Nathan Lane in TAKE ME ALONG

[jayinchelsea]

Posted: 2/4/12 at 9:57am

I've heard this rumor before, but what a great piece of casting. For those who don't know the show, it's a musical version of Eugene O'Neill's only comedy, AH WILDERNESS, which does get revived periodically. It has a solid book by Joseph Stein (FIDDLER) and Robert Russell, and a great character-driven score by Bob Merrill (CARNIVAL, FUNNY GIRL lyricist).

Nathan in the role made famous by Jackie Gleason (Tony Award) and a scene-stealing performance by Robert Morse as his young nephew (calling Bobby Steggert or Darren Criss). Oh Vera, I can't wait to hear that overture...

[Overkill]

Posted: 2/4/12 at 11:09am

Oh, wow! What a perfect idea! Where did you hear about this?

I think that Bobby would be great. Please, keep Darren Criss away from classic musicals...and all Robert Morse roles.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 2/4/12 at 1:17pm

I did this musical way back when when I was 16. I played Muriel. I thought it was a terrible show.

I've never seen it produced since so my opinion could certainly be swayed, but I do remember that the opening song is about a fire truck. And I don't know how that could ever be good.

[jayinchelsea]

Posted: 2/4/12 at 11:54pm

The show had a brief revival on Broadway in the 80s (Beth Fowler played the female lead), but it was ill-advised and closed within a week. But it is a lovely, charming old-fashioned show with a solid score that needs a few larger-than-life stars, and no one can do the lead better than Nathan.

[darquegk]

Posted: 2/5/12 at 12:02am

One of the throwaway songs from the score, "Volunteer Fireman's Picnic," has received a second wind with different lyrics as a Family Guy song, "The Fellas At The Freakin' FCC."

The same song was then rewritten by Family Guy for the Emmy Awards, in the slightly brilliant parody "If You Want It You Can Find It On TV."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ygGy7xAGc0c

[EponineAmneris]

Posted: 2/5/12 at 9:07am

This I will HAVE to see Go Nathan!!!

[EponineAmneris]

Posted: 2/5/12 at 9:07am

VERY curious... How/when/where did you hear this rumor... er... information?

Updated On: 2/5/12 at 09:07 AM

[buddy 11432]

Posted: 2/5/12 at 9:42am

"Take Me Along" was my first Broadway show. Yes, Jackie Gleason won a Best Actor in a Musical for his role. But, his character doesn't have a lot of stage time. The show would have to be revised to give Nathan Lane more to do.

[frontrowcentre2]

Posted: 2/5/12 at 12:28pm

The show would have to be revised to give Nathan Lane more to do.

You have succinctly summed up the fundamental problem with TAKE ME ALONG. The role of Uncle Sid is a flashy supporting character. By building up the role for Jackie Gleason, the authors did serious harm to the structure of the show.

Bob Merrill provided an enjoyable collection of songs, but on the cast album too many of the performers are weak vocalists. Sadly, the show didn't get beyond New York so there was never any alternate cast album made.

Cast albums are NOT "soundtracks."
Live theatre does not use a "soundtrack." If it did, it wouldn't be live theatre!

I host a weekly one-hour radio program featuring cast album selections as well as songs by cabaret, jazz and theatre artists. The program, FRONT ROW CENTRE is heard Sundays 9 to 10 am and also Saturdays from 8 to 9 am (eastern times) on www.proudfm.com

[justoldbill]

Posted: 2/5/12 at 7:57pm

Nathan Lane as a heavy-duty tippler. What a concept.