Profile for TexasGuy

It is amazing that Oscar Hammerstein II has been barely mentioned at a time when the revival of "South Pacific" is such a huge hit.

I believe someone brought up "The King and I." Hammerstein also wrote the lyrics for "Showboat," "Oklahoma," "Carousel," "The Sound of Muisc." Hammerstein was not as complex or witty as Sondheim or Cole Porter. But, one could argue successfully that his heartfelt lyrics spoke to more people.

Mary Martin
Billy Crudup
John Lithgow

Honorable Mention: Elaine Stritch (very nice, but she did all the talking)

Did the people that saw Merman, think that her acting was good?

Yes, Merman was excellent in the dramatic and comedy scenes. As to the comment that Merman was really playing Rose as Merman, the creative team wrote Rose specifically for her. They knew Merman's strengths and weaknesses, and used both brillantly. Merman never really played an unpleasant character on stage until "Gypsy."

"I take it that most posters never saw Merman." Broadway Ed

That's not a surprise, given that GYPSY opened forty-nine years ago. I did see Merman, and agree that she was the best Rose. But, it is only fair for each generation to have its own Rose. Although
Merman's performance on the OBC album/CD is difficult for anyone to beat.

So far, Ethel Merman (I was 15 years old). But I will not see Patti LuPone until April 25th, so I may change my mind.

I give Patti credit for doing the show.

Yet I have to wonder if such an announcement was ever made when Ethel Merman was ill and still performed in "Gypsy." Did she ever miss a performance?

I'm a student at Penn, first post.

The drive is certainly possible from Philadelphia. But aren't Tuesdays Groff's only time off from "Spring Awakening"? That doesn't give him much time to prepare.

Wonder if we can find out how many songs Jon will sing.

I am not sure the drive is worth it (for me) unless he's going to sing seven or eight songs, at least.