Word: singings
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Dates: during 1970-1979
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...course, the ritual of the department store is fun, too. With most of my presents already bought (I begin with eager anticipation in July) and having sttod in the first of many lines to get my plane ticket home, I'm set. Strains of "Alvin and the Chipmunks sing the songs of Christmas" will soon be vying with Dad's classical music for stereo time; hte battle looms. I'm not climbing the walls to leave yet; but this weekend, when my roommate and I launch the first annual "Chocolate Chip Cookie Uncooked Dough and Finished Product" munch...
...condemn the emptiness of those who relinquish their freedom for security. Murray holds spirited conversations with the Weather Lady, warning her not to repeat herself, thinks nothing of taking trips to the Statue of Liberty, and habitually admonishes his unheeding neighbors to show up for the next community sing. Murray constructs his own world, one with its own rules and unfailing high standards. He shares this world only with his bright and smart-aleck nephew, Nick (David Scales/Harry Litman). Nick and Murray feed each other straight lines, embellishing each other's routines. They compete for better Peter Lorre imitations...
...women are not as good as the men, but much of the blame lies with the format. Limited by dull solos and inadequate staging, the women are struck standing in the middle of the set. They make monotonous gestures and facial expressions and sing in voices too weak to carry the songs...
...opening song is "Sing Happy," but none of the cast looks happy. This inauspiciousness yields to an improving humor, however, with "Where Was I When They Passed Out Luck" from Minnie's Boys, a play based on the Marx Brothers. "My City," a throbbingly evil, beautifully choreographed ode to New York City and Stephen Hayes's terrific performance of Stephen Sondheim's "Everybody Says Don't," also succeed in capturing the audience...
...last song with a parody of singers who just stand still and use cliched gestures, but it isn't what the audience has come to hope for. The audience calls for more anyway, and, recognizing that they want more of something besides the closing number, the cast reprises "Sing Happy." They are happier now, and the audience is happier now, but the reprise is still a reminder of the parts that didn't click and the obstacles barely overcome...