Customer Reviews

So Long, 174th Street (1976 Original Broadway Cast)

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4 star:		(1)
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1 star:		(1)

 

 

I am thrilled that this wonderful, little-known musical recording is available through Amazon.com! The only version of it I have ever heard was given to me on a cassette tape by an old stage manager years ago . . . but I digress. You must hear this hilarious musical version of "Enter Laughing" starring the brilliant Robert Morse (before his star-making turn as J. Pierpont Finch in "How to Succeed. . . "), Charles Nelson Reilly at his quavery-voiced best as Morse's side-kick and my favorite, Kaye Ballard, as the quintessential Jewish mama. This show is chock-full of great character numbers (perfect for an unusual audition piece!) and is a real find for afficionados of delightful but obscure Broadway musicals.

The music and lyrics are first rate. The recording is great fun, as is the revival soon to take place at York Theatre in NYC this Fall. Now called "Enter Laughing, The Musical", it is a laugh riot, as was the original Broadway, non musical, production. It is a shame that the musical was such a failure that the composer did not write another.

Also, I believe the "quavering voice" Victoria has identified as Charles Nelson Reilly is actually the delightful George S. Irving - perhaps best known for his voice-over work as the narrator of the TV cartoon series "Underdog" - along with many Broadway appearances throughout the years. He recently (September 2007) recreated this role at the York Theatre in New York when they presented this musical, retitled "Enter Laughing" as part of a Joe Stein (the bookwriter of the musical) retrospective of readings of his lesser-known works. I understand he was the highlight of a very enjoyable evening.

Just to kindly note to correct Victoria on her review.....this show was done in 1976....about 15 years after Robert Morse created Finch in How To Succeed....otherwise....I know nothing of the recording...but Victoria's review has convinced me to buy it....so thanks Victoria.....