FOX TO THE ‘RESCUE,’ FINALLY

The much-delayed film, “Ke Nui Road,” has been retitled as “Rescue HI-Surf”
and will debut as a Fox action series, finally premiering Sept. 22  as an episodic TV  show.

The filmed-in-Hawaii drama, from John Wells Productions, will focus on the life and times of lifeguards amid the often-treacherous waves at the fabled North Shore’s daunting, but dangerous seven-mile coastline beloved by surfers and spectators alike.

The site is where first responders – the heroic lifeguards – bravely rescue distressed surfers, who weather the churning white waves.

The initial episode was written by Matt Kester, and the first two episodes are directed by John Wells.

Following the premiere on Sept. 22 preview, the show will debut Sept. 23 in its regular Saturday slot. Hulu will also stream the show.

The cast features Arielle Kebbel, Adam Demos, Kekoa Kekumano, Zoe Cipres, Ian Anthony Dale, Robbie Magasiva, Alex  Aiono and Shawn Hatosy…

‘Merrilly,’ the formal film version still is due

The New York Public Library’s Theatre on Film and Tape Archive has a filmed version of the recent box office hit on Broadway, “Merrily We Roll Along.” The Stephen Sondheim-George Furth film is viewable only at the library’s Lincoln Center branch.

Huh? Turns out that this version, taped in March, is a typical archival print customarily filmed for a specific audience, like qualified researchers.

The one we’re all eagerly awaiting is the version taped during the final month’s run of the Tony-winning Best Musical Revival at the Hudson Theatre. Which merrily means a formal film version still is in the works, for all to see,  but still uncertain when and where – for traditional movie theater release or streaming on an online service.

Thus, patience is a virtue here.

The difference in the NYPL version is that it films only one show, with three cameras, and no frills. The anticipated rendering was a multi-day, many cameras version, with close-up ops, and a polished final product, likely with special scenics, like aerial and backstage views.

“Merrily” starred Jonathan Groff and Daniel Radcliffe, who earned Tonys, and co-star Lindsay Mendez, a nominee.

Customary, the honor of having a show taped is reserved for acclaimed productions and these films are done in the last few weeks before closing. Thus, “The Lion King” or “Aladdin,” still in production, won’t be considered as a candidate for the archival honor till they’re nearing closure…

Broadway grosses, for the week ending Sept. 1

It’s same-old, same-old, for last week’s leaders on the Great White Way: “Wicked” is No. 1, “The Lion King” is No. 2, and “Hamilton” is No. 3.

The complete list, courtesy The Broadway Guild:

And that’s Show Biz…