Posted: 12/13/15 at 8:24pm
I always wondered why Craig Stevens was chosen.From what I remember, he was not a singer and his claim to fame was as TV'S Peter Gunn. Wilson apparently had only a few good scores in him and this was not one of them.
This could work again with a new score by a different composer/lyricist.
Posted: 12/13/15 at 9:03pm
I noticed that an above poster noted that Richard Kiley took over after Craig Stevens left... I don't know if that is true or not but at some point, John Paine from the original movie took over the role. I would have loved to see him do the part.
Posted: 12/14/15 at 8:15am
Michael Bennett was in the company.
Posted: 12/14/15 at 9:48am
Music Man
Unsinkable Molly Brown
Here's Love
1491
Oblivion...
Talk about a sinking career.
Posted: 12/14/15 at 10:21am
Richard Kiley replaced Craig Stevens for about a month before John Payne took over the role. He was the sentimental favorite because he had originated the role of "Fred Gaily" in the classic film "Miracle on 34th Street" but Stevens was given the role on the assumption that he would be the bigger box office draw.
Unfortunately John Payne had troubles in the production and after headlining the show in the West Coast production he was replaced by Gene Nelson.
"Miracle" was a passion project for John Payne. He wanted Fox to film it when he came across the original story by Valentine Davies. Fox wound up making only after Payne put up his own money.
Updated On: 12/14/15 at 10:21 AM
Posted: 12/14/15 at 12:30pm
Natalie Wood's cynical child and her chilly relationship with her mother were the most interesting part of the film to me. Her arc could have been the heart of a decent musical. Here's Love and film remakes seemed afraid of the potential darkness in that role. "Arm in Arm" is a jaunty track on the cast album but feels entirely wrong for that pair's first song in the show.
