Anyone see the Frank Loesser tribute with Robert Morse?

[MimiJudith]

Posted: 3/28/12 at 10:49am

I wanted to see this but couldn't get good seats. I read in the NY Times today that Robert Morse sang "I Believe in You" and he did so "haltingly." I love him and I hope he did better than the Times relayed -- any reviews from folks here would be much appreciated! Thanks!!

[Gypsy9]

Posted: 3/28/12 at 11:05am

I would love to have seen this tribute. I first saw Robert Morse in the 1960 musical TAKE ME ALONG at the Shubert. He was very funny in an odd ball sort of way. I missed the original production of HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING. He is said to have been brilliant in that. Then I enjoyed him in TRU about the writer and iconoclast Truman Capote. Morse is one of a kind. I wish he would return to Broadway.

[MimiJudith]

Posted: 3/28/12 at 11:09am

Oh, I'd see him in any show on Broadway! I also saw him in "Tru," which was terrific. It's great that you saw him in his prime.

[musikman]

Posted: 3/28/12 at 2:18pm

I was there on Monday.

I can report on the rest of the evening if you'd like, but I'll answer your question for now.

When Robert Morse came out to sing, you could definitely feel a huge anticipation in the audience. People started applauding as soon as he sang. I know I was smiling from ear to ear. His voice obviously isn't as strong as it once was (it was a bit difficult to hear him), but that's to be expected.

Then all of a sudden after the first verse, he either forgot his words, or who knows what, but he begins to sing the lyrics to the B section "And when my faith in my fellow man..." and skips the entire second verse. It took him a least a line or two to realize what was going on, when he turned around to Ted Sperling who helped him out. This is probably where "haltingly" came from.

He got through the rest of the number with his typical charm and likability shining through. Mistake aside, it was still a joy to see him perform it.

[MimiJudith]

Posted: 3/28/12 at 3:31pm

Wow, thanks for that report! I would have been squirming during that mistake. But it sounds like he recovered from it quickly enough.