Whoopi Goldberg: Direct From Broadway (HBO)

About Whoopi Goldberg: Direct From Broadway (HBO)

Whoopi Goldberg: Direct From Broadway (HBO) is an original HBO special adapted from the critically acclaimed Broadway show performed by Whoopi Goldberg. Released in 1985, the special sees Goldberg delivering performance art at its most refined, presenting five distinct characters with different backgrounds and stories.

The narrative is woven across these different characters, each one displaying a unique dimension of the human condition, and reflecting everyday realities. The characters span different generations, races, and socio-economic backgrounds, but are bound by their shared humanity and their search for identity and self-expression.

Making / Production

The production of Whoopi Goldberg: Direct From Broadway was an attempt to bring the successful Broadway performance to a wider audience. HBO undertook the filming of the show with Goldberg as the solo artist on stage, with no other actors involved. Cinematic recording techniques were used to capture the nuances of each character's performance, in a setting that maintained the intimate and intense atmosphere of the stage show.

Actors

• Whoopi Goldberg – The only actor in this special, Goldberg uses her remarkable talents to become five different characters. Each persona is brought to life with authenticity and empathy, making them intriguing and relatable.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• Whoopi Goldberg: Direct From Broadway was Goldberg’s first HBO special.
• The special premiered in 1985, making Goldberg one of the first African-American women to have her own comedy special on HBO.
• The characters and their individual plots were developed by Goldberg herself.

Quotes

• “I used to have this dream that I was onstage and there were no people in the audience.” – one of the memorable lines from the special.

Music, Soundtrack

• The soundtrack is most notable for its absence. Goldberg dominates the special with her monologues, making for a deeply intimate and captivating performance.