Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Mercoledi Musicale

Playbill - Mack and MabelIn 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:

sageweb said...

very nice.

Elizabeth said...

As with all things musical, I'll take your word on what we're missing. but this was great!