In October 1974 Jerry Herman's Mack and Mabel premiered on Broadway. He has been quoted as saying it is a favorite score but sadly it was a box office flop. It has been always recognized that the problem has been Michael Stewart's book. The story of two not particularly sympathetic people - one an ego-centric movie director the other a cocaine-addicted actress - just doesn't work. As faithful as it may have been to the real story of Mack Sennett and Mabel Normand it just isn't the stuff of musical comedy.I tend to agree with Herman's opinion of his score and in particular the lovely ballad I Won't Send Roses. I searched high and low for a clip of the incredible Robert Preston's definitive version from the original production, and I know there was a clip out there at one time. The only thing I could fine was his version used as music for an ice dance routine. But what an ice dance routine!
17 settembre - San Roberto Bellarmino
2 comments:
very nice.
As with all things musical, I'll take your word on what we're missing. but this was great!
Post a Comment