On the Twentieth Century

[DayDreamer]

Posted: 4/9/06 at 12:34pm

I just had the pleasure of seeing a concert of this show last night in the Seattle area. I had no idea what I was in for, not familiar with it at al. What a great, fun show! The music is fun, the dialogue is sharp, truly an old-fashioned musical comedy.

The show was presented by a local group that showcases rarely produced musicals. Why is this show rarely produced? It seems that it should be a staple of regional theaters.

[Glebb]

Posted: 4/9/06 at 8:57pm

Sorry to not know the answer to your question but I loved the original Broadway production and wouldn't Cheno make a great Lily Garland? Oh yes!

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 4/9/06 at 9:05pm

You're right. It has a truly delightful book and score. It should get produced more often.

[Calvin]

Posted: 4/9/06 at 9:13pm

I just bought the cast recording last year and instantly fell in love with it.

I've been trying to find sheet music or the score, but it's really difficult to come by, I'm discovering.

[philcrosby]

Posted: 4/10/06 at 5:31pm

It wasn't a huge hit at the time it opened, and was famous for its large and ingenious physical production, particularly the "train chase" during she's a nut. In addition, it has a failry large cast. So I am sure the perceived expense keeps many revivals from happening.

But boy, is it a brilliant score and funny funny book.

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 4/10/06 at 5:36pm

Never saw the show, but it was the 2nd cast album that I ever purchased (love the score).

[Flahooley]

Posted: 4/11/06 at 5:43pm

One of my all time favorite shows. The last production I saw was the Reprise concert version with Bob Guton an Carolee Carmello. Gutton was was hamming it up in the best Barrymore tradition and Carmello has every laugh and note down pat. I think it the musical theatre lover's musical.

Posted: 4/11/06 at 6:04pm

The show also got some "press" when Madeline Kahn was fired early in the Broadway run, just days before I saw the show after Judy Kaye had replaced her. Who knew that Kevin Kline would have such a fabulous career after doing that show?

[cheezedoodle]

Posted: 4/11/06 at 6:43pm

This was one of the best things I have ever seen! Imogene Coca strapped to the front of the locomotive as it steamed over the top of the audience is one of my favorite experiences in a theater. Very glamorous show as well - period costumes totally lent to the golden age of rail travel. Loved everything about this production.

[shesamarshmallow]

Posted: 4/11/06 at 6:53pm

So you'd all say buying the cast album would be totally worth the $10?

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 4/11/06 at 7:13pm

Oh yes, it is worth the money. THis is a score that I loved from first listen and the more I listen, the more I fall in love. Set on a train, Coleman's score is motion heavy, and often moves like a train. Comden and Green's lyric are witty and advance the plot. The cast recording transports me, and plays like a show. The cast is superb top to bottom. Cullum, Kahn and Coca are thrilling.

[Josh Freilich]

Posted: 4/11/06 at 7:26pm

One of my absolute favorites, and I haven't even seen the show yet. I MUST SEE THAT SHOW BEFORE I DIE.

It's awesome.

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 4/11/06 at 10:22pm

Believe Cuccioli could do the Cullum role

Saw the original production & enjoyed it

[philcrosby]

Posted: 4/12/06 at 5:59pm

It also has one of all-time best overtures of all time.

[cheezedoodle]

Posted: 4/12/06 at 6:01pm

And the overture was staged - with a non stop moving train of passengers that peered out of the windows and such. They thought of everything.

[MisterRussell]

Posted: 4/12/06 at 10:12pm

I heard that Kahn gave an absolutely BRILLIANT opening night performance. Hal Prince came up to congratulate her and she said, "You don't expect me to do that every night, do you?"

She was replaced by Judy Kaye shortly thereafter.

Brilliant show, Cullum's best role ever, with SHENANDOAH a close second.

[allofmylife]

Posted: 4/12/06 at 11:22pm

I saw the show with both Kahn and Kaye (a lucky casting break, they only needed to change two letters) who both gave great performances. The difference was Kahn's seemd more fragile while Kaye was rock solid, as I remember.

I've said here several times what an amazing production this was. The overture was fabulous and you'd think "how can they top that?" They did with the chase. The four Porters were wonderful singers in the Ink Spots style.

The main reason why it's not done so often is that it's so demanding of the actors. Lilly's role is a b***h to perform. If you know someone who aced it in regionals or amateur, buy them a ticket to NYC cause that role is a killer. And Oscar Jaffee's role is hard to cast nowadays as there aren't that many "showmen" anymore.