What Makes Sammy Run?

Steve Lawrence (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 8, 2004)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Gl Music Co.
• ASIN: B00009PC05
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #428,695 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Show!!, April 26, 2008

By 

B. J Robbins (La Quinta, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: What Makes Sammy Run? (Audio CD)

The only surprise here is that WMSR? ran for some 540 shows. NOT because it was bad, but because it was SO GOOD! So untypical of a Broadway show! No hero, but an anti-hero who is a backstabbing heel. A song about having sex ("The Friendliest Thing"). A down ending. Extremely unusual songs. One contrapuntal, others not sung, but almost libretto-like, I don't think any song is of the usual 32-bars, but of widely differing lengths, interesting melodies, a anti-lovesong, where the two paramours describe how bad the other is ("You're No Good"), a song about "A New Pair of Shoes", etc. The score by Ervin Drake is different and delicious. Steve Lawrence is absolutely wonderful in, let's face it, what is a one man show. I particularly liked the singing of Bernice Massi. Drake's lyrics are a bit esoteric at times and come too quick to comprehend a couple times, but after a few listenings you can make it out. Like his music, they are certainly NOT TYPICAL of other Broadway shows, which makes the fact that this show ran for more than a year all the more impressive.

This show is once in a lifetime. Don't listen to the other reviewer. This one will stay with you.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Limited approval, April 14, 2007

By 

Steve Lovett (Dallas, TX USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: What Makes Sammy Run? (Audio CD)

The most important thing to know about this CD is that is the monaural release of the show. It's a great 60's Columbia cast album and everyone sounds great. Just don't expect stereo.

5.0 out of 5 stars Splendid Musical Performances!, October 20, 2011

By 

DK - See all my reviews

This review is from: What Makes Sammy Run? (Audio CD)

What Makes Sammy Run? is a 1964 musical with music and lyrics by Ervin Drake(Her First Roman) with a libretto by Budd and Stuart Schulberg based on Budd Schulberg's novel of the same name. The cast is headed by terrific singer Steve Lawrence(Golden Rainbow, one half of the famous singing team of Steve And Eydie), Robert Alda(Guys And Dolls, father of Alan, etc), Sally Ann Howes(Kwamina, Little Women-tv, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang-film, I Remember Mama-record, etc), Bernice Massi(No Strings), Graciela Daniele(dancer/actress, now choreographer), Barry Newman, George Coe, Arny Freeman and Richard France. The brilliant orchestrations are by Don Walker with vocal arrangements and musical direction by the amazing Lehman Engel. Directed by famous writer/broadway show doc Abe Burrows and produced for records by the phenomenal Goddard Leiberson. All of the musical numbers are terrific beginning with the exciting Overture. Lawrence's "I've Got A New Pair Of Shoes", "My Hometown", "I Feel Humble", his finale "Some Days Everything Goes Wrong" and the Lawrence/Alda duet "You Help Me" sparkle. Howes self assessment in the sweet ballad "A Tender Spot", her dejected "Kiss Me No Kisses", the soaring ballad "Something To Live For Now" and duet with Lawrence the seductive beguine "A Room Without Windows" and duet with Alda "Maybe Some Other Time" are splendid! The sexy Bernice Massi has her turn with the seductive "The Friendliest Thing" and her duets with Lawrence in a mutual loathing/loving society "I See Something" and "You're No Good". All the numbers are well-performed and the singers are in fine voice. With the level of expertise here, it's hard to believe that this was a flop!...Many shows today aren't this good! I purchased the LP years ago and I am very grateful to now have it on cd!