Profile for marcslope

I recall a long-ago interview with Cherry where he did, in fact, cite this one as an inspiration for the series.

"Fiorello!", maybe? And it may not be my favorite, but "Ben Franklin in Paris" is really awfully good, and worthy of staging.

Bebe Neuwirth in "Chicago," when it was still at Encores. She was finishing "When Velma Takes the Stand" and did a wrong dance step, so she ended the number about two seconds after the button. She glanced up at James Naughton and rushed, "This is my new finish, Billy, how do you like it?" Terrific.

The Secret Annex. Off-Broadway musical of The Diary of Anne Frank, in the '90s.

On Broadway, maybe, The News.

Just reviewed The Radicalization of Rolfe, for nytheatreguide.com. Didn't like it much. (The Times critic did, this morning.) Reviewing Rent Control tomorrow.

The 1960 City Center Finian's Rainbow. Superior sound, more complete, and wonderful Jeannie Carson instead of Ella Logan with her mannerisms and fake burr.

 

She has interesting vocal tics all over the album. My favorite is "Aaaahhhh.... ladda blag dulie... radda blag dulie... I'll flicker then flare up." She means, "I'll light up like a light, right up like a light." It sure doesn't come out that way. 

1776. The score, I think, is dreadful. The book, always praised as one of the best ever, I just don't get. A lot of big words and faux wit. Fans say oh, it's so suspenseful even though you know how it's going to end, I'm not in suspense for a minute.

 

Nancy Dussault said in some interview or other that she was quite sick recording "Bajour," and begged them to change the date, but they wouldn't. She sounds good, but you do notice some ungainly head voice-chest voice transitions, especially on "Love Is a Chance."