THE GRAND TOUR

Broadway opening: January 6th, 1979 - Run: 61 performances

Directed by Gerald Freedman - Book by Michael Stewart & Mark Bramble - Based on the Play by Franz Werfel and S. N. Behrman - Choreography by Donald Saddler - Orchestrations by Philip J. Lang

Starring: Joel Grey (Jacobowsky), Florence Lacey (Marianne), Ron Holgate (The Colonel), Gene Varrone, Stephen Vinovich, Travis Hudson, Chevi Colton, George Reinholt, Grace Keagy, Jay Stuart

The plot: In 1940, Jacobowsky, a war refugee and survivor, persuades a colonel to team with him to escape from France to England. Their first stop is at St. Cyrille to catch the Colonel’s girlfriend, Marianne, but she doesn’t want to leave and only Jacobowsky is able to convince her. While they all try to run away from the invading Germans, he starts falling in love with her.

Their escape plan doesn’t work and they are forced to fight for their lives. By the end only two of them can go to England, so Jacobowsky says farewell to the Colonel and Marianne, and as they sail to England he begins is own journey.

Awards Nominations: Tony for Best Original Score, Best Actor (Joel Grey), Best Featured Actor (Ron Colgate)

Musical Numbers: Overture - I'll Be Here Tomorrow - For Poland - I Belong Here - Marianne - We're Almost There - More and More / Less and Less - One Extraordinary Thing - Mrs. S. L. Jacobowsky - Wedding Conversation / Mazeltov - I Think, I Think - Marianne (reprise) - You I Like - I Belong Here / I'll Be Here Tomorrow (reprises) - You I Like (reprise)

MAME (Movie)

Production year: May 24th, 1974

Directed by Gene Saks - Screenplay by Jerome Lawrence, Robert E. Lee & Paul Zidel - Based on the Novel by Patrick Dennis - Choreography by Onna White - Orchestrations by Ralph Burns

Starring: Lucille Ball (Mame), Beatrice Arthur (Vera Charles), Jane Connell (Agnes Gooch), Robert Preston, Kirby Furlong (young Patrick), Sab Shimono, Bruce Davison (older Patrick), Joyce Van Patten, Doria Cook, Audrey Christie, Don Porter

The plot: Mame is a bon vivant who tries to enjoy life as much as she can. When she becomes tutor of her orphaned nephew, she tries to raise him with her way of looking at life: “Life is a banquet and most poor sons-of-bitches are starving to death”. In the meantime she’s wiped out by the stock market crash, marries a rich Southern man, becomes a widow and tries to prevent her nephew of marrying the “wrong kind of people”.

Awards Nominations: Golden Globe for Best Actress Musical/Comedy (Lucille Ball), Best Supporting Actress (Beatrice Arthur)

Musical Numbers: Main Title - St. Bridget - It's Today - Open a New Window - The Man in the Moon - My Best Girl - We Need a Little Christamas - Mame - Loving You - The Letter - Bosom Buddies - Gooch's song - - If He Walked Into My Life – Finale

A MOVIE REVIEW by Jorge Tomé Santos

When I was 14 years old I went to the movies to see MAME. By that time, I didn’t knew anything about it, only that it was a musical. That was reason enough for me to see it. From the fantastic opening credits by Wayne Fitzgerald to the last scene I was completely fascinated. I loved the score and I loved the story; I still do. 

Later, much later, I discovered that Angela Lansbury had create the role on stage and that many people, Jerry Herman included (according to several sources), hated the movie adaptation of this big Broadway musical. Personally, I never understood why.

I waited for years to have MAME on DVD and finally I got it, in a gorgeous cover! I saw it again and again and it never loses any of its charms. It’s one of those movies that dated well, in fact I think it’s timeless, and deserves to be rediscovered by all musical fans.

To all those people who say terrible things about this movie adaptation, I would like to ask a question. Where else will you see the unforgettable performances of Beatrice Arthur and Jane Connell as, respectively, Vera Charles and Gooch? Both recreated her stage roles for this movie, with terrific results. Also from the original stage show there’s director Gene Saks and choreographer Onna White. In a nice touch of casting, Robert Preston plays Beauregard, Mame’s love interest, and sings a new Jerry Herman song, “Loving You”.

The big problem seems to be Lucille Ball. Maybe she was too old for the role (she was 63 against Angela’s 41), but she looked the part. She’s sweet, funny, loving and motherly. What she didn’t have was a strong singing voice, so her deliver of songs like ”If He Walked Into My Life” or “It’s Today” (my all-time favorite song) is poor. I believe that’s the only reason I don’t give five stars to this highly enjoyable movie, otherwise I still love it as much as I did when I was 14 years old (I’ll be 43 next month). This MAME still has the power to make me laugh, cry and feel happy and that’s more than I can say for hundreds of movies.

So, forget the terrible word of mouth surrounding it, put all your prejudices aside and buy it! You’ll be pleasantly surprise.

MACK & MABEL

Broadway opening: October 6th, 1974 - Run: 66 performances

Directed by Gower Champion - Book by Michael Stewart - Choreography by Gower Champion - Orchestrations by Philip J. Lang

Starring: Robert Preston (Mack Sennett), Bernadette Peters (Mabel Normand), Lisa Kirk, James Mitchell, Stanley Simmonds, Jerry Dodge, Bert Michaels, Christopher Murney, Tom Batten, Nancy Evers, Robert Fitch

The plot: Mack Sennett turns Mabel Normand into a star of his comedies and they become lovers, although he warns her that he isn’t a romantic guy. When Mabel tries to convince him she wants to do a serious movie he doesn’t take her seriously and she leaves him. Things don’t work out the way she planned, and when Mack asks her to come back she’s already a drug addict and is involved in the murder of William Desmond Taylor.

Musical Numbers: Overture - Movies Were Movies - Look What Happened to Mabel - Big Time - I Won't Send Roses - I Won't Send Roses (reprise) - I Wanna Make the World Laugh - Wherever He Ain't - Hundreds of Girls - When Mabel Comes in the Room - My Heart Leaps Up - Time Heals Everything - Tap Your Troubles Away - I Promise You a Happy Endin

Awards Nominations: Tony for Best Musical, Best Book, Best Actor (Robert Preston), Best Actress (Bernadette Peters), Best Scenic Design, Best Costume Design, Best Choreography, Best Direction of a Musical

 

 

London opening: November 7th, 1995

Directed by Paul Kerryson - Book by Michael Stewart - Choreography by Michael Smuin - Orchestrations by Philip J. Lang

Starring: Howard McGillin (Mack Sennett), Caroline O'Connor (Mabel Normand), Kathryn Evans

New Musical Numbers: Mack & Mabel - Hit'em on the Head

HELLO, DOLLY! (Movie)

Production year: 1969

Directed by Gene Kelly - Screenplay by Ernest Lehman - Choreography by Michael Kidd

Starring: Barbra Streisand (Dolly Levi), Walter Matthau (Horace Vandergelder), Michael Crawford, Marianne McAndrew, Danny Lockin, E. J. Peaker, Louis Armstrong, Tommy Tune, Joyce Ames, Fritz Feld, Judy Knaiz, David Hurst

The plot: Dolly Levi is a widow who earns her life as a matchmaker. Her latest client is Horace Vandergelder, a millionaire with whom she pretends to marry. While she tries to conquer his heart, she can’t resist in helping his niece and his two employees with their love life.

Musical Numbers: Just Leave Everything to Me - It Takes a Woman - Put on Your Sunday Clothes - Ribbons Down My Back - Dancing - Before the Parades Passes By - Elegance - Love Is Only Love - Hello, Dolly! - It Only Takes a Moment - So Long Dearie – Finale

Awards: Oscar Best Art Direction/Set Decoration, Best Sound, Best Score for a Musical; American Cinema Editors Best Edited Feature Film

Awards Nominations: Oscar Best Picture, Best Cinematography, Best Costumes, Best Editing; Golden Globe Best Actress (Barbra Streisand) Best Director, Best Motion Picture - Musical/Comedy, Best Supporting Actress (Marianne McAndrew), Most Promising Newcomer - Female (Marianne McAndrew); Directors Guild of America Oustanding Directorial Achievement in Motion Pictures; BAFTA Best Actor (Walter Matthau), Best Actress (Barbra Streisand), Best Art Direction, Best Cinematography

A Movie Review by Jorge Tomé Santos

July 25th 1975. The day of my 11th Birthday. To celebrate it, my mother took me to the cinema to see a movie musical, already my favorite genre. The title of the movie was HELLO, DOLLY! and of it I only knew Barbra Streisand, Louis Armstrong, Gene Kelly and that funny guy from the television series SOME MOTHERS DO ‘AVE ‘EM, Michael Crawford.

Unfortunately, we arrived late at the cinema and when we entered the opening credits were near the end; by then I didn’t know that I’d missed the first number, “Just Leave Everything to Me”. But I really remembered that, by the end of “Put on Your Sunday Clothes”, I turned to my mother and told her that I wanted to see the movie again. I did it a couple of weeks later and, since then, whenever the movie was screened I was there to see it again and again. When, many years later, the VHS was released, I bought it and then I bought the DVD and I still see it frequently. 

I never understood why so many people hate this movie adaptation, but it seems the main reason is that Streisand took on the role originally played in the theatre by Carol Channing. Yes, at age 26/27, she was far too young to play a fortyish widow, but the truth is she looks much older and her personality matches the one of the character. An almost irritating woman who wants to control everyone in her life and who knows very well what she wants, but who also have a sharp sense of humor and a big heart. Of course there’s no match for her singing voice and in it she truly excels here, bringing down the house with “Before the Parade Passes By”, creating a classic moment with Louis Armstrong, melting our hearts with “Love is Only Love”, inviting us to join the contagious “Put on Your Sunday Clothes”, doing her best Mae West impersonation with “So Long, Dearie”, having fun with “Just Leave Everything to Me” and “Dancing” and giving an unforgettable rendition of the title song.

To this movie detractors, I confess I must agree that Walter Matthau (at 48/49 years old) wasn’t a match for Streisand; his Horace Vandergelder isn’t very funny and it’s hard to believe that a woman like Dolly would fall in love with him. But the rest of the cast seems like they’re having the time of their lives, singing and dancing with joy through the streets of Yonkers and New York. In fact, I always wish I could join the cast and dance the terrific choreography by Michael Kidd. 

To experience this movie on the gigantic screen of an old movie theatre is something out of this world. Director Gene Kelly took full advantage of the big screen, and visually this is a truly musical extravaganza that always has something to be discovered. Personally, I love the magic of the simple opening moments, before Dolly appears. But my favorite number is “Put on Your Sunday Clothes”, also known has the train station dance, even though it has a couple of things I don’t particularly enjoy (the family all in white getting out of their house); but when they are all dancing in the streets and later in the train station, my heart is always with them and I can’t resist its excitement. All the scenes at the Harmonia Gardens are fabulous and I’m never tired of seeing the dancing waiters. And what about the famous moment when Dolly, all dressed in gold, appears at the top of the stairs? Pure magic!!! Yes! I love it all and I always cry with “It Only Takes a Moment”, laugh with “So Long, Dearie”, have a terrific time with “Elegance” and hope that Dolly would teach me how to dance in “Dancing”.

I think it’s time to stop writing about this fabulous movie, I always get carried away when I’m talking about it. But one last word to the unforgettable score by the one and only Jerry Herman; no one writes songs like him and they all have a power to make you feel good. 

This movie always has the power to lift-up my spirit and to fill my heart with pure happiness. It is, and I believe it’ll always be, one of my favorite movies of all time. If you never saw it, give it a chance and let it take you to a place of love, laughter, music and joy! I’m really passionate about this movie!

This movie always has the power to lift-up my spirit and to fill my heart with pure happiness. It is and I believe it’ll always be one of my favorite movies of all time. If you never saw it give it a chance and let it take you to a place of love, laughter, music and joy! I LOVE IT!

 

DEAR WORLD

Broadway opening: February 6th, 1969 - Run: 132 performances

Directed by Joe Layton - Book by Jerome Lawrence & Robert E. Lee - Based on the Play by Jean Giraudoux - Choreography by Joe Layton - Orchestrations by Philip J. Lang

Starring: Angela Lansbury (Countess Aurelia), Jane Connell, Carmen Matthews, Pamela Hall, Kurt Peterson, Milo O'Shea, Joe Masiell, William Larsen, Clifford Fearl, Charles Karel, Zale Kessler, Charles Welch

The plot: Countess Aurelia is a madwoman whose mission in life is feeding the stray cats of Paris and is always dreaming of her lost lover. She lives on the Café Francis, the main target of an evil corporation who wants to drill oil under the streets of Paris. When a young man, whose mission is to destroy the café, fails to do so and wants to kill himself the Countess decides to help him and hide him from the corporation. Among with her friends, she decides that the men behind the corporation are evil and the world will be a better place without them.

Musical Numbers: Overture - The Spring of Next Year - Each Tomorrow Morning - I Don't Want to Know - I've Never Said I Love You - Garbage - Dear World - Ballet - Kiss Her Now - The Tea Party - And I Was Beautiful - Each Tomorrow Morning (Reprise) - One Person – Finale

Awards: Tony for Best Actress (Angela Lansbury) - Awards Nominations: Tony for Best Scenic Design

MAME

Broadway opening: May 24th, 1966 - Run: 1508 performances

Directed by Gene Saks - Book by Jerome Lawrence & Robert E. Lee - Based on the Novel by Patrick Dennis - Choreography by Onna White - Orchestrations by Philip J. Lang

Starring: Angela Lansbury (Mame), Beatrice Arthur (Vera Charles), Jane Connell (Agnes Gooch), Frankie Michaels (young Patrick), Charles Braswell, Jerry Lanning (older Patrick), Sab Shimono, Margaret Hall, Diana Walker, John C. Becher, Johanna Douglas

The plot: Mame is a bon vivant who tries to enjoy life as much as she can. When she becomes tutor of her orphaned nephew, she tries to raise him with her way of looking at life: “Life is a banquet and most poor sons-of-bitches are starving to death”. In the meantime she’s wiped out by the stock market crash, marries a rich Southern man, becomes a widow and tries to prevent her nephew of marrying the “wrong kind of people”.

Musical Numbers: Overture - St. Bridget - It's Today - Open a New Window - The Man in the Moon - My Best Girl - We Need a Little Christamas - Mame - The Letter - My Best Girl (reprise) Bosom Buddies - Gooch's song - That's How Young I Feel - If He Walked Into My Life – Final

Awards: Tony for Best Actress (Angela Lansbury), Best Featured Actor (Frankie Michaels), Best Featured Actress (Beatrice Arthur); Theatre World Award for Sheila Smith and Jerry Lanning Awards Nominations: Tony for Best Musical, Best Composer & Lyricist (Jerry Herman) Best Scenic Design, Best Choreography, Best Direction of a Musical

 

HELLO, DOLLY!

Broadway opening: January 16th, 1964 - Run: 2844 performances

Directed by Gower Champion - Book by Michael Stewart - Based on the Play by Thornton Wilder - Choreography by Gower Champion - Orchestrations by Philip J. Lang

Starring: Carol Channing (Dolly Levi), David Burns (Horace Vandergelder), Charles Nelson Reilly, Eileen Brennan, Jerry Dodge, Sondra Lee, Igors Gavon, Gordon Connell, Mary Jo Catlett, David Hartman, Amelia Haas

The plot: Dolly Levi is a widow who earns her life as a matchmaker. Her latest client is Horace Vandergelder, a millionaire with whom she pretends to marry. While she tries to conquer his heart, she can’t resist in helping his niece and his two employees with their love life.

Musical Numbers: Prologue - I Put My Hand In - It Takes a Woman - Put on Your Sunday Clothes - Ribbons Down My Back - Motherhood - Dancing - Before the Parades Passes By - Elegance - Hello, Dolly! - It Only Takes a Moment - So Long Dearie – Finale
Songs written specially for Ethel Merman: World Take Me back - Love Look in My Window Cut Songs: Penny in my Pocket - Call and Be My Butterfly - 

Awards: Tony for Best Musical, Best Actress (Carol Channing), Best Composer and Lyricist, Best Scenic Design, Best Costume Design, Best Choreography, Best Direction of a Musical, Best Conductor and Musical Director, Best Producer, Best Author/Book - Awards Nominations: Tony for Best Featured Actor (Charles Nelson Reilly)

 

MILK AND HONEY

Broadway opening: October 10th, 1961 - Run: 543 performances

Directed by Albert Marre - Book by Don Appell - Choreography by Donald Saddler - Orchestrations by Hershy Kay & Eddie Sauter

Starring: Robert Weede (Phil Arkin), Mimi Benzell (Ruth), Molly Picon, Tommy Rall, Juki Arkin, Lanna Saunders, Ellen Madison, Thelma Pelish, Diana Goldberg, Ellen Berse, Addi Negri, Dorothy Richardson, Rose Lischner, Celi Delli, Ronald Holgate

The plot: Phil Arkin is a middle-aged man who comes to Israel to visit his daughter and her husband; once there he meets an American tourist, Ruth, who’s traveling in the company of a group of widows from the United States, and they begin a love affair. But she discovers that he’s still married, although separated from his wife, and runs from him. He tries to find her without any luck, but finally she comes back to him. This time it’s him who doesn’t feel comfortable with the situation and they both decide to end their affair for now. Before she boards a plane back to the United States he promises her he’ll plea for a divorce and then they can meet again.

Musical Numbers: Overture - Shalom - Independence Day Hora - Milk and Honey - There's No Reason in the World - Chin Up, Ladies - That Was Yesterday - Let's Not Waste a Moment - The Wedding - Like a Young Man - I Will Follow You - Hymn to Hymie - As Simple as That – Finale

Awards Nominations: Tony for Best Musical, Best Composer, Best Actress (Molly Picon), Best Costume Design, Best Producer of a Musical