On The Twentieth Century (1978 musical) — Page 2

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#26

re: On The Twentieth Century (1978 musical)

Posted: 9/27/04 at 2:39pm

TEACHEROFTHEATER, Imogene was GREAT! Betty Comden gave one of those performances that, had I not seen Imogene, I would have said that was really good but alas, when there is something to compare the performance to then, what can you say? Imogene was just a very hard act to follow.

By the way, I've also been a teacher of theatre.

"Smart! And into all those exotic mystiques -- The Kama Sutra and Chinese techniques. I hear she knows more than seventy-five. Call me tomorrow if you're still alive!"

#27

re: On The Twentieth Century (1978 musical)

Posted: 9/27/04 at 2:43pm

Pab, don't u wish Imogene had won a Tony for that performance? I sure do. She lost to Nell Carter for AIN'T MISBEHAVIN and I believe Patsy Kelly was also nominated that year for IRENE.

Luckily, some of Imogene's performance, spirit and joy were actually captured on the recording. It is difficult to listen to her rendition of "Repent" without a smile on your face and the reminder of the delight she gave us in the theater.

"MAY YOUR LIFE BE AS BRIGHT AS BROADWAY AT NIGHT"

#28

re: On The Twentieth Century (1978 musical)

Posted: 9/27/04 at 2:47pm

I too remember Imogene's performance, spirit and joy. And might I add that I find TEACHEROFTHEATER's (and they do all yell, don't they? winky) use of adjectives to be impeccable.

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#29

re: On The Twentieth Century (1978 musical)

Posted: 9/27/04 at 2:53pm

Regarding the original 1978 production, I also read a now funny quote from set designer Robin Wagner. In defense of audiences humming the scenery he said (something to the effect of) "...at today's ticket prices, we have to give 'em their $22.50 worth!"

$22.50!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

#30

re: On The Twentieth Century (1978 musical)

Posted: 9/27/04 at 2:59pm

Patsy Kelley was nominated in 1973 for Irene. On the Twentieth Century competed in 1978. And much as I like On the Twentieth Century, I think Ain't Misbehavin' won Tonys for Best Musical, Best Director of a Musical (Richard Maltby Jr.) and Featured Actress in a Musical (Nell Carter) most deservedly.

"Gif me the cobra jool!"

#31

re: On The Twentieth Century (1978 musical)

Posted: 9/27/04 at 3:37pm

Hold. The. Phone. Magruder, you are not informing me that the information provided by a TEACHER OF THEATER is inaccurate? Oh dear lord. I guess they were right when they said "kill your idols." I guess I will go look for a TEACHER OF THEATRE instead.

Twitter @NamoInExile Instagram none

#32

re: On The Twentieth Century (1978 musical)

Posted: 9/27/04 at 8:01pm

A delightful score, delightful cast, overall just a delightful show. They don't make 'em like this anymore. They really don't.

Can't wait until Encores! get around to it. Kristin Chenoweth must play Lily Garland. Can one even hope for a full scale revival?

#33

re: On The Twentieth Century (1978 musical)

Posted: 9/28/04 at 1:35pm

I can't say enough about this show. It's my favorite musical (hence my screen name). I was only 15 when I saw it on Broadway (with Kaye), but I remember it to this day. I have a collection of memorabilia from the Broadway production as well as other productions, and I'm quite proud of what I have accumulated. My one goal in life is to find a souvenir program of the Broadway production when Kahn was still in the show. I wish they had preserved this show on video. I could watch it every day! Long live "On the Twentieth Century"!!!!!!!!!!

#34

re: On The Twentieth Century (1978 musical)

Posted: 9/30/04 at 3:25pm

Magruder, of course you are right. Thanks for the correction. The correct list of 1978 nominees for featured actress in a musical is:

Nell Carter in Ain't Misbehavin'
Imogene Coca in On the Twentieth Century
Ann Reinking in Dancin'
Charlaine Woodard in Ain't Misbehavin'

"MAY YOUR LIFE BE AS BRIGHT AS BROADWAY AT NIGHT"

#35

re: On The Twentieth Century (1978 musical)

Posted: 9/30/04 at 3:31pm

I love this score! John Cullum and Kevin Kline sang beautifully together and were fantastic.

"I have written a play, Mr. Jaffe" - I'll be singing this all day! :)

Neither a borrower nor a lender be...unless that's mine in the first place.

#36

re: On The Twentieth Century (1978 musical)

Posted: 10/2/04 at 1:58am

Ah happy memories! I saw On The Twentieth Century on my first visit to NY. After the show (on a very hot August night) I waited at the stage door, something I never do at here at home, and had Imogene Coca, John Cullum and Kevin Kline sign my souvenir book.Judy Kaye at this point was in for Madeline. I recall Kevin Kline had his then girlfriend, Patti Lupone with him. I have to get the book out now for a look...

#37

re: On The Twentieth Century (1978 musical)

Posted: 10/2/04 at 8:02am

ON THE TWENTIETH CENTURY was one of the last witty and clever American musicals written for adults, in my opinion.

As I think of it today, everything about the original production
was class.

Several years ago I happened upon a amateur production while on a business trip to Salt Lake City, and had a marvelous time again. Never underestimate the power of a well crafted musical (book, lyrics and music) to continue to create enjoyment in a theatregoer.

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