#126
Posted: 10/2/14 at 2:04am
The only thing that has kept 1776 from being a recognized theater classic is a couple of hit tunes, including an 11 O'clock production number guest-written by Jerry Herman. Despite the lack of songs that can be covered, I greatly enjoy the songs when I'm in the theater.
Showboat is a recognized musical theater milestone. The younger half here may not be as aware of this. Hard for me to believe, but the last revival was twenty years ago. A very good production that ran for almost 1000 performances and starred Mark Jacoby(?), Rebecca Luker (Tony nominated), Lonette McKee as Julie, Michel Bell as Joe, who I think still makes a living singing 'Ol Man River in local productions around the country. And, lest I forget, Elaine Stritch as Parthy. I think that they had to give Elaine the number that opens the second act, "Why do I Love You," written for the young married couple, in order to get her to take the role. Oh yes, this production was directed and choreographed by two newcomers, Hal Prince and Susan Stroman, who both won Tonys.
Every production of Showboat is a little different because there are so many songs to pick and choose from. Kern wrote additional songs for the second Broadway run and the 1936 film which starred Paul Robeson as Joe.
The 1994 revival heavily used the dirge "Misery's Comin' Around," of which not a note was heard in the 1951 MGM film. And, curiously, the original closing number written by Kern, "It's Getting Hotter in the North," has never been used in any of the film versions or major stage revivals. Not even in the original Broadway production. And it's a good song!
Showboat is a recognized musical theater milestone. The younger half here may not be as aware of this. Hard for me to believe, but the last revival was twenty years ago. A very good production that ran for almost 1000 performances and starred Mark Jacoby(?), Rebecca Luker (Tony nominated), Lonette McKee as Julie, Michel Bell as Joe, who I think still makes a living singing 'Ol Man River in local productions around the country. And, lest I forget, Elaine Stritch as Parthy. I think that they had to give Elaine the number that opens the second act, "Why do I Love You," written for the young married couple, in order to get her to take the role. Oh yes, this production was directed and choreographed by two newcomers, Hal Prince and Susan Stroman, who both won Tonys.
Every production of Showboat is a little different because there are so many songs to pick and choose from. Kern wrote additional songs for the second Broadway run and the 1936 film which starred Paul Robeson as Joe.
The 1994 revival heavily used the dirge "Misery's Comin' Around," of which not a note was heard in the 1951 MGM film. And, curiously, the original closing number written by Kern, "It's Getting Hotter in the North," has never been used in any of the film versions or major stage revivals. Not even in the original Broadway production. And it's a good song!
Updated On: 10/2/14 at 02:04 AM
