Marvin Hamlisch- Page 2

[KChenowethfan]

Posted: 1/28/05 at 6:19pm

I have seen him conduct the NSO on multiple occassions, usually on their "Broadway nights"- which sometime include feature soloists, like Kristin, Linda Eder, or Christiane Noll. I would always get extremely irritated because though the shows were advertised as "Broadway", they would invariably include more than one Hollywood movie medley- usually a lengthy one. He came across as being incredibly self-promoting and absorbed in his "between songs banter"- but I do enjoy the NSO broadway series- if only it were about the orchestra and featured soloists, and not him.

[chinkie azn jai]

Posted: 1/28/05 at 6:27pm

I loved Hamlisch's score for Sweet Smell Of Success. The story itself wasn't that great but the obcr is great by itself. I personally love "Don't know where you leave off," "What If," and "Rita's Tune."

[alterego]

Posted: 1/28/05 at 11:55pm

In a recent column Ken Manndelbaum (Broadway.com) suggests that 'Song' is right for revival. One of the best things about the show was the Douglas Schmidt set,revolve, sliding panels and projections. If it was revived I'd like to set an upgrade of his original set.

When I first heard of a musical version of The Goodbye Girl I thought what a great idea. Then when it proved not to be a success I couldn't help thinking 'What went wrong?'. In his autobiography Neil Simon says the problem with The Goodbye Girl is there is no room to 'open' the show up (for other characters).
When the show was done in London they took the They're Playing Our Song approach and had a small chorus of eight.It still didn't work.

[JimVukovich]

Posted: 1/29/05 at 3:10am

For a guy like me, my Marvin Hamlisch experience was a once in a lifetime high.........

I conducted the pre-broadway run of IMAGINARY FRIENDS at the Old Globe Theatre where I worked a lot! Marvin Hamlisch was the composer and Craig Carnelia was the lyricist.

Marvin Hamlisch IS a star. However, he's a hero to a guy like me. Not only did he inspire me but.....he was RESPECTFUL to me. You have no idea what an impact that had on me. Here's this legend, MARVIN HAMLISCH and I'm conducting and interpreting HIS music IN FRONT OF HIM!!! Everyday, I was locked in a room with Nora Ephron (book), Marvin Hamlisch, Craig Carnelia, Jack O'Brien (director), Jerry Mitchell (choreo) and many others. Hamlisch was ever present. His ears were always listening and he always had something to remark on. However, he always allowed me to do my job and NEVER stepped on my toes. I hope I get another opportunity to work with him.

HE'S A VERY CLASSY GUY.

[chinkie azn jai]

Posted: 1/29/05 at 11:11am

It's nice to hear first hand experience with him.

[InfiniteTheaterFrenzy]

Posted: 1/29/05 at 12:12pm

Yeah thanks, Jim. That's really wonderful to hear

[bob8rich]

Posted: 1/29/05 at 12:15pm

I really like Marvin Hamlisch's music. A few things occurred to me whilst reading some of the posts in this thread:

1. How many people even know of the Hamlisch/Adler musical "Jean Seberg" that was staged at the Royal National Theatre in London back in the 1980s and then disappeared into obsucity. It had clear flaws but it also had some wonderful songs.

2. Likewise, how many people in the US know about the rewritten West End version of The Goodbye Girl, which included a number of really good songs ny Hamlisch and Don Black, including "The Future's Not What It Used To Be", which replaced "I Can Play This Part".

3. I agree with the point made that A Chorus Line should not be referred to merely as a Michael Bennett show. But it should not be referrred to merely as a Marvin Hamlisch show either. It should be a Marvin Hamlisch/Edward Kleban show - paying due respect to the highly underrated and quite brilliant lyricist, Ed Kleban.

[InfiniteTheaterFrenzy]

Posted: 1/29/05 at 12:27pm

(not to go off- topic here, but I also think Kleban is a BRILLIANT lyricist, evidenced by A Chorus Line, A Class Act, and other various work...)