More on HAPPY HUNTING

[Tom148502]

Posted: 3/29/08 at 6:04am

While there has been much written about Happy Hunting's score, it was the book that I found to be most deficient. The score actually provided Ethel Merman with a song that was featured in her nightclub act and which she used prominently in her many concert appearances for the rest of her life ..."It's Good to Be Here." This song, her opening number in the show, was as good as anything she ever did. "Mutual Admiration Society", a song she did with the character who played her daughter in the show had more than a little exposure as a "pop" tune on radio and television during that time. "Mr. Livingstone" was a true show-stopper in the Merman style and, if you didn't know otherwise, you would swear that "This Is What I Call Love", Merman's act one closer, was written by Cole Porter. The title song was a precursor to the title song in Mame, with the entire cast in riding habits :)

The book by Lindsay and Crouse was tied to the Grace Kelly-Prince Rainier wedding in Monaco. Fluff, and not good fluff, but the songs, for the most part, were enjoyable.I saw the show on the 2nd night and when I went back to see the final matinee almost a year later, two songs had been replaced. Those two new songs should have been included in the new CD release for the show but I understand they aren't. They are, however, included one one of the Mermania discs. I'd give you the details but I'm off now to catch a bus to NYC to attend the matinee of JUNO.