Stairway to Stardom

Stairway to Stardom was a public-access television series that aired in New York City from 1979 through the early 1990s. It was described by NPR as "an amateur talent show many see as a low-rent precursor to American Idol.[1] Taped "in what appeared to be a freshly carpeted Staten Island basement,"[2] the host Frank Masi would bring on amateur singers, dancers, actresses, and comedians to perform.[3][4] Describing the show, The A.V. Club's "Found Footage" segment claimed that "without exaggeration, it was one of the greatest shows ever to be on television."[5]

Clips and full shows have appeared on various social media and gained a cult following.[6] The disco-style opening theme song was performed by Steve Luisi and All The King's Men and written by their keyboard player, Ben Stiefel.

A 2017 play performed at the HERE Arts Center was based on the series.[7]

References

  1. ^ Sharpe, Jennifer (May 23, 2006). "The Low-Rent Appeal of 'Stairway to Stardom'". Day to Day. NPR. Retrieved July 24, 2025.
  2. ^ Glazer, Eliot (March 24, 2009). "Stairway to Stardom, or What American Idol Filmed In A Staten Island Basement Is". AOL TV. Archived from the original on November 4, 2013. Retrieved July 24, 2025.
  3. ^ DeLeo, Sam (August 2, 2011). "Don't Push Play: 'Stairway to Stardom' is the original 'Idol,' and that's why we love it". Denverpost.com. Archived from the original on May 29, 2022. Retrieved May 29, 2022.
  4. ^ Jennings, Tim (January 9, 2014). "Stairway to Stardom: A Public-Access Masterpiece". Eonline.com. Archived from the original on May 29, 2022. Retrieved May 29, 2022.
  5. ^ "The A.V. Club, 'Stairway to Stardom'". The A.V. Club. September 21, 2010. Archived from the original on January 10, 2025. Retrieved May 29, 2022.
  6. ^ Gallagher, Paul (September 3, 2011). "'Stairway to Stardom': The Forgotten Joys of Public Access TV". Dangerousminds.net. Archived from the original on October 9, 2011. Retrieved May 29, 2022.
  7. ^ Vincentelli, Elisabeth (September 13, 2017). "Review: A Talent for Talentlessness in 'Stairway to Stardom'". The New York Times. Retrieved May 29, 2022.


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