New production of "110 in the Shade"? — Page 2

110 is a much better show than people first gave it credit for. When it first opened it was wedged between a whole bunch of blockbusters: DOLLY, FUNNY GIRL et al.

The problems are in the second act (Patrick Wilson told me he feels that's the most difficult part of a musical to write). The book becomes heavy, with too much conversation between Lizzie's family and not enough music. Couldn't her father and brothers SING instead of conversing? A counterpoint song could move the action far more effectively than the dialogue does.

Yes. Audra is an attractive gal, but without make-up and with a severe hairdo, she could certainly play "plain". Inga Swenson did it!

---

The story on 110 in the Shade was that when it was being written Jones and Schmitt wrote 60+ songs and every emotional moment (and then some) had a song. Merrick who was producing would scream during the tryout that they needed a new song at such-and-such a point and the new song was needed "tomorrow". Tom and Harvey would frown and scratch their heads and head back to their hotel. They'd pull a replacement song from their files and then read magazines or do the crossword puzzles all night.

This all didn't come out until later.

I think I read this in one of Steve Suskin's books.

---