not, you'll easily be able to fill in the blanks.
But first, why is this in a theater column? Brooks has finally confirmed is he is working on a musical adaptation of the 1974 comedy. He has written two songs and is working on a third.
I read that, and my brain immediately went to the campfire scene — which is a bunch of men, sitting around a campfire after having eaten beans. I don't believe more needs to be said.
This scene has prompted years of playful debating with my four sisters, who all agree it's disgusting, and my one brother, who thinks it's funny.
Nevertheless, having to sit in a theater through a drawn-out, live version of that may be more than I can take.
The musical could be finished early next year.
Now to news of a classier sort:
Stephen Sondheim: One of musical theater's most beloved contributors, responsible for "Into the Woods," "A Little Night Music," and "Company" among others, is about to open up about himself. "Sondheim on Sondheim" opened with previews on March 19 for a limited engagement (through June 13). Using his own words and, of course, music, fans will finally get to know the composer — his process and his life — through exclusive video footage. The musical will feature new arrangements of more than 20 songs.
Speaking of Sondheim: In 2005, Sondheim celebrated his 75th birthday in a way that only a composing legend could — with a day full of music and divas. Performers included Patti LuPone, Donna Murphy, Michael Cerveris and Neil Patrick Harris. And I mean, this was a full day — 12 hours long, to be exact. All 12 hours will be shown in a Symphony Space Webcast on March 22 at www.symphonyspacelive.org.
And that's not all: If you're worried that the composer's big day came and went without fanfare this year, fear not. His 80th birthday was honored by the New York Philharmonic and even more Broadway stars. This tribute was taped for a future PBS special.
A couple of TV notes: There are some Broadway happenings that have nothing to do with Sondheim. This one is worth setting your DVR: Kristin Chenoweth will be on "Ellen" on March 23. The superstar will chat about her upcoming project, the Broadway revival of "Promises, Promises."
And the cast of "Glee" will plop down on Oprah's couch on April 7. They'll perform and chat about the show, which resumes new episodes on April 13. Check Oprah's Web page for behind the scenes tidbits.
P.S.: Music Theatre International is in talks of bringing the award-wining, very popular TV show to the stage. No details yet.
e-mail: ehansen@desnews.com