The Happy Time by Nash, Kander & Ebb

I saw a concert reading of The Happy Time. A roguish photographer visits his home town. His ex-girlfriend and starstruck nephew beg for his attention. But he’s too narcissistic to grant it. Eventually his father calls him out and he leaves.

The nephew’s arc drove the original play. The musical re-imagined the uncle as a star turn for Robert Goulet. His solos are lovely but never told me what makes him tick. He never actively pursues a goal. In that sense he seems a prototype for Company’s Bobby.


Wikipedia states that the character got a new song for a 2002 production. “Running.” Has anyone here heard it? Does it fill in any gaps?

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Happy_Time_(musical)

I saw it in its original production. I enjoyed it, but thought that it was very bloated, a huge production around a tiny story. About a decade ago, I saw it in a minimalist production at the Signature Theatre in Virginia, and loved it. I remember thinking that the show might be a hit if it opened at the Booth.

Dollypop said: "I saw the original production and loved it. Goulet's stage presence and incredible singing voice overwhelmed me.. I loved the use of slides and the revolving set.

Nowadays "I'm Glad I'm Not Young Anymore" is my theme song."

Isn't that Gigi?.

Did you see Hallelujah! Baby! the same season. I loved that show and, even on a student's budget, I went to see it three times in its 9 or so month run.

Re The Hapy Time, I really did enjoy it, but I felt that the story was just too small for that huge production and that huge theatre. Goulet, Wayne and a young Michael Rupert were all terrific. I actually expected Wayne to win because they gave him that big number which could only be created by Gower Champion as a small homage to the Hello Dolly number.

Re Dolly, I am also curious (if you see this), what is your favorite number in HD? I have always loved the HD number, but I think my favorite was Put On Your Sunday Clothes.