Topic Revivals of BP's shows? from the Theatre Chat forum.
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| Author | Topic: Revivals of BP's shows? |
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PATTY
Registered User
Registered:
3/1/2003
From:
tonawanda,n.y. | posted: 8/31/2003 at 1:29:10 AM ET
Listening to cast recordings of "Mack and Mabel" and "Song and Dance",am astonished at how mature a young Bernadette handles the songs! I understand the troubles with the M & M story,but surely some creative persons could remake it ?The lyrics and music are wonderful! Song and Dance is truly beautiful and are some of my favorite A.L. Webber songs.How long a run did it have on Broadway? I know Mack and Mabel only ran for 66 performances in spite of glowing reviews for Bernadette and R.Preston. would love to see both shows revived!
Another question-- Is it it true that Gypsy will not go on the road eventually?Why?People around the country would love it! Most folks can't come to NYC. We are fortunate in Buffalo to have wonderful theatre,and get to see many of the Brdw'y shows. also, Toronto is only a short distance away so we are doubly blessed. Was surprised to learn,Christine,that you were here in Bflo. for Bernadette's concert at Kleinhans! And from reading the board, see there are BP fanatic fans like me right here! WHO ARE YOU?!
To the loveliest lady of song!
You will keep on giving me joy forever...
| jmslsu01
Registered User
Registered:
6/9/2003
From:
northern VA | posted: 8/31/2003 at 2:10:23 PM ET
Several creative people have attempted to revise Mack and Mabel. One of the problems is that it is hard to capture the Mack Sennett comedy on stage. The London M&M had a "happy" ending,but even that was not terribly successful. It works well in concert staging,apparently,because it is a fantastic score (Jerry Herman's favorite).
As for Song and Dance,it closed several weeks after Bernadette left. The song part-originally Tell Me on a Sunday (the Dance part was ALW's Variations) has been revised again for the London stage (at the Gielgud) and a recording is available. Several references have been updated (in her letters,she pleads with her mom to get email,which is kind of cute),new songs,and a different ending. Some orchestrations have changed,notably for Unexpected Song. Alice Ripley recently did TMOAS at the Kennedy Center,but not with the London revisions. She performed the 2nd revision of TMOAS,which was the same one in which Bernadette performed on Broadway. Just as well,since the "Speed Dating" song in the new one is wretched. I think it's the one of the worst thing ALW has ever written,and yes,I did see Starlight Express. I'm thinking positive thoughts for his new show,since his lyricist is David Zippel (City of Angels). Word from the Sydmonton Festival was pretty good-better than it has been for the last two shows. Although I don't know how many of the attendees are friends of the Lloyd Webbers. I would imagine quite a few,but they're well-connected,especially his wife.
Back to TMOAS-I think Denise van Outen is very good on the recording. Very believeable and while not a belter, she sings the songs with sincerity and feeling (even the two major new songs,which I really dislike).
As for Gypsy not touring-Bernadette apparently doesn't like road tours. It's rare to have the main actors from the Broadway show tour in a national tour.
Anyway-glad to see you here!
Jenn
|  moljul
Registered User
Registered:
4/2/2001
From:
New York
Fav. BP CD: I'll Be Your Baby Tonight
Fav. BP Song: Dublin Lady
| posted: 8/31/2003 at 11:34:14 PM ET
I have to kind of giggle at your impression of a "young" Bernadette doing Song and Dance. She WAS 37 or 38 years old and a rather seasoned theater veteran at the time. 
| PATTY
Registered User
Registered:
3/1/2003
From:
tonawanda,n.y. | posted: 9/1/2003 at 4:49:31 PM ET
Thanks for the info.,Moljul & Jenn! I realize that Bernadette prefers not to tour with a show. But,what about a National touring Company eventually going on the road with the show?
Again, how long did Bernadette perform in "Song and Dance"?Thanks!
To the loveliest lady of song!
You will keep on giving me joy forever...
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