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

[Glitter and be Gay]

Posted: 12/8/13 at 9:11pm

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?

[justoldbill]

Posted: 12/8/13 at 9:52pm

I believe at one point the song was sung by Edward Moncreif to someone who was paying unwanted attention to Melinda, under the pretext of being her brother. Most likely, it slowed up the action getting back to Daisy after her first regression, and didn't really add to the Melinda/Edward plot-line. (That first regression lasted a long time.)
Like CAMELOT, Lerner was always changing things in his shows and the number may have disappeared between the recording and later printed editions.

Updated On: 12/8/13 at 09:52 PM

[daredevil]

Posted: 12/9/13 at 12:30pm

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

[Pawnee Bill]

Posted: 12/9/13 at 12:57pm

The Clear Day vocal score is not a reliable guide to the show as it was presented on Broadway. It adhered at least somewhat to a revision that Lerner made for the national tour. Thus, it has a number called something like "The Marriage Contract," which starts "The father of the bride/Must free- and willingly provide..." This number wasn't in the show in New York, as I recall.

[elmore3003]

Posted: 12/10/13 at 10:17pm

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.

[justoldbill]

Posted: 12/11/13 at 9:46pm

I saw the original road company with Van Johnson (not very romantic) and Linda Lavin, doing a very broad Streisand imitation. Surprise, surprise- who got the film? (Hint- It wasn't Van Johnson.)

Updated On: 12/11/13 at 09:46 PM