My Three Mames

I'm waiting for something else to finish before I watch the video, but I never failed to get chills when Angela would do her diagonal cross as each chorus man dropped to one knee as she passed. It was a move they wisely repeated during the curtain call.

ETA Now that I've had a chance to watch the video, what wonderful memories it brings back! I worked on MAME with Angela on tour and it may have been the most electric musical-theater performance I ever saw. I also worked with Ginger briefly, helping to adapt her nightclub act to a 3,000 seat "barn". It was quite a challenge, but the OP does not exaggerate what a lovely woman she was.

It's interesting to compare the two, because both ladies were triple threats. But somehow on stage, Angela had the greater charisma, while Ginger was most electric on film. I wouldn't even attempt to explain why.

As for Lucille Ball and MAME, well, I met her and she was perfectly pleasant. I try not to talk about her movie.

Updated On: 5/16/17 at 01:25 AM

The first time I saw Mame remains my favorite performance ever.  I loved it from beginning to end.  Lansbury - Arthur - Connell was a pretty amazing trio to beat.

I have to say one thing though.  Looking at the movie version, I actually thought it was extremely well done.  It helped that Lucy didn't have to sing a note.  She moved well, and the filming was really good.  I think it was MUCH better than the Hello Dolly number, which I always thought was a disappointment...I would lay the blame at the feet of Gene Kelly, since I thought the staging was not good and the chorals were under-played.  I assume that he wanted the choreography to be the only star.

I really am hoping that the  success of Hello, Dolly will lead someone to take another look at MAME.  I know the role has to be a star our, but I can think of people Catherine Zeta-Jones, Jennifer Lopez, Sutton Foster, Audra MacDonald, maybe a comeback vehicle for Renee Zellweger, Drew Barrymore (if she can sing), Toni Collette (maybe this could be her shot), etc., and I am pretty sure there is a thread somewhere on that.

My vote for a new Mame goes to Marin Mazzie

I wasn't as bothered by Ball's singing as I was by the Vasoline they apparently felt they had to smear all over the camera lens. It was like trying to watch a movie through velvet.

I disagree about the "Hello, Dolly!" number in Kelly's film. There's very little choreography, just a lot of strolling back and forth. But the arrangement, and the addition of Louis Armstrong, are heaven, IMO! In fact, once I got over the miscasting of Streisand, I came to appreciate her vocals on the entire soundtrack.

Toni Collette is pretty much a delight in anything she does. Is Marin Mazzie well enough to take on a vehicle role? It would be wonderful if she is! (I thought I read here that she had been ill; I hope I am mistaken.) I don't think there's any way CZJ can sing that score, which, on the whole, is more demanding than DOLLY. An Audra McDonald MAME sounds like an "event" that would pack them in!

Updated On: 5/16/17 at 09:32 PM

Oh, of coure, Cat Guy. I read she took over in TKAI and didn't make the connection that her cancer must be in remission, or at least improved.

I saw her in PASSION on Broadway and, with her husband Jason Danieley, in BRIGADOON and in concert here in Southern California. He sings as well as she does. Don't miss them if you get a chance to see them together.

Thanks for answering my question.

ETA Oops! She'd make a great Mame.

Updated On: 5/16/17 at 10:39 PM

Would love to see Catherine Zeta-Jones or Jane Krakowski as Mame.