The End of the Oscars...Literally

Producers Neil Meron and Craig Zadan are known for their big musical productions of films like CHICAGO and, one of my favorites, HAIRSPRAY. This year they are also producing the Oscar telecast and promise to bring a musical touch to the proceedings, with performances by Adele, Shirley Bassey and even Barbra Streisand in her first song at the awards show since 1977. Today's Hollywood Reporter has news of another unusual touch they are adding to the show--an actual ending.

Usually, the telecast ends with the Best Picture statue being handed out as producers thank their wives, God and Harvey Weinstein. But this year they want to utilize their host Seth McFarlane's musical skills and do a big closing number after the big award. It seems they are taking a cue from the Tony broadcast which, in recent years, has ended with Neil Patrick Harris doing a memorable original song that recaps the evenings highs and lows. No words on whether that was the source of their inspiration but, clearly, as Broadway producers themselves, they are surely Tony watchers and attenders. Regardless, it will be a welcome addition to the ceremony instead of the usual rush to the local news.