Customer Reviews

What Makes Sammy Run?

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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!

First show I've liked since "Chess" - clearly I don't buy many shows.

Some reviewer on this site said something like it was like listening to a libretto. Almost stopped me. Glad it didn't. Not true at all. Very melodic, devilish clever lyrics, great performances. Look at the 3 leads. And they all show why there are in it. Because they're good. Liner notes said Lawrence went from a revivial of "Pal Joey" to this. But I'm sure he's a very nice guy.

This CD can be had new, but I think Amazon won't post my review if I name a competitor. I love Amazon, it may be the future government of the world, but I wish I could say where new copies of this CD can right now be bought!

I cannot believe that someone is charging $34.98 for this mediocre recording of a lousy show. Who's got the rights--Steve Lawrence? There's only a few original cast albums I'd pay that much for and they are "Donnybrook!" and "Anya." Why aren't they on CD?