I was listening to the CD and looking at photos of the original production and I think this show is ripe for a spruced up revival. I could really see this with Kevin Kline and Megan Mullaly.
Swing Joined: 1/11/05
I want Megan Mullaly to come back and do more on Broadway.
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/16/03
MisterMatt, I was involved with a very good, scaled-down production of the show about five years ago and, unfortunately, not only is there nothing about the show that screams out for a revival, there's also no market for it, stars notwithstanding.
I think the show has a delightful score (I can practically hear Megan singing I Hate Him) and potential for some fantastic sets, costumes and choreography. The book could easily be spruced up and there are very few old-west musicals out there, so it wouldn't have much competition in style. Throw in a couple of hot stars and I think it would do well. The original production ran over a year and Michael Kidd won a Tony for his choreography. Audiences love a spectacle and stars.
There was a London revival some years ago starring Alfred Molina.
Also, three of the numbers were performed by the original Broadway cast on the Ed Sullivan show in 1959..."The Whip Dance", "I Say Hello" and "Gyp Watson". The tapes are still floating around and they're pretty terrific.
Videos