Little Me: OBC Recording vs. Revival Recording- Page 2

[Smaxie]

Posted: 1/20/08 at 1:12pm

I saw the '82 revival version in London, where they went back to one actor playing the Sid Caesar roles, instead of two. It worked very well, and I think that production had a much longer run in London. I also like the two new songs that were added... "Don't Ask a Lady" and "I Wanna Be Yours" for an added character, Mr. Worst... though they cut "Be a Performer," and I missed it. ("I Wanna Be Yours" had a very funny sight gag in it, with Mr. Worst wearing a pair of gigantic shoes that were hidden under a table until he began to dance). There was also a very funny staging bit with Older Belle getting more sloshed and starting to address the audience while facing upstage. It still makes me laugh, thinking about it.

[Ed_Mottershead]

Posted: 1/20/08 at 1:21pm

Those added numbers were in the 1982 revival also. Jessica James (who was quite good) did the Don't Ask A Lady number. I believe Kaye Ballard includes it on one of her solo recordings.

[Smaxie]

Posted: 1/20/08 at 1:33pm

Found some of Tony Walton's set designs for the '82 version.

This is the Casa Manana nightclub, where Older Belle is narrating her life story.

[Smaxie]

Posted: 1/20/08 at 1:34pm

Noble Eggleston's mansion...

[Smaxie]

Posted: 1/20/08 at 1:37pm

Skylight Roof setting. (I think this is the scene where "I've Got Your Number" was performed).

[Scripps2]

Posted: 1/20/08 at 2:25pm

This thread has made me re-listen to my CD of the 1999 production but I don't like Martin Short's performance compared to Sid Caesar's. It's still a great score though.

I didn't even know there was a London cast even though Bruce Forsyth still hosts a primetime Saturday night TV show over here (and he must be well into his eighties by now). They probably changed the reference from "heat" to "roofs" because most houses over here would have been heated by coal fires rather than central-heating systems back then.

[Smaxie]

Posted: 1/20/08 at 2:36pm

"Starting this winter... heat!" is funny. But it's also a joke that you can see coming. "Starting this winter... roofs!" is unexpected, and has a touch of absurdity to it, so I think that's what amuses me so much about it.

[sondhead]

Posted: 1/20/08 at 6:26pm

It's not so much the orchestrations of Wheeler I like as it is the arrangements, and truth be told I don't know if he is responsible for the arrangements themselves.

The original does have a very nice classic 60's orchestration, I just think the arrangement of some of the songs are more exciting in the Wheeler.

[sondheimgeek]

Posted: 1/20/08 at 6:38pm

Smaxie, wow! Incredible find! Those designs are great! Thank you.

I'm just curious, as it's a little hard to tell, but do you know what medium he used?

Updated On: 1/20/08 at 06:38 PM

[BrianIdol]

Posted: 1/20/08 at 7:40pm

where did you find those Smaxie?? I love them!

[sondheimgeek]

Posted: 1/20/08 at 8:05pm

Also just curious: Brian, what medium do you usually use when designing?

[Smaxie]

Posted: 1/20/08 at 8:08pm

Apparently, they are on exhibit at the Library of Congress? Here's the site.

Little Me - Library of Congress

Updated On: 1/20/08 at 08:08 PM

[sondheimgeek]

Posted: 1/20/08 at 8:12pm

Oh wow, thanks!

[Josh Freilich]

Posted: 1/20/08 at 8:27pm

David Chase was responsible for the 1999 arrangements, and Harold Wheeler the orchestrations.

I do like that there are parts written for oboe and bassoon in that relatively small orchestration, and I'm glad that they got two people who can play those instruments as well as do some great sax playing: Dan Willis and Frank Santagata.

[Scripps2]

Posted: 1/27/08 at 10:07am

Smaxie: I'm intrigued by your praise of the London recording but am still put off tracking it down by Bruce Forsyth's presence. I find his TV persona annoying and overbearing and I couldn't imagine he could carry off the demands of the role. Having said that I didn't find Russ Abbott who did the 1982 London production particularly good either. How do you find Bruce Forsyth's performance?

[Smaxie]

Posted: 1/27/08 at 10:38am

Forsyth is a mild presence on the London recording. Not as flavorful as either Sid Caesar or Martin Short, but he scores a couple laughs, sings well enough and for the purpose of listening to a recording of the score, he's not a detriment.

[sondheimgeek]

Posted: 3/8/08 at 5:03pm

Well I finally was able to get ahold of the Original London Cast Recording, and I must say: it's wonderful! The interpretations are great, and it's a great recording overall!

To anyone who doesn't have it: get it! It's definitely worth it.

[jimmycurry01]

Posted: 3/8/08 at 5:49pm

Little Me is a favorite of mine, but I have only been able to find the revival recording on cd for a reasonable price, once in a while the OBC recording and the London recording turn up on LP on ebay, but I don't have a record player, but I would love to get my hands on a copy of either one.

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 3/8/08 at 5:52pm

OBC! The Revival changed to much and Faith Prince isn't at her best in a role she isn't totally right for. The OBC is tops in my book. I think, like most shows, the revival is being chosen for sound quality.

[sondheimgeek]

Posted: 3/8/08 at 6:01pm

Well I definitely chose the Revival (at the time) for being my top because of:

a) The sound quality
b) The 'completeness' of the recording
c) Faith Prince's interpretation

Now I'd say all three would tie because they each have their own pro's and con's.

If I HAD to choose though:
1. OBCR and Revival Cast Recording
2. OLCR

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 3/8/08 at 6:04pm

Is the revival really complete with the moving of numbers and combining the two roles for Prince?

[sondheimgeek]

Posted: 3/8/08 at 6:07pm

It's not 'complete' but it does give more insight into the show than the other two recordings do.

I mainly like it for Faith Prince's interpretation of Belle. I actually like her playing both roles.

Updated On: 3/8/08 at 06:07 PM

[Smaxie]

Posted: 3/8/08 at 6:17pm

Here's a TheatreWorld cover of Bruce Forsythe and Eileen Gourlay from the London Little Me. Forsythe looks like he's dressed as Noble.

[Smaxie]

Posted: 3/8/08 at 6:20pm

Another shot of Gourlay as Belle Poitrine.

[puppetman2]

Posted: 3/8/08 at 6:21pm

I also saw the original with Sid Caesar. It was built around him. One of the reasons for it not having a long run was reported in the papers back then is that Caesar got bored and wanted out of the show. Rather than recast, the producers closed it.