“Street Smarts” Reflects Top Entertainment Trends This May: Reality TV, Nostalgia, And The Musical

(April 15, 2003 - Burbank, CA) – A game show based on pop culture quizzes, “Street Smarts” pays homage to pop culture this May by highlighting three current trends in entertainment: reality TV, nostalgia, and musicals. Reality TV is obviously an important trend, and “Street Smarts” recognizes its impact with “Street Smarts Reality TV Week.” Nostalgia, always popular in times of economic and political uncertainty, has given rise to shows like “American Dreams,” cable networks like Nick at Nite® and TV Land®, and a slew of programs dealing with the somewhat archaic notion that getting married is more important than being in love. “Street Smarts” recognizes this trend toward nostalgia with “Street Smarts Reunion Week” which reunites co-stars of classic TV shows and classic eras giving the audience that warm, fuzzy feeling. And, the musical has made a strong comeback with “Moulin Rouge,” “Buffy: The Musical,” and, most recently, Oscar-winner “Chicago.” “Street Smarts’” answer to this trend is “Street Smarts: The Musical.” “Street Smarts: The Musical” airs on May 21st. In a history-making episode, “Street Smarts” outsmarts other shows by becoming the first syndicated game show to air an all-singing, all-dancing musical episode. With an original score to back them, the shows host, contestants—you may recognize Jules, he’s part of the “American Idol” DVD—and even the producers sing and dance their way through the entire episode. Audience reactions at the taping ranged from “Better than ‘Chicago,’” and, “Sexier than ‘Cabaret,’” to simply, “Street-licious!” “We took a good look at what’s going on in entertainment right now, especially with musicals like ‘Chicago,’ and decided to take these trends and run with them. I think we’ve put together some fantastic shows!” says executive producer Carla Kaufman. But don’t tune in to “Street Smarts” this May purely for the sake of sociology, these shows are funny too! After all, where else can you hear Bernie Kopell respond to the question, “Who is referred to as ‘The Almighty?’” with the answer, “Aaron Spelling?” “Street Smarts” is produced by Dawn Syndicated Productions in association with Entertain The Brutes and Telepictures Productions. The syndicated strip airs Monday through Friday; check local listings for times. # # #