Home For You Chat My Shows Register/Login Games Grosses

I Remember Mama

Welcome Guest. Please Login or Register.

Email

#1

I Remember Mama

Posted: 4/19/06 at 9:29pm

Did anyone here see the 1979 Broadway production of "I Remember Mama" (though I'm aware that many of you here were not even born yet)? I picked up a cast recording (not OBC) in NYC over the weekend and listening to it right now. I have not heard this since seeing the show in August 1979, but I'm amazed at how much I remember. I really liked the show, which included Broadway veterans Liv Ulmann, George Hearn and George S. Irving, and a pre-90210 Ian Ziering. I remember liking the book by Thomas Meehan and score by Richard Rodgers (his last musical). The set was also very stunning. I was surprised that the show never caught on and closed a few months after it opened.

Anyone like to share what they possibly remember about this show.

Hey Dottie! Did your colleagues enjoy the cake even though your cat decided to sit on it? ~GuyfromGermany

#2

re: I Remember Mama

Posted: 4/19/06 at 9:30pm

Saw it but remember nothing of it . Sorry

Poster Emeritus

#3

re: I Remember Mama

Posted: 4/19/06 at 10:42pm

"Saw it but remember nothing of it."

That's par for the course with Roxy.

"Long live God!" (GODSPELL)

#4

re: I Remember Mama

Posted: 4/19/06 at 10:54pm

Martin Charnin did the lyrics and Thomas Meehan the book. I do remember the show was pleasant but did not have that special moment needed to make a musical memorable. Ms. Ullman was attacked from all sides for her "singing" and was replaced by Sally Ann Howes when the score was recorded at a later date, long after the show had closed.

#5

re: I Remember Mama

Posted: 4/20/06 at 12:05am

It was gawdaweful (well, that's my memory of it) but the set WAS amazing. There were several turntables and, if memory serves me correctly, an automobile onstage. Hearn and Irving, of course were wonderful, but the music was dreck. Poor Richard Rodgers. The guy who wrote South Pacific, just pumping out stuff I swar I can't remember a note of . Aw, it breaks the heart.

http://www.broadwayworld.com/board/readmessage.cfm?thread=972787#3631451 http://www.broadwayworld.com/board/readmessage.cfm?thread=963561#3533883 http://www.broadwayworld.com/board/readmessage.cfm?thread=955158#3440952 http://www.broadwayworld.com/board/readmessage.cfm?thread=954269#3427915 http://www.broadwayworld.com/board/readmessage.cfm?thread=955012#3441622 http://www.broadwayworld.com/board/readmessage.cfm?thread=954344#3428699

#6

re: I Remember Mama

Posted: 4/20/06 at 12:15am

I didn't see the original, but I saw a production of it done a few years ago. The music...its okay. Some of the songs work. The book is what kills the show. It is so bogged down with so much plot that the original stage play had that it seemed to be hours in between songs!!! The took a novel that was a bunch of short stories...made a play that was very episodic, and then a musical that was episodic with songs. It is a good idea because audiences really seem to like Mama...but if it was ever revived (and doubt it would be!!!) they need to tighten the book!!!

#7

re: I Remember Mama

Posted: 4/20/06 at 12:33am

ncvalmont, you're probably right. I do remember the thing that struck we was that there were several numbers with repetitive names, like "Lars, Lars, Lars" and "Nels, Nels, Nels." Just couldn't take it seriously, seriously, seriously.

http://www.broadwayworld.com/board/readmessage.cfm?thread=972787#3631451 http://www.broadwayworld.com/board/readmessage.cfm?thread=963561#3533883 http://www.broadwayworld.com/board/readmessage.cfm?thread=955158#3440952 http://www.broadwayworld.com/board/readmessage.cfm?thread=954269#3427915 http://www.broadwayworld.com/board/readmessage.cfm?thread=955012#3441622 http://www.broadwayworld.com/board/readmessage.cfm?thread=954344#3428699

#8

re: I Remember Mama

Posted: 4/20/06 at 6:24am

I didn't see it, but I did enjoy one or two songs on the cast album... particularly "Every Day Comes Something Beautiful" (or something like that).

It reminded me of the old Richard Rodgers songs with Hammerstein.

"Jaws is the Citizen Kane of movies."

blocked: logan2, Diamonds3, Hamilton22

#9

re: I Remember Mama

Posted: 4/20/06 at 7:21am

I saw in in preview. I'm afraid I can't remember too much about the music, but I do remember thinking that Liv Ullman did well as Mama, acting-wise. Can't remember her singing though. The story has always been a favorite, as my heritage is Norwegian.

Who sings on the cast recording?

#10

re: I Remember Mama

Posted: 4/20/06 at 7:27am

Sally Ann Howes sings the role of Mama on the recording. George Hearn and George S. Irving (and the only ones from the OBC) appear as well. Ann Morrison sings the role of Katrin.

Hey Dottie! Did your colleagues enjoy the cake even though your cat decided to sit on it? ~GuyfromGermany

#11

re: I Remember Mama

Posted: 4/20/06 at 7:45am

Dottie characterized Liv Ulmann as a Broadway veteran. I don't believe this is true but it' beside the point. I saw the show during one of its final performances. The house was full and the audience certainly seemed to be enjoying the show. I know I did. Ulmann's singing skills may be debatable but I had the same problem with many whose singing skills are currently praised. She did put the role over and that, in my opinion, is far more important than anything else. The show, as it has been in all its reincarnations (including a tv series that I don't believe has been mentioned), was charming and evoked a long-gone era. It's always a pleasure to see a show like that.

#12

re: I Remember Mama

Posted: 4/20/06 at 7:55am

Tom, you are absolutely right, and I thought about that after I wrote that. I know she appeared in a couple plays (very short-lived at that), but she was a name (which I realize doesn't necessarily make one a Broadway veteran).

Hey Dottie! Did your colleagues enjoy the cake even though your cat decided to sit on it? ~GuyfromGermany

#13

re: I Remember Mama

Posted: 4/20/06 at 8:16am

I've never seen or heard this show - but I love the movie. Barbara Bel Geddes is just wonderful as Katherine.

"I don't really get the ending,all i can go with is when after several months,Judith saw Pat sang,and later she kissed him on the toilet,after that the story back to where Pat went down from the stage after he'd sung,and he went to the italian lady.I just don't get it,what Judith exatcly meant when he kissed Pat that she had seen,and did Pat end up together with The Italian Lady?Please help me,thank u very much!" Quote from someone on IMDB in reference to a movie he/she didn't understand. Such grammar!

#14

re: I Remember Mama

Posted: 4/20/06 at 8:22am

Thanks, Dottie.

I, too, love the film. You're right about Barbara Bel Geddes. I also liked the actor who played "Onkle Chris," but his real name escapes me at the moment. Also, a lovely, young Ellen Corby as Trina.

#15

re: I Remember Mama

Posted: 4/20/06 at 10:02am

Many thanks to WAT (a fan of flops) who gave me the run down on the tumultuous pre-Broadway and Broadway runs of I Remember Mama. I had no idea that this was a troubled show, and being totally oblivious to the goings-on, I thoroughly enjoyed the show.

My mom and I met Tara Kennedy (Dagmar) and her mom after the show. I mentioned that she would be perfect in Annie, and shortly thereafter she was cast in the Broadway company.

Hey Dottie! Did your colleagues enjoy the cake even though your cat decided to sit on it? ~GuyfromGermany

Updated On: 4/20/06 at 10:02 AM

#16

re: I Remember Mama

Posted: 4/20/06 at 10:20am

You're so welcome. Ken Mandelbaum's recount of I REMEMBER MAMA in his book "Not Since Carrie" was very comprehensive.

#17

re: I Remember Mama

Posted: 4/20/06 at 10:29am

On the cast album, you also have Hyacinth Bucket (Patricia Routledge) as one of the aunts! Sian Phillips is the other one.

"Jaws is the Citizen Kane of movies."

blocked: logan2, Diamonds3, Hamilton22

#18

re: I Remember Mama

Posted: 4/20/06 at 10:35am

I keep passing this cast recording up....maybe I need to rethink.....

It is ridiculous to set a detective story in New York City. New York City is itself a detective story... AGATHA CHRISTIE, Life magazine, May 14, 1956

#19

re: I Remember Mama

Posted: 4/20/06 at 10:40am

It's fun. Certainly not his best. Sally Ann Howes still has a few scattered moments of sounding like Truly Scrumptious (which I like). As the melodies rise up in her range, she has a beautiful soprano on this recording. And as I said earlier, it has one or two very nice songs in it.

(I'm not sure if I just damned it with faint praise for you or not... but I certainly wouldn't give it a "rave." Not a total pan, either. Richard Rodgers at his worst is still better than a whole lotta people.)

Now I can't get that song "Every Day Comes Something Beautiful" out of my head!

"Jaws is the Citizen Kane of movies."

blocked: logan2, Diamonds3, Hamilton22

#20

re: I Remember Mama

Posted: 4/20/06 at 10:41am

I did see this in it's preBway run in Philadelphia. I liked it (tho it was a bit boring. I was a mere child!) I remember liking Liv Ullman and Kirsten Vigard as Katrine.

"Carson has combined his passion for helping children with his love for one of Cincinnati's favorite past times - cornhole - to create a unique and exciting event perfect for a corporate outing, entertaining clients or family fun."

"In Oz, the verb is douchifizzation." PRS

#21

re: I Remember Mama

Posted: 4/20/06 at 10:47am

Uncle Chris was played by Oscar Homolka(Sp.?).

#22

re: I Remember Mama

Posted: 4/20/06 at 10:50am

Doodle, Kristen Vigard had already left the Broadway company when I saw the show (a few days before it closed).

I love the song, "A Little Bit More", which has been running through my head all morning.

Hey Dottie! Did your colleagues enjoy the cake even though your cat decided to sit on it? ~GuyfromGermany

#23

re: I Remember Mama

Posted: 4/20/06 at 10:55am

Ian Zierling was Nils on Broadway.

"Jaws is the Citizen Kane of movies."

blocked: logan2, Diamonds3, Hamilton22

#24

re: I Remember Mama

Posted: 4/20/06 at 11:07am

Best bars, I remember distinctly remember him. When 90210 aired, I recalled recognizing him immediately. I believe the original Playbill is still at my parents house in CT.

Hey Dottie! Did your colleagues enjoy the cake even though your cat decided to sit on it? ~GuyfromGermany

#25

re: I Remember Mama

Posted: 4/20/06 at 11:11am

Kristin was made understudy to Maureen Sillman on Broadway...not sure why. That is how it's listed in IBDB.

Kristin also sang "God Give Me Strength" for Illeana Douglas's character in Grace of My Heart. She's really pretty good!
Also the original standby for McArdle in Annie.

"Carson has combined his passion for helping children with his love for one of Cincinnati's favorite past times - cornhole - to create a unique and exciting event perfect for a corporate outing, entertaining clients or family fun."

"In Oz, the verb is douchifizzation." PRS

← Back to Message Board

View all Videos

Hadestown

Ticket Central

Ticket Central

Hot Show

Tickets From $59

Hot Show

Tickets From $71

Hot Show

Tickets From $71

Hot Show

Tickets From $95