Lyrics in London
By Peter Filichia — If you’re quite familiar with the 1966 original Broadway cast album of Cabaret, two lyrics are going to jump out at you when you listen to the 1968 original London cast album. One comes quite early, when Fraulein Schneider sings “So What?” On the Broadway disc, Lotte Lenya sings “When I […]
Life Is a Cabaret in London, Too
By Peter Filichia — “Judi sings her way to a hit!” So said the critic for the London Daily Mirror on Leap Year Day, 1968. The Judi in question, as I don’t have to inform any musical theater fan, was not Judy Garland; while the quotation would fit the legend, the first name is off […]
That Controversial Cabaret Lyric Change
By Peter Filichia — At one point during my listening to the terrific reissue of the 1968 original London cast album of Cabaret, I suddenly thought of Gladys Troupin. She was the pianist at the hotel at which I worked in 1966. In October of that year, I urged her — as well as everyone […]
Sweet Seventeen
By Peter Filichia — When friends start discussing musical theater “charm songs” — and believe me, in my circle, we do — the usual masterpieces are mentioned. “Getting to Know You” from The King and I and “Happy to Make Your Acquaintance” from The Most Happy Fella often head the list. But I always mention […]
Getting Pumped for Pump Boys
By Peter Filichia — What a delightful surprise! Pump Boys and Dinettes is returning to Broadway next spring – 31 years after the original production’s debut. Doesn’t that number of years suggest that the opening night party should be held at Baskin-Robbins? Don’t laugh. Such a modest venue would be in keeping with the 1982 […]
