THE GOLDEN APPLE immediately comes to mind.
Music: Jerome Moross (films: THE CARDINAL; THE BIG COUNTRY)
Lyrics: John Latouche (CANDIDE, CABIN IN THE SKY)
Off-Broadway critical success which opened 3/11/1953. The musical is almost all sung-through retelling of The Iliad and The Odyssey in turn-of-the-century America. Rave reviews and nearly immediately transferred uptown. Performers included: Stephen Douglass, Pricilla Gillette, Kaye Ballard. Songs with after life are: "Lazy Afternoon" (recorded by La Streisand) and "Goona-Goona" (recorded and perfomed by Bette Midler).
New York critics voted GOLDEN APPLE "best musical of the season." On vinyl the original cast recording was a rarity commanding upwards of $100+. It is out on CD. If you've never heard it, give a listen. A rare gem of clever fun with a wonderful mix of music. Sondheim was still in a learning mode and as much as I admire his work, GOLDEN APPLE proves that clever lyrics and intricate music could be fun.
Listen and compare the quality of what you hear against what is currently on the boards. THE GOLDEN APPLE is one measure against which contemporary musicals should be measured.
Yours for a better Broadway!
Updated On: 7/15/03 at 03:46 PM