Stairway to Stardom

Stairway to Stardom is a public-access television series that aired in New York City from 1979 to the early 1990s. It was described by NPR as "an amateur talent show many see as a low-rent precursor to American Idol.[1] Taped "in what appeared to be a freshly carpeted Staten Island basement,"[2] the host Frank Masi would bring on amateur singers, dancers, actresses, and comedians to perform.[3][4] Describing the show, The A.V. Club's "Found Footage" segment claimed that "without exaggeration, it was one of the greatest shows ever to be on television."[5]

Clips and full shows have appeared on the web and gained a cult following.[6] The disco-style opening theme song was performed by Steve Luisi and All The King's Men and written by their keyboard player, Ben Stiefel.

A 2017 play performed at the HERE Arts Center was based on the series.[7]

References
  1. "The Low-Rent Appeal of 'Stairway to Stardom'", NPR segment
  2. Stairway to Stardom, or What American Idol Filmed In A Staten Island Basement Is, AOL TV
  3. "Don't Push Play: "Stairway to Stardom" is the original "Idol," and that's why we love it". Denverpost.com. 2 August 2011. Retrieved 29 May 2022.
  4. "Stairway to Stardom: A Public-Access Masterpiece". Eonline.com. 9 January 2014. Retrieved 29 May 2022.
  5. "The A.V. Club, "Stairway to Stardom"". Avclub.com. Retrieved 29 May 2022.
  6. "'Stairway to Stardom': The Forgotten Joys of Public Access TV". Dangerousminds.net. 3 September 2011. Retrieved 29 May 2022.
  7. Vincentelli, Elisabeth (13 September 2017). "Review: A Talent for Talentlessness in 'Stairway to Stardom'". The New York Times. Retrieved 29 May 2022.


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