Film & TV NewsThe Emperor's Newest Clothes, Featuring Songs by William Finn, Debuts on HBO November 15The animated take on Hans Christian Andersen's classic tale features the voices of Alan Alda, Jeff Daniels, and Alison Pill.
By
Andrew Gans
November 15, 2018
A classic Hans Christian Andersen fable gets an animated, music-filled makeover when The Emperor's Newest Clothes, featuring songs by Falsettos Tony winner William Finn, debuts November 15 at 6 PM ET on HBO. Watch the opening credits for the children's special above.
Written and produced by Sheila Nevins, the 30-minute program features the voices of Alan Alda, Jeff Daniels, and Alison Pill. Simon Wilches-Castro directs the whimsical tale, which will also be seen on HBO Family beginning November 16 at 8:45 PM ET.
The Emperor’s Newest Clothes tells the story of a vain ruler who lives in a great kingdom where he decides everything and everyone agrees with him—at least in his company. Fearful of losing their jobs (or more), the Emperor’s closest confidantes, Syco the Jester and Phantic the Advisor, praise his decisions, however foolish.
The voice cast includes Alda as the narrator; Daniels as the Emperor; Pill as Thomasina; comedians John Early and Tim Heidecker as Syco and Phantic; and Gabriel Sunday and Matt Hobby as the two tailors.
Songs are arranged by Danny Ursetti and Michael Starobin; Casey Rup is the art director.
Transport Group offered a conversation with Tony Award-winning composer William Finn June 15. The benefit featured performances by 13 singers who have originated roles or starred in his work.
22 PHOTOS
Alison Fraser, music director Vadim Feichtner, Mary Testa, William Finn, Janet Metz and Christian Borle
Matthew Blank
Sally Wilfert and Adam Heller
Matthew Blank
Celia Keenan-Bolger, William Finn and Adam Perlman
Matthew Blank
Celia Keenan-Bolger, William Finn and Adam Perlman
Background: Mary Testa, Heather MacRae, Janet Metz, Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Lewis Cleale
Matthew Blank
Celia Keenan-Bolger, William Finn and Adam Perlman
Background: Mary Testa, Heather MacRae, Janet Metz, Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Lewis Cleale
Filmed in 2023, the one-night-only event featured Brian Stokes Mitchell, Audra McDonald, Peter Friedman, and more from the Ahrens and Flaherty musical's original cast.
