Up In One, that is pretty much correct. Herman transposed most of the score I believe 4 or five steps down so that Channing could sing it because it was originally set to have high notes at Merman's signature C. When Merman joined the cast, she could no longer hit that C so it was transposed I think 2 steps down from the original key for her as it was for all other Dolly's and what is currently licensed through Tams-Whitmark. The songs "World Take Me Back" (which serves essentially the same purpose as "Before the Parade Passes By") and "Love, Look in my Window" were originally cut because there was no way that Channing could sing them and by the time that she left the cast there was no need for the cut songs. When Merman joined the cast, they were added to the show rather clumsily, but it didn't really matter because Ethel sang them so well that it didn't matter. However, it would be misguided to place them back in the show unless you had somebody as amazing and La Merm to perform them.
In terms of personal taste, I still think that Gower's staging is pitch perfect and there is nobody like Channing for the role. I saw her when I was very young in the 30th anniversary tour and it's probably the most clearly defined memory of my earlier childhood. She was pure magic on that stage and you truly felt that she
was Dolly instead of somebody playing a character. I can't imagine anybody else doing that nowadays.
Anything regarding shows stated by this account is an attempt to convey opinion and not fact.
Updated On: 9/27/14 at 12:45 PM
