Born at a time when both Broadway and postwar American industry were booming, industrial musicals were original productions meant to drum up enthusiasm for consumer products at conventions and sales meetings. Though originally intended only for an audience of salespeople and managers, these odd amalgamations of art and commerce have found a small but ardent fan base. One such obsessive is comedy writer Steve Young, whose desire to learn more about industrial musicals and the people who made them provides the framework for this funny, touching documentary. Bathtubs Over Broadway catches up with some former industrial players who went on to bigger things (like Chita Rivera and Martin Short), but the real triumph of the film is paying tribute to the many men and women whose contributions to musical theater remain unacknowledged. It’s a stirring testament to the talent and ingenuity of the composers and performers who somehow managed to elevate spark plugs, tomato sauce, and polyester into art.

In competition for the Schlesinger Documentary Award.

Director Dava Whisenant, Screenwriter Ozzy Inguanzo and Subject of Film Steve Young will be in attendance on January 4 and 5.