ManningCast’s musical extravaganza: A touchdown in entertainment
A unique blend of sports and Broadway
In a world where sports and entertainment often intersect, ManningCast has taken this fusion to a whole new level. The popular ESPN live broadcast series, hosted by NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning, announced its fourth season with a spectacular ten-minute YouTube video titled “ManningCast the Musical.” This announcement was not just a simple promo; it was a full-fledged musical production, complete with original songs, choreography, and a star-studded lineup of cameos.
The making of a musical masterpiece
Behind the scenes
The creation of “ManningCast the Musical” was no small feat. Therese Andrews, head of production at Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions, spearheaded the project. The production spanned over 22 days, spread across seven months, and featured more than 40 cameos. The team included writer-conceiver and in-house producer DJ Gallo, executive producer Jamie Horowitz, and Tony-winning Broadway composer Tom Kitt.
A star-studded affair
The video featured an impressive array of celebrities, including Robert Downey Jr., the Backstreet Boys, Kevin Hart, Michael Bublé, Pete Davidson, Paris Hilton, Snoop Dogg, and Disney CEO Bob Iger. These stars, along with a parade of football faces, added a layer of excitement and humor to the production.
The journey from concept to reality
Early beginnings
The first cameos were shot back in February at the Pro Bowl in Orlando. Andrews recalls the amusing challenge of convincing all-star athletes to don costumes and lip-sync to the musical numbers. This lighthearted approach set the tone for the entire production.
Building on past successes
ManningCast has a history of creating attention-grabbing promos. Previous announcements included a skit inspired by Peyton Manning’s “Emily in Paris” appearance on Saturday Night Live and a seven-minute comedy featuring disastrous auditions for a third co-host. These promos have consistently garnered millions of views on social media, setting a high bar for creativity and humor.
The musical concept takes shape
Choosing the musical theme
The idea for a musical was chosen in October, with the Mannings themselves favoring this concept. Lin-Manuel Miranda recommended Tom Kitt for the project, and the production team began planning a major production day in May. Vocal recordings were completed in June, and the final cameos were shot just last month.
A local touch
The Kent Denver School’s Anschutz Theater in Denver, Colorado, served as the stand-in for a Broadway venue. Performers from the University of Colorado’s theater department were selected to feature in the on-stage musical sequence, adding a touch of local talent to the production.
The Mannings’ musical debut
Singing their hearts out
One of the most surprising elements of the production was the Mannings’ own singing performances. Both Peyton and Eli sang live and in studio sessions, showcasing a new side of their talents. This unexpected twist added an extra layer of charm to the musical.
Looking ahead
Raising the bar
With the success of “ManningCast the Musical,” the bar has been set even higher for future season announcements. The production team is already brainstorming ideas for the fifth season, aiming to push the boundaries of creativity and entertainment even further.
A potential future in musicals?
Andrews jokingly suggests that with 80% of a musical already completed, they might as well keep going. While this may be said in jest, the success of this promo shows that the possibilities are endless when it comes to blending sports and entertainment.
Watch the trailer
For those who haven’t seen it yet, you can watch the trailer for “ManningCast the Musical” here.
Final thoughts
“ManningCast the Musical” is a testament to the power of creativity and the seamless blending of different entertainment genres. It showcases the Mannings’ willingness to step out of their comfort zones and embrace new challenges, all while providing fans with a unique and entertaining experience. As we look forward to the next season of ManningCast, one thing is certain: the bar for sports entertainment has been raised, and we can’t wait to see what they come up with next.