Anyone Can Whistle

This is one of my Personal favorites. The entire score (even the cut songs are wonderful) is strictly Sondheim at his best. The book, while problematic, is lovely enough, but I wish that AL had been able to revise it before he passed. Even em with these flaws, I have recently been compulsively listening to the OBCR (with the stunning Angela Lansbury, in a role that she is perfection in). I am wondering if anyone had the pleasure to see the original production (out of town, or previews count as the actual show closed after 9 performances) and had any anecdotes or opinions on it. Also, is there any hope for a full-fledged revival?
If you haven't seen the show, what are your favorite songs from the score?
Mine are all if the Cora songs:
Me and My Town (the best character introductory number ever, IMOO)
A Parade in Town
I've Got You To Lean On
I also love
There Won't Be Trumpets
Come Play Wiz Me
See What It Gets You / Anyone Can Whistle (Reprise)

Hey

I agree, the original cast recording is wonderful - our Ange's marvellous timing nails her numbers while Lee Remick is genuinely touching - but I have seen the show done twice here in London and it simply refuses to fly. It's not unknown for books to be re-written so I guess there is always hope for it.

It's a great score, very bright, but holy cow that book. The attitude isn't necessarily what kills it, peppy satire is entertaining enough but Anyone Can Whistle needs to be a breezy two hours, at best. A new, tight book could really send it sailing.

I had heard how bad the book was, but when I saw the Encores production with Foster & Murphy, I was still shocked. It's not even bad, it's nonsensical. Why are there three acts?

The score is great though.

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The Encores! production was one of my favorites I've ever seen them put on. Flaws and all, it was a wildly entertaining evening. Donna Murphy was fantastic as usual. The book makes no damn sense. And the show virtually has no right in being as long as it is.

I adore Everybody Says Don't.