THE STORY: AN OVERVIEW

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"TV, The Musical" is the epic story of genius, ambition, and the race to shape the future of television, culminating in the historic moon landing seen by a billion people.

SHORT VERSION

"TV, The Musical" is a riveting story of genius, ambition, and fierce rivalry. At its heart is the dramatic clash between Philo T. Farnsworth, the brilliant young farm-boy inventor, and David Sarnoff, the powerful immigrant "General" of RCA—two visionaries both vying to claim the title of the "Father of TV." With the unwavering support of their wives, Pem and Lizette, these men shape a new future, forever altering the course of history. Their battle reaches a thrilling climax on July 20, 1969, as over a billion people witness the moon landing—live, on television, the very invention they fought to control.

FULL OVERVIEW

As the curtain rises on "TV, The Musical," the audience experiences the bustling entrance of the 1939 New York World's Fair in a rousing opening number called "The World of Tomorrow." Everybody there feels excited about a world on the brink of revolution. In a display of spectacle and power in front of the RCA Pavilion, David Sarnoff, the General of RCA, takes center stage, his voice ringing out with pride and optimism, proclaims the dawn of the era of television broadcasting (i.e.) the commercial availability of TV for the first time to the public. In this moment of triumph tinged with the promise of a brighter future, the specter of impending conflict in Europe as World War 2 looms.

Philo T. Farnsworth, the independent, poor "farm boy" genius and actual inventor of television stands to the side in front of the only TV store window in Manhattan selling TVs in advance. There, all the screens show Sarnoff making his pronouncement. When Sarnoff does not mention Philo's name at all in his speech, Philo's world comes crashing down around him - the weight of this real achievement, coupled with the harsh reality of ruthless competition he's been through with Sarnoff, proves too much to bear. In a terrible moment, he falls to the sidewalk, a lone figure collapsed amidst the curiosity seekers and his anguish hidden from view.

As the musical unfolds, we go back to the beginning, exploring the origin stories of these titans of industry and the people around them, and how their paths converge and combust in a relentless pursuit of glory. From humble beginnings to soaring heights, each man grapples with the overwhelming pressure to claim the coveted title of "The Father of Television." Beneath the veneer of success, however, lies a darker truth: a world of secrets, sacrifices, manipulation, and the insidious grip of corporate power.

In the end, Pem and Philo Farnsworth (wife and husband) who have lived and loved all this time though suffering serious challenges such as the loss of their son, sit and watch the takeoff of Apollo 11 all being watched by upwards of a billion people all on television. At this moment, watching this theater of TV becomes a symbol of hope, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of insurmountable odds and a reminder of the power of belief in oneself and the enduring legacy of those who dare to dream.

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Philo T. Farnsworth (1906–1971) was an American inventor and television pioneer. He conceived the idea of electronic television at the age of 14 while plowing a field on his family's farm in Idaho. Philo's invention, the first fully functional and complete all-electronic television system, laid the foundation for modern television technology. He received his first patent for television in 1927 at the age of 21. Despite facing numerous challenges and patent disputes throughout his career (the key one to be named “the Father of Electronic Television,” which he won against RCA), Philo’s contributions to television technology are profound, earning him a place in history as one of the medium's key innovators. Unfortunately, his work and legacy are mostly unknown to the public at-large.

Elma “Pem” Farnsworth (1908–2006) was the wife of television pioneer Philo T. Farnsworth. Born Elma “Pem” Gardner in Utah, she met Philo while attending Brigham Young University. They married in 1926 when she was 18 years old and had three children. Pem played a crucial role in supporting Philo's work on television, often managing the family finances and providing emotional support during challenging times. She was known for her musical talents and love of the arts. Pem remained dedicated to preserving Philo's legacy after his death, ensuring that his contributions to television technology were recognized and remembered.

David Sarnoff (1891–1971) was a Belarusian-American businessman and pioneer of American radio and television. Born in Russia, he immigrated to the United States as a child escaping poverty and persecution most of all. Sarnoff rose to prominence as a radio operator and supervisor at Marconi Wireless Telegraph Company of America (later RCA). He played a key role in establishing radio as a mass medium and led RCA as its president and later chairman. Sarnoff also oversaw the development of television, championing RCA's adoption of the NTSC standard. His visionary leadership and business acumen helped shape the modern broadcasting industry.