Say, Darling (1958 Original Broadway Cast)
DRG Records - DRG Records
Release date: 2008-03-04
Audio CD
Music Theater, Musical Theater, Musicals, Original Cast Recordings, Pop, Show Tunes, Showtunes / B'way, Soundtrack, Soundtracks
1. Overture
2. Try to Love Me
3. It's Doom
4. Husking Bee
5. It's the Second Time You Meet That Matters
6. Let the Lower Lights Be Burning
7. Chief of Love
8. Say, Darling
9. Carnival Song
10. Try to Love Me
11. Dance Only with Me
12. Something's Always Happening on the River
13. Finale
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Say, Darling (1958 Original Broadway Cast)
Date undefinedDespite being panned by most critics, SAY, DARLING (based on Richard Bissell's book of the same name) managed to run for 332 performances in a banner season on Broadway, which was also marked by THE MUSIC MAN and WEST SIDE STORY. Vivian Blaine (GUYS AND DOLLS) stars in this bouncy musical treat with a score by Jule Styne.
The premise for SAY, DARLING is the making of a Broadway musical, the virtual plot-less show is spun around several different songs, performed by the would-be diva, her handsome leading man, their eager writer and a supporting gallery of colourful theater folk. In a bold departure for a major Broadway musical of the period, the songs were played "rehearsal-style" using only two pianos (although the cast album greatly benefits from a full orchestra under the guidance of Sid Ramin).
Vivian Blaine shines with three attractive numbers ("Try to Love Me", "Chief of Love" and "Dance Only with Me"). Her co-stars--including Johnny Desmond (FUNNY GIRL), David Wayne (FINIAN'S RAINBOW) and Robert Morse (HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING)--are just as delightful. This lesser-known show from the team of Jule Styne, Betty Comden and Adolph Green doesn't really count among their all-time best, but it's enjoyable nontheless.
Making it's CD premiere, SAY, DARLING (one of RCA's first stereophonic cast albums) will be a welcome addition to the collection. [DRG-19109]
Say, Darling (1958 Original Broadway Cast)
Date undefinedA perky litte musical about making a musical. Great numers by Jule Styne modelled after songs from Pajama Game, which is its inspiration.
Highly enjoyable entertainment.
Say, Darling (1958 Original Broadway Cast)
Date undefinedAlthough Jule Styne is one of the great names in Broadway musical comedy, SAY, DARLING was not one of his high points. The cast is good, David Wayne and Vivian Blaine in particular, with fine service by the pretty much forgotten Johnny Desmond, but the music/lyrics themselves are second rate, at best. The title track isn't bad, by Styne standards, but what is one to make of "The Husking Bee" or "Something's Always Happening On the River," which seems endless (but bouncy and a bit reminiscent of "Blow High, Blow Low")? No extra tracks are included, but perhaps they were mercifully lost.
