All tagged David Merrick

Remembering The Happy Time

Remembering The Happy Time

Mark Robinson
Music That Makes Me Dance

The composing team of Kander and Ebb are typically first remembered as the creators of the edgy, flashy, razzle-dazzle music of such shows as Cabaret and Chicago. It would be wrong, however, to think that this was all that they were capable of. In fact, the team’s work often tended towards a reflective, gentler style of musical comedy found in such shows as Zorba and The Rink. One show that really seemed to embrace this subtler, character-driven approach to storytelling was 1968’s The Happy Time.  

Remembering Subways Are For Sleeping

Remembering Subways Are For Sleeping

Mark Robinson
Music That Makes Me Dance

Jule Styne, Betty Comden and Adolph Green were frequent collaborators in creating Broadway musicals. Sometimes there partnerships yielded hits like Bells Are Ringing, sometimes the product was a cheerful “also ran” like Do Re Mi, and sometimes the show simply struggled to find an audience. One of these musicals that failed to ignite, despite offering a delightful score and a compelling premise, was the 1961 Subways Are For Sleeping.   

What Was Your First Broadway Musical?

What Was Your First Broadway Musical?

Mark Robinson
Music That Makes Me Dance

One of my favorite questions to ask a Broadway enthusiast is "What was your first Broadway musical?" I find it an interesting study to explore how people were introduced to the lights of the Great White Way. Was it a parent who chose the show? Did you get to choose it yourself? Like millions, were you indoctrinated through Cats, reeled in by the promise of its enticing (and deceptive) television commercial? How did your first Broadway musical shape your opinions on Broadway? Did it establish your likes and dislikes? Was the experience so completely overwhelming and transforming that all musicals since have paled by comparison?