Word: abner
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There is no excuse to review The World of Li'l Abner. As John Steinbeck says in his introduction, "It is my claim that Capp is probably the greatest contemporary writer." Everybody who has followed Li'l Abner through the years knows this, and the rest don't deserve to. So the idea of an introductory volume is inherently ridiculous...
Although Capp planned the volume to have hard covers and dignity, this edition has soft covers and dignity. On the front cover set against a picture representing Sadie Hawkins Day musical note appears which apparently refers to the musical comedy Li'l Abner, for which there are also a few words of advertisement. On the back cover there is a picture of Al Capp grinning. Inside are Dumpington Van Lump, P. Fangsgood Droolsby, Big Barnsmall, the outside man at the Skonk Works, Joe Btfsplk, the world's greatest jinx, and Fearless Fosdick, all of whom have their imitators in life...
...their task with an inquiring and often sympathetic mind. Even the barbed humor in such plays as The Solid Gold Cadillac is aimed at the funny bone rather than the jugular. As General Bullmoose, a tycoon's tycoon, says wistfully in the new musical comedy Li'l Abner: "Ever since I was a child, I had a dream. And all that simple child wanted was to get his hands on all the money in the world before the Greatest Broker of them all called him to that big Stock Market...
...characteristics of comic-strip life that make for trouble on Broadway. Plainly the chopped-up repetitions, the churning status quo that go down fine a spoonful a day in a newspaper could sadly pall as an evening-long drink on the stage. On the stage, accordingly, Li'l Abner has been swamped with plot, which not only palls but plods. Also, by never letting anyone relax, the plot robs Dogpatch of its homey, day-to-day, ferocious charm. Something extra is frequently needed...
...show is nicely cast, with Peter Palmer and Edith Adams pleasant as Li'l Abner and Daisy Mae, and Stubby Kaye and Charlotte Rae more flavorsome as Marryin' Sam and Mammy Yokum. And its best production numbers are real high points. But the distance from one high point to another is sometimes noticeably long...