TO BROADWAY WITH LOVE

[Dollypop]

Posted: 2/1/09 at 11:25am

I read Steve Suskin's review (on Playbill Online) of the recently released score from this show that played briefly at the 64-65 World's Fair. I had a recollection that Chita Rivera and Gretchen Wyler alternated the leading role in this show. I've contacted Steve about this and he's already responded that neither star is listed in the cast. However, he also has a vague recollection of the two stars alternating in this show.

Does anyone have a clearer memory? Was there another show playing at the World's Fair?

[Dollypop]

Posted: 2/1/09 at 1:09pm

bump

[jejr]

Posted: 2/1/09 at 1:41pm

I saw the show (this ages me and still have the LP and program. Carmen Alverez was one of the performers and she took over of Rivera in West Side Story on Broadway so this might be the confusion of Chita being in the show.. Other semi-names were Patti Karr, Rod Perry, Bob Carroll (lead in the tour of Fieorello). They were in one cast, there was a second alternating cast but no real "names" in it.
The theater was built just for the show and the stage was very large. It was a fun show, but the entertainment section of the Fair was way back out of the way so not a lot of people got back there.
It was well worth seeing. The recording can not give an accurate idea of the spectacle and fun parts of the show. (There was even a very brief topless scene with one of the showgirls).
Updated On: 2/4/09 at 01:41 PM

[Dollypop]

Posted: 2/1/09 at 2:03pm

My sister tells me she recalls a show called ACQUACADE at the NYS Pavilion. She believes that's the one Chita and Gretchen alternated the leads in.

Neither ACQUACADE nor TO BROADWAY WITH LOVE ran more than 90 performances.