I can think of few lovelier ways to spend a Sunday afternoon than hearing a programme of songs by Tom Jones (lyrics) and Harvey Schmidt (music). As both tt and I have both appeared in multiple productions of THE FANTASTICKS we were awash by the end of the opening number, "Try To Remember".
Tom Jones himself narrated and performed with pixilated glee, a total delight, and it was wonderful to see Broadway royalty Susan Watson looking and sounding much the same as she did in BYE BYE BIRDIE and NO, NO NANETTE. The youngsters were Graham Rowat in stalwart leading man mode and Stephanie Umoh (who we saw as Sarah in the 2009 revival of RAGTIME) in charge of the high notes.
I particularly enjoyed hearing the early revue material, and songs that were written for prospective leading ladies (including Mary Martin, Barbara Cook & Carol Burnett) but never used in 110 IN THE SHADE. Also three very different versions of the title song from I DO! I DO!, including one written for Julie Andrews & Dick Van Dyke for a never realised film version. And selections from GROVER'S CORNERS, the team's musical version of OUR TOWN, which will not be foreseeably produced as they have now lost the rights.
A totally charming afternoon.
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