Plain and Fancy

[showchoirguy]

Posted: 7/20/13 at 3:17pm

I found out the shows that my college is doing this upcoming season and one of them is Plain and Fancy. I've downloaded the soundtrack and listened to the show and I really enjoy the music. Can anyone tell me about any experiences they've had with the show or how they feel about it? I'd like to learn more about the show come audition time.

[Ed_Mottershead]

Posted: 7/20/13 at 3:29pm

I saw the show at the old Lambertville Music Circus in 1957 and 1967, the latter with one of the original leads, Shirl Conway. It was never a GREAT show, but it had its moments. By 1967, however, it seemed hopelessly dated. It's definitely a family-friendly show. It was especially popular in the Bucks County area, as Lancaster was only a short drive away. It had a decent run of about a year on Broadway and the critical reaction was generally mixed to somewhat favorable. The score has some nice moments, especially "Young and Foolish" and "Plain We Live," the latter requiring a really strong baritone. The young Barbara Cook as Hilda was the standout performance in the original and helped jump start her career.

[WhizzerMarvin]

Posted: 7/20/13 at 5:05pm

I LOVE the OBCR. It must have one of the most underrated overtures and aside from a few clunkers (City Mouse, Country Mouse/Why Not Katie?) it is full of wonderful numbers.

Ed, Maybe you can answer this question...What is the "x" vegetable the little kid sings during Plenty of Pennsylvania? This is a question that has been keeping me awake at night and no matter how many times I listen to it, I can't figure it out! It sounds like Xplam, but I'm at a total loss. (That kid ranks as possibly the most annoying/grating child actor ever to be preserved on an OBCR!!)

[coryografer]

Posted: 7/20/13 at 5:50pm

I love this show!! It was the first musical I did in high school. (Ensemble with a couple solo lines) I was probably listed as Boy # 2. X Plant (Eggsplant)planted all in rows. I'm positive that is how it is printed in the score. I hope that helps.

[showchoirguy]

Posted: 7/20/13 at 9:54pm

Thank you guys so much!

[WhizzerMarvin]

Posted: 7/20/13 at 10:17pm

Thanks for the help with X Plant.

Why would the ensemble let him get away with saying that?? They don't zzzpinach or zauerkraut slide, haha.