"Love Look In My Window" question

[husk_charmer]

Posted: 12/19/09 at 1:02pm

Ok, so I've been on a "Hello, Dolly!" kick as of late, and listening to the deluxe edition, did "Love, Look in My Window" take the place of her fabulous monologue? I'm assuming yes since it's in the middle of the song.

If it did, why on earth? The monologue is pretty damn perfect, why spoil it (and in a way Dolly's spine) with a song that makes her seem just desperate to be loved. Granted, I may be missing it's point...

And I know there is a recording of Merman in the role, but (and I'll prolly go to musical theatre hell for this) I don't like her take on the role.

[lovesclassics]

Posted: 12/19/09 at 4:44pm

Calling Dollypop! I'm sure s/he'd know the answer to this.

If memory serves me correctly, in the Merman version the song breaks up and wraps around the monologue. Some of the monologue precedes the song, then more of it is spoken halfway through the song. I don't like that effect, either. I think the monologue is wonderful just as it is.

Interestingly, at the Reagle Players this summer, they added "Love, Look in My Window" for Rachel York to sing. It was very effective. But they handled it differently. After her scene with Mrs. Rose, she sang the song straight through, no intro, no interruptions. Then she did the complete monologue, followed by "Before the Parade." There wasn't a peep from the audience throughout the entire scene. It was quite wonderful, actually.

York's version of "Love, Look in My Window" was so much softer than Merman's version. It was very tender and reflective, and it set up the monologue incredibly well. It made "Parade" that much more of a "decision" to move on. It became a reawakening and a celebration of life. The whole scene built beautifully.

[husk_charmer]

Posted: 12/19/09 at 11:59pm

^ That sounds really neat. I feel like it's also in the production that just played London (a friend mentioned the song and seeing it, but doesn't remember details).