Why are some shows hits, and others misses? Is it the music? Not by these two accounts!
The movie and stage production of Bye Bye Birdie have entered into the pantheon of essential American musicals. This movie soundtrack included the talents of Janet Leigh, Dick Van Dyke, Maureen Stapleton, Bobby Rydell, Paul Lynde and of course the debut of the dream girl of a million pre-pubescent boys, Ann-Margret. The music is vintage post-Elvis, pre-Beatles and pure pop fun, with tunes like “One Boy,” “Put On a Happy Face” and “A Lot of Livin’ To Do” begging to become standards, while “The Telephone Hour,” “Honestly Sincere” and “One Last Kiss” gloriously campy and infectious. A pure joy of a lost and innocent era.
The Broadway production of Chaplin died out after only a short run, and there are a myriad of reasons why. One reason is NOT because of the music; the material here is first class, both in style, sound and delivery. Rob McClure as Chaplin, as well as Christiane Noll as Hanna Chaplin and Jenn Colella as Hedda Hopper are absolutely superb and in command. The songs like “Where Are All The People” and “Where Are All The People” by McClure are stunners, while ensemble pieces such as “Life Can Be Like the Movies” and “Just Another Day in Hollywood” brim with enthusiasm. The band is lively and right on target for every tune, just making you wonder what kept everyone away. I never saw the show, but the music makes me want to find a dvd of it or at least yearn for a second time around.
Masterworks Broadway Records
www.masterworksbroadway.com