On December 26, 2019 we lost one of Broadway’s greatest composers, one who infused every song he penned with emotion and a deep understanding of the character for whom he was writing. Jerry Herman, with his melody and lyrics, brought to life some of musical theatre’s most colorful and unforgettable characters, reminding us to celebrate life. One should not underestimate the joy, pure, unadulterated joy that he brought to us through songs for characters like Dolly Levi, Mame Dennis, Georges and Albin. This kind of fun, melody and embrace of the human spirit is rare in the contemporary musical theatre, something that is sorely lacking. Though he hadn’t written for the musical stage in some time, with Herman’s passing, we have lost a one-of-a-kind voice from a time where musical comedy scores were joyous, infectious, warm, and, most importantly, illuminating without being starkly literal.

Mark Robinson

Music That Makes Me Dance

Jerry Herman is best remembered for his splashy musical comedies, including Hello, Dolly!, Mame, and La Cage aux Folles. In fact, Herman often is unfairly criticized (in some circles) for his catchy, upbeat showtunes and feel-good fare. There is nothing wrong with a joyous showtune, but this generalized assessment of Herman’s work would be incorrect for two reasons. First, within his big hits, Herman wrote plenty of tender, gentle, emotionally-charged songs of subtlety like “Ribbons Down My Back”, “My Best Girl” and “Look Over There.” Second, Herman wrote just as many musicals that looked at the darker side of humanity, and though there is much joy to be found in his scores for Dear World and Mack & Mabel, there is also much sadness. The same can be said for one Herman’s most “un-Herman” musicals, the glorious, if under-appreciated, The Grand Tour.

Dec 29 Remembering Jerry Herman and the Joyous Music He Made

Mar 8 Remembering The Grand Tour

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