All tagged Jerry Herman
For a special, two-part show, Jamie and Rob take an in depth look at the life, work, and legacy of Broadway composer and lyricist Jerry Herman—“the poet of the showtune”. Part two focuses on his lesser known shows, “Milk and Honey”, “Dear World”, and “Mack and Mabel”, and his ultimate comeback hit: “La Cage aux Folles”. Tune in to discover why there really is no tune like a showtune!
For a special, two-part show, Jamie and Rob take an in depth look at the life, work, and legacy of Broadway composer and lyricist Jerry Herman—“the poet of the showtune”. Part one focuses on “Hello, Dolly!” and “Mame”, two of Jerry’s biggest hits, and “The Grand Tour”, one of his biggest flops. Tune in to discover why there really is no tune like a showtune!
After 46 years away from New York, audiences at City Center finally have a chance to see what Jerry Herman and Michael Stewart’s 1974 flop “Mack and Mabel” is all about thanks to a new Encores! production. The result is bittersweet—both thrilling and sad. Jerry Herman’s score shines, alongside performances by Douglas Sills, Alexandra Socha, Lilli Cooper, and a top-notch ensemble, and the atmosphere of old Hollywood is superbly spun. Still, this is not a musical masterpiece, but a beloved curiosity—a good musical that almost works. Perhaps someday, it might.
On this week’s episode, Rob and Jamie go in deep with all things “Mack & Mabel”, discussing Jerry Herman’s legendary flop as it returns to New York for the first time in 46 years with a new production at New York City Center’s Encores!
With the concept of “winter” an increasing memory, here is overview of all that’s coming to New York stages this spring!
"West Side Story" will now open on February 20th; "To Kill a Mockingbird" will play a special free performance at Madison Square Garden on February 26th for 18,000 students; Daniel Fish will premiere a new production of Frank Loesser's 1956 musical "The Most Happy Fella" at the Bard SummerScape Festival; 2019 Broadway grosses were 3.7% below the record set in 2018, but attendance reached a record 90.51%; Greta Gerwig is writing a new musical that will feature tap dance; RIP composer Allee Willis, playwright Pamela Payton-Wright, composer Jerry Herman, and production designer Peter Larkin
As we begin a new decade, I look back at my past decade of theatre-going and pick my top 10 favorite plays and musicals.
Nearly a year into its run, “Hello, Dolly!” is buoyantly better, brighter, and tighter than on opening night. Bernadette Peters gives a stellar, steadier, and more grounded performance as Dolly Levi, alongside replacements Victor Garber, Charlie Stemp, and Molly Griggs—and Gavin Creel and Kate Baldwin, and the ensemble, are better than ever. This is the best musical comedy on Broadway. If you haven't seen it, get tickets now; if you have seen it, it's worth checking back in.
Two songs from "Mack & Mabel" steal the show at Encores! 25th anniversary concert “Hey, Look Me Over!”—an original concert pulling overtures, songs, and scenes from nine different, lesser-known musicals—overshadowing middling material from the other eight musicals celebrated. A fun experiment after 25 years, hopefully Encores! sticks to full concerts of single shows at a time in the future.
