Stairway to Stardom was a public-access television series that aired in New York City from 1979 to 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 the web 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]
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