Ethel Merman, Gretchen Wyler and Bebe Neuwirth...

[broadwaydanwi]

Posted: 7/8/11 at 5:14pm

Picture it: Milwaukee, Wisconsin. June of 1979.

Ethel Merman made her only appearance in the city with a benefit concert for the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra.

Gretchen Wyler revived MAME at Melody Top Theatre, with sincere hope of starring in a Broadway revival of Jerry Herman’s classic musical.

And an unknown Bebe Neuwirth, playing the character of Sheila, arrived in town with a touring company of A CHORUS LINE.

Yes, it all happened in June of 1979!

I just posted a page about Gretchen Wyler’s MAME on my "Memories of Melody Top" website. Please click on the link in this message if you would like to see some amazing pictures from the production.
Memories of Melody Top: MAME

[Gypsy9]

Posted: 7/9/11 at 5:30am

The actress playing Vera Charles in the Melody Top production of MAME lists in her biography that she played in a Broadway revival of GOLDILOCKS. As a great fan of this 1958 flop starring an acerbic Elaine Stritch, which I saw as a teenager at the Lunt-Fontanne, I would have noted any revival on Broadway. Trust me, there has never been a Broadway revival of GOLDILOCKS, as much as I would have liked one.

[broadwaydanwi]

Posted: 7/9/11 at 8:42am

Gypsy9, you are correct. Ms. Sprung’s biography should state she appeared in off-Broadway revivals of those musicals. I corrected her information on my website a few minutes ago. Excellent job!

Here is a complete listing of her published credits from 1969 to 1971:

From March 7 to 23, 1969, she played Frances X. Gilhooley in an off-Broadway revival of OF THEE I SING at the New Anderson Theatre. Theatre World, volume 25, page 141.

From September 25, 1969 to May 13, 1970, she played Vera Charles in a touring production of MAME that featured Sheila Smith, Patrice Munsel and Anne Russell in the title role. Theatre World, volume 26, page 180.

From October 15 to November 1, 1970, she appeared in BEN BAGLEY’S SHOESTRING REVUES, produced by Equity Library Theatre at the Master Theatre. Theatre World, volume 27, page 128.

And from April 16 to 24, 1971, she was Maggie Harris in an off-Broadway revival of GOLDILOCKS at the All Souls Unitarian Church, presented by the All Souls Players. Theatre World, volume 27, page 108.

I still have no idea about her Broadway show called TALENT!, which was directed by Charles Nelson Reilly. Maybe it was a one-night showcase or benefit performance?

[beaemma]

Posted: 7/10/11 at 11:29pm

Thanks for the reminder! I was lucky enough to see all three of those wonderful performances during that magical summer of 1979. I had forgotten that they occurred over such a short span of time. I remember Gretchen Wyler as a terrific Mame. What a shame she didn't get to do a major revival of the show.