Customer Reviews

No, No, Nanette - The New 1925 Musical (1971 Broadway Revival Cast)

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4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
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NO, NO, NANETTE, by Vincent Youmans, Irving Caesar, and Otto Harbach, is the show that defined fun-filled 1920's musicals. NANETTE first opened on Broadway in 1925 and was revived sucessfully in 1971; this is the cast recording of that revival. Today, the musical's story and songs -- which include such hits as "I've Confessed to the Breeze," "I Want to Be Happy," and "Tea for Two" -- remain charming. The humorous story concerns Jimmy Smith, a married Bible publisher, who is guardian to teenage Nanette, a would-be "flapper" (liberated woman). Jimmy has been giving money to three pretty girls in different cities, and trouble results when Jimmy, Nanette, Jimmy's wife, and the three girls all turn up at the Smiths' Atlantic City vacation home. Rather than parodying NANETTE, this production treats the show with affection and respect; as a result, the album is sheer delight to listen to. Susan Watson as Nanette sings with spirit and fresh innocence, and Jack Gilford makes a loveable guardian. Roger Rathburn sings well (and with his tongue in his cheek, as it were) in the role of Nanette's rather dull suitor, Tom. Two standouts in the supporting cast are Helen Gallagher and Bobby Van as the Smiths' friends, Lucille and Billy (the secondary "comic couple" seen in so many musicals). Gallagher's rendition of "The 'Where Has My Hubby Gone?' Blues" is terrific. A welcome bonus is a duet called "Only a Moment Ago," sung by Gilford and Ruby Keeler (as Smith's wife); although it was dropped from the show, it is a wonderful song, and I'm glad it was recorded. The orchestra plays the score -- the overture particularly -- with tremendous energy. The recorded sound is excellent and atmospheric -- there is even "tapping" during the dance numbers. This NO, NO, NANETTE is a fun CD that takes the listener back to a more lighthearted era of the musical theatre.

This lavish revival brought back a score that had never really been forgotton. At the time of the revival, however, most recordings of songs from the show came from England or France. American labels had not begun recording full cast albums when NANETTE was first scolded in 1925, and the first modern era recording was made in the 1950s in England (and released in the U.S. on one side of an LP on EPIC, backed by highlights from SHOW BOAT.) A later full LP was made by EMI in England and issued as part of their Studio Two "Nights at the Theatre" series. NONE of these early issues can hold a candle to this album in terms of sheer energy and pizazz.

Now, this is NOT how the show sounded originally. It has bveen given a full re-orchstration making it sound more like other shows on Broadway in the late 1960s: Big, Bold and Brassy. Producer Thomas Shepard includes some amsuing dialogue bits. The funniest track on the album is still the Act Two finale with pieces of the score woven into a musical scene. Listen to Ruby Keeler's reading of her lines: She's no "method" actress...she sounds as if she has just been handed a script and doing a first reading. Still, that's part of the charm of this album. Ruby more than makes up for her lack of acting skill when she leads the company in a rousing tap routine midway through act one that will set your hair on end!

For this remastered CD the opening number from Act Two (Peach on the Beach) has been restored - It was recorded in 1971 buyt left off the album for timing reasons. This resulted in a re-organization of several songs for the original Lp and the sequence is now corrected to reflect the 3- act structure of the farce.

This album was a steady best-seller on record and is now a welcome issue as part of the Columbia Broadway Masterworks series from Sony. Maybe the Cd will inspire another Broadway revival!

For me, the magic of a Broadway musical is its ability to tell a story through songs...yet, have songs that stand up, and out, on their own. They touch our own lives, and tug at our heart strings. Nanette is a classic, IMHO, because it does all of those things. It's a period musical, set in the jubilant and exciting 1920's, bursting with charm, humor and romance which never have, and never will go out of style. From the dated, but romantic "Tea for Two," to the feel good "I Want to Be Happy" (but I won't be happy, til I make you happy, too), and the admonishing "Too Many Rings Around Rosie (will never get Rosie a ring;)this is a collection of tunes, sentiments and infinitely hummable music which is determined to lift your spirits. The music illustrates a bygone era, and offers an escape to simpler times and ear to ear grins. Chances are, you probably know many of the songs, even if you've never seen the show, or heard the music as a whole. If you appreciate Broadway classics like Gypsy, Mame, Funny Girl, Fiddler, Cabaret, etc...you won't be disappointed in Nanette--No, No! :)

We absolutely love the music from No, No, Nanette. It is a very well written play, with great music and lyrics and the cast is the very best that Broadway can offer.

I am quite satisfied and happy with the production and content of this product. Also, particularly pleased with the bonus interviews. I must take this opportunity to thank your prompt ordering and mailing service plus, your competitive pricing.

Regards, John Gaunt

NO NO NANETTE was given a lavish Broadway revival in 1971, starring a stellar cast and garnering several Tony Awards. It's sparkling cast recording is one of my all-time favorites.

The show features Helen Gallagher, Ruby Keeler, Jack Gilford, Bobby Van, Patsy Kelly; and Susan Watson as Nanette herself. The story concerns young Nanette's romantic misadventures and complications in a rather formulaic and traditional 20's-style musical comedy plot.

Both Helen Gallagher (as Lucille Early) and Patsy Kelly (as Pauline the maid) won Tony Awards for their performances in the musical, and Bobby Van was nominated for his role.

Susan Watson (the original Kim in Broadway's BYE BYE BIRDIE and Laurey in the 1960 City Center production of OKLAHOMA!) makes for a delightful Nanette, singing the infectious title song as well as "I've Confessed to the Breeze" and "Waiting for You".

Helen Gallagher is given the show's best songs, including "Too Many Rings Around Rosie", "The Where-Has-My-Hubby-Gone? Blues" and "You Can Dance with Any Girl at All".

A wonderful recording. Sony.

New York City, my first trip with my school class, and having Free time, I picked this show to see. I wanted to see the GREAT STARS of Stage & SCREEN: RUBY KEELER, JACK GILFORD, (the TV Cracker Jack pitch man), BOBBY VAN, PATSY KELLY, et al. It was the chance of a lifetime. Standard tunes like, "Tea for Two", "No, No, Nanette", "You can Dance with any Girl at ALL", and the ever popular RUBY KEELER singing "Take A Little One Step", and the biggest one of all: "I Want to be Happy!". written way back in the roaring 20's, here in the roaring teens of a new Century, the tunes still hold up and are a part of American History, contemporary and easy on the ear. The highlight was getting to see Ms. Keeler on the Broadway stage in classic show. What a joy it is to listen to!

When my sister graduated from high school in 1962 I treated her to a trip to NYC and of course Broadway. She loved the musical No No Nanette so Santa brought the CD to her this year. The CD arrived sealed and my sister loves it. She commutes with her job and sings all the way. The quick delivery allowed me to send it on to her. Good service.

I received this musical today, and played it immediately. These are wonderful songs I haven't heard in ages. The title song "No No Nanette" plus "Tea for Two", "I Want to Be Happy" and "You Can Dance With Any Girl" I enjoy so much. I saw this show as a girl growing up in Los Angeles, and still remembered these wonderful songs. I'm so glad I bought this wonderful CD.

Well sung, and a couple of the songs are great, but I was taken to see a production as a child and it was not as good a show as I remembered.