Bathtubs Over Broadway

This documentary quietly sneaked up on me — it’s about Steve Young, a writer for the Late Show with David Letterman, who stumbles onto the unexpected and oddly charming world of industrial musicals. These are the elaborate, Broadway-style productions created not for the public, but for sales conventions and company employees. I knew almost nothing about this odd niche before watching, which is what made it so delightful.

What makes Bathtubs Over Broadway so special is how it balances humor and genuine pathos. The movie gently pokes fun at the strange world of corporate musicals, but never at the people who made them. Instead, you end up rooting for these unsung composers and performers, and Young himself comes across as both endearingly obsessive and sincerely invested in preserving this weird sliver of American entertainment history.

Cinematography-wise, it’s not flashy, but it’s well-crafted. There’s a fun use of archival footage, old vinyl covers, and quirky animations that help the musical numbers really pop. The talking-head interviews with former performers and composers are surprisingly moving, and the filmmakers do a great job making every character feel interesting.

If there’s a flaw, it’s that the middle section drags a little, especially if you’re not already hooked by the sheer oddity of the subject. Sometimes it wanders so deep into the world of record collecting and inside jokes that the initial sense of wonder can stall. But the final act is unexpectedly poignant, and you walk away with more appreciation for the creativity you might otherwise overlook.

You’d enjoy this if you’re into quirky documentaries, musical theater history, or if you just like stories about singularly passionate people. It’s heartfelt, offbeat, and surprisingly uplifting — a perfect watch when you want something a little bit different from the norm.