On a Clear Day - Don't Tamper with My Sister

I have loved the original cast recording of this show for ages, but have never seen a production. I also love the film version but it's an entirely different animal, what with so many songs cut, and songs not sung by Melinda in the Broadway production given to Barbra.

I especially like the song "Don't Tamper with My Sister". It's such a jaunty tune, I love the harmonies in the all-male chorus, and it builds to an exciting climax. It seems that number could be a showstopper. But I say that having no idea how the song fits into the show, or why it's being sung, or who it's being sung to. The liner notes aren't very helpful. Also the song doesn't appear in Hal Leonard's published vocal score, leaving me to wonder if it was cut from whatever licensed version is available.

Did the song just not work on stage?

In the original production and in the Encore version of 2000, it came midway in Act I. It's during one of Melinda's memories---it may be the first time she and Edward actually meet. An older lord is coming on to Melinda--and Moncrief seizes the opportunity to put the older man's attention's down, while at the same time ingratiating himself with Melinda. I agree, it is a terrific song---both music and lyrics. Actually it fits perfectly into the plot, defining Melinda's lover, while "turning on" the psychiatrist (I forget his name) who is getting the information. The scene only adds to his infatuation with "Melinda".

Updated On: 12/9/13 at 12:30 PM

The touring version of "On A Clear Day," which is the published vocal score, is dreadful. In the original Broadway version, Melinda follows Edward to the Hellrakers, and there was a balletic orgy staged by Herbert Ross. Sir Hubert, thinking she's a whore, puts moves on her and Edward rescues her.