As the weather begins to warm, bringing an end to winter’s frosty reign, I revel in the smell of impending summer. The aroma of tilled earth in a rainstorm, the gentle whiff of lilacs or jasmine, the songs of crickets and peepers filling the night. When this feeling of summer’s arrival washes over me, another item always comes to mind: Walt Disney Pictures film Summer Magic.
Today, I was listening to some original cast recordings on a car trip, and I realized that three of the shows I had chosen to listen to included special instrumental pieces that were crafted special for their respective pieces. I am not talking about overtures or incidental music, but actual musical numbers unto themselves that, without lyrics, still managed to tell a great deal about the story. Here is a celebration of some of the best of these musical moments that are “instrumental” to Broadway musicals.
Last week, I wrote an article on the Nickelodeon TV Show You Can’t Do That on Television, surely the genesis for writing this piece, as that show would surely appear on this list. It got me thinking about just how strange many of the kids’ TV shows of the 70s and 80s were, contemplating what, besides sheer fun, the creators were thinking. How many of these bizarre, but ultimately classic, TV shows do you remember?
I am a proponent of joy and escapism in the musical theatre, especially in these days where we can use some diversion and smiles. The success of the revival of Hello, Dolly! starring Ms. Bette Midler is proof that there are people out there who agree with my sentiments. It is for this reason that I was eagerly anticipating the New Broadway Cast Recording of Hello, Dolly! Eager, but also hesitant, worried that this musical, with one of the most underappreciated scores would not be preserved with as much spirit and enthusiasm as the original cast recording, or the divine Pearl Bailey led version.
