"Smile" who saw it? what'd you think? — Page 2

In many ways, I see "Smile" as being superseded today by "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee," which tries to do essentially the same thing but succeeds better overall.

And I have only seen parts of the Broadway, but have seen and performed in the out-of-town version, as it is the licensed one, twice.

For those as may not be familiar, here are the lyrics to the discussed "Maria's Song." Tell me if you see any unusual wit, or a song that operates on multiple levels, 'cause I don't (although the cuteness is undeniable, and in a more two-dimensional show would be a fine silly little song):

In the US of A I see lately
The cuisine of my country does well.
Si, they’re having it my way on every big highway,
What sign do you see? Taco Bell!
Now, Maria, she’ll tell you the reason
See us Mexican girls are so smart,
And if we want an hombre to write down our nombre,
Our food is the way to his heart

Serve a beef enchilada
Full of carne picada
He’ll say “Thank you” de nada, make sure there’s a wad ‘a
Fried beans on the side.

Next you give him gazpacho,
Nice ‘n hot ‘cause he’s macho
Finish off with some flan and I promise your man
He will make you his bride!

(La la la etc.)
You wanna keep your love alive?
(La la la etc.)
You bake this at three-twenty-five
(La la la etc)
You wanna really make him scream
(La la la etc)
You garnish this with sour cream

For dessert I recruit a
Ensalata de fruta
Pina, fresas, y coco, they drive the boys loco,
No joke-o, ole!

When you cook like Maria
Love is sweet as sangria
So whip up a tortilla, he’ll get the idea
And come round to see ya…
Down Mexico way! Ole!

Updated On: 5/29/14 at 02:27 PM

It's sad Marvin couldn't quite get another hit off the ground after A Chorus Line.

They're Playing Our Song was quite successful for a very small Broadway show and was quickly produced internationally. It then became a standard for regional and amateur theatres. He suffered no grief over that show.

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I saw it in preview and hated it. However, one good thing came out of it -- Helen Hayes was in the audience and she signed my Playbill after the show.

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I love the song, Disneyland. I also have a very different take on Disneyland (the theme park) and what it represents...

Years ago, while living in San Francisco, I hosted a young man from Germany visiting The United States for the first time. He flew into San Francisco and had plans to leave from Los Angeles. He was very excited to be seeing LA at the end of his stay and was trying to determine how much time he should allocate to the Southern California part of his trip and what he should see.

I having lived and worked in LA and not a fan, told him that the only reason to visit Los Angeles was to see Disneyland. He was appalled and wanting nothing to do with American commercialism. He perceived Disneyland as a vile misguided place and the ultimate tourist trap.

During his stay with me, we argued about Disneyland every time the later part of his trip came up. He insisted that he had absolutely no desire to waste his time and money spending a day at the theme park.

As the time was approaching for him to travel south, his arrangements fell through and he had to reconsider how he was going to get to LA (LAX). I offered to drive him and even spend a few days with him in LA showing him the sights, but on one condition - we include a whole day - from opening to closing - at Disneyland.

My friend argued considerably, but ultimately agreed as my driving him to LA was his best option.

I can only say that he loved Disneyland and within an hour or two, I found myself having to keep up with him as he ran from attraction to attraction. Disneyland remained a symbol of American capitalism, but he also realized that its success was because of the genuine artistry and magic of The Magic Kingdom. He was like a little boy and he realized how mistaken he was and thanked me for insisting.

I love Disneyland - the song and theme park - and I think the song as a expression of wanting magic in one's life is absolutely perfect.

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EricMontreal22- thanks so much for that fascinating read!