If Life Were Like a Broadway Musical

(CBS)  This story was reported by CBSNews.com's Gina Pace and Ken Lombardi

Ever wish that real life were just a bit more like a Broadway musical?

Well, for New Yorkers and tourists who happened to be in certain spots of the Big Apple this weekend - such as South Street Seaport or Times Square - it did. Dozens started singing and dancing as part of a public arts project, "Break Out in Song."

Although those who read theater listings would be clued into the performance, most in Times Square Sunday afternoon had no idea that a Broadway number was about to erupt. Although it did seem, as more and more people gathered on the sidewalk, that something was about to happen.

On these busy streets filled with pedestrians, one man bumped into another knocking him down. A heated argument ensued as, at first appearance, one of the men viewed the accident as an insult. Spectators began to express concern as the conversation seemed as if it was about to turn physical.

A police officer quickly stepped in to break up the escalating fight. But as a woman started singing "Consider Yourself" from "Oliver!" the police officer, along with the rest of the crowd, realized that it was a performance. Dancers joined one by one until about 40 performers were in unison.

By the end of the number, the two men had made amends, as part of the routine, symbolizing the sense of unity and inclusion the performers and producers of this show strive to evoke.

The idea came to producer Ryan Mackey as he would listen to show tunes on his iPod, wishing that he could start singing and dancing. After seeing the viral video of about 200 dancers perform a song from "The Sound of Music" in a train station in Antwerp, Belgium, he decided he wanted to do something similar in New York.

"Everyone has a song in their heart that's bursting to come out," Mackey said.

Jessica Hartman, who worked as the choreographer for in "Don't Rain on My Parade" from "Funny Girl," said that it was key to plan the performances to look good from any angle - so no matter where passersby stood, they could enjoy the performance.

"We want everyone to feel involved and part of the number," Hartman said.

Mackey, whose Broadway credits range from being the assistant director of "The Boy from Oz" to Mel Brooks' assistant on "The Producers," started calling in favors from entertainment contacts and formed a non-profit group to raise money for the show. All the dancers volunteered their time.

He plans on bringing the performances to Chicago, Los Angeles and London - then back to New York City in time for Tony Awards season next year.

Jessica Lea Patty, who was the lead in "Don't Rain on My Parade," said she couldn't turn it down after hearing of the project .

"We are brining theater to the masses," Patty said. "And the reaction of people not expecting it - it will brighten everyone's day."

[pw08-2009]

This is pretty cool, but ths has been done so much lately that it's not very original, unless you don't have web access.

[aChangeOfIdeas]

How refreshing! I would love to see this. I hope no one arrests them for not having some lousy street performance permit or something.

[ennius-2009]

I've said for many years that Life is a Musical Comedy.

[John_Merritt]

Or a disasterous Wily Coyote cartoon.