Dream Casting: Camelot
Robert Bouton
thinking who'd do the lead roles justice..
As Lancelot, David Burnham
As Guenevere, Anne Hathaway
As Arthur, Eric William Morris
Can't claim any expertise on male beauty, but I've seen women
literally swoon over both Burnham and Morris, who's as Burton-like as
a Marylander can get. Hathaway's terrific coloratura is wasted in
Hollywood. Burnham's strength on "Tonight" and "Till There Was You"
made a good case for his handling of Golden Age love songs.
Cast performers in their twenties, and Camelot should play like
gangbusters.
Steve Newport
From: mpro...@aol.com
Cast performers in their twenties
------------------------------------
The characters age and harden. "Late 20's, early 30's with a lot of
maturity" would be my ideal. And over the years, I've certainly enjoyed
older performers in the roles: Earl Wrightson, Lois Hunt, and Bill
Hayes. Richard Burton and Christine Ebersole.
chromolume
> Cast performers in their twenties, and Camelot should play like
> gangbusters.
I disagree - and it's because of the writing. There's very little
"gangbusters" in the tone of the dialogue, which always tends to come
off just a bit too heavy and arch (as opposed to much of the score,
which is youthful and passionate). The characters may, in fact, be
young, but the words they've often been given to speak come off as a
bit beyond their years.
Steve Newport
From: jongo...@msn.com (chromolume) the tone of the dialogue, which
always tends to come off just a bit too heavy and arch
Not when Burton, Ebersole, and Whitehead did it.
LT
> From: mprov...@aol.com
Was Hayes Lancelot, to Wrightson's and Hunt's Arthur and Guinevere?
Steve Newport
From: Leonar...@gmail.com (LT)
<<<The characters age and harden. And over the years, I've certainly
enjoyed older performers in the roles: Earl Wrightson, Lois Hunt, and
Bill Hayes.>>>
Was Hayes Lancelot, to Wrightson's and Hunt's Arthur and Guinevere?
Yes, and I recently got Bill to sign my (over 40 year old) souvenir
book. Pelly in that production was Roderick Cook-- so it was a terrific
intro to the show. Not long after, Wrightson and Hunt did MILK AND HONEY
with Molly Picon on the same circuit. Also terrific.
Wife Susan was with Bill when he performed in concert here. She signed
their book and told me they had recently played Buddy and Carlotta in
FOLLIES.
anicca7
> From: jongoldb...@msn.com (chromolume) the tone of the dialogue, which
> always tends to come off just a bit too heavy and arch
> ----------------------------------
> Not when Burton, Ebersole, and Whitehead did it.
I saw that Burton production at Lincoln Center. It was the dullest
evening I have ever spent in the theater, having the most atrocious
scenic design I have ever seen. The staging was like an interminable
third rate village pageant. Burton was a barely animated corpse.
Ebersole was blandly unforgettable and Whitehead, was just another
walking dead. Lifeless, ugly and deadly boring. I have seen the dvd
release of the Richard Harris version of this production and it was
worse, making him in close up look like an overacting screaming queen.
The recent Lincoln telecast was the first time I saw the play as a
potentially viable evening in the theater.
I have always felt that 90% of the success of any musical is the
casting and this was
the first time I could relate to to the characters as three
interesting people worth caring about and spending time with.
Steve Newport
From: ani...@aol.com (anicca7)
production and it was worse, making him in close up look like an
overacting screaming queen.
He was deadly dull onstage.
LT
> From: LeonardT2...@gmail.com (LT)
It's a shame that none of Wrightson and Hunt's MT performances seem to
have been recorded, - in audio, at least.
Steve Newport
From: Leonar...@gmail.com (LT)
have been recorded, - in audio, at least.
There's a relatively recent CD issue of two of their studio Lps.
atsar...@hotmail.com
Last time I saw Camelot live (though I barely was), it was Burton,
Andrews, Goulet, McDowell, Cullum in a bit. Why change it?
The show absolutely dazzled me at the time (pre-bar mitzvah, and
perhaps one reason I never did have one) for color and flash. Today,
when the costumes and sets are gone, I have to say it's not a good
show -- not good songs (though some splendid lyrics) and not a solid
theater piece. The Philharmonic version was a disaster mostly because
Gabriel Byrne's speaking voice is beyond irritating. I rather liked
Nathan Gunn -- at last singing a role suited to his talents, and
therefore effective even with his shirt on. (Who guessed?) In a well-
run world he'd have been a (non-mic'd) Broadway baritone in the Pinza-
Reardon mold and never have tried the Met.
I wouldn't dream of trying to imagine a dream cast of Camelot because
it's not a show that responds well to even dream casting. It's
just ... highfalutin fakery.
The novel is fun, though.
Jean Coeur de Lapin
(and where in the world, is there in the world, a taste so
extraordinaire?)
Steve Newport
From: atsar...@hotmail.com
cast of Camelot because it's not a show that responds well to even dream
casting. It's just ... highfalutin fakery.
Nonsense. Actually-- bullshit is what I really want to say here. You
haven't seen any production in over 40 years, and you're basing these
comments on this messy version? It's a great score and a classic show.
Even the book is better than its reputation.
LT
> From: LeonardT2...@gmail.com (LT)
> It's a shame that none of Wrightson and Hunt's MT performances seem to
> have been recorded, - in audio, at least.
> -----------------------------------------
> There's a relatively recent CD issue of two of their studio Lps.
>
These?
(If not, please let me know!)
They ought to have included the Friml album, too, which ideally
complemented the others.
I'd loved to have heard Wrightson and Hunt in the performances
mentioned in his obituary:
(He even did 'Fiddler'!!!)
http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9F0CE0D6123DF93AA35750C0A965958260
Great stars, both!
Best,
LT
Steve Newport
From: Leonar...@gmail.com (LT)
These?
http://www.amazon.com/review/product/B000055YT7/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?%5Fencoding=UTF8&showViewpoints=1
(If not, please let me know!)
They ought to have included the Friml album, too, which ideally
complemented the others.
----------------------------------------
Yes, that's the one I have. I didn't know about the Friml. Are there
others? A friend who reads RATM tells me of a studio recording of THE
KING AND I with Lois Hunt.
LT
> From: LeonardT2...@gmail.com (LT)
>
> http://www.amazon.com/review/product/B000055YT7/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_...
> (If not, please let me know!)
>
> They ought to have included the Friml album, too, which ideally
> complemented the others.
> ----------------------------------------
> Yes, that's the one I have. I didn't know about the Friml.
It's almost exclusively from these three LPs, that I learned the songs
therein! Couldn't have asked for better 'teachers'!
>Are there
> others? A friend who reads RATM tells me of a studio recording of THE
> KING AND I with Lois Hunt.
Didn't know about that last one. There was an old Columbia LP, with a
very young Wrightson (not yet partnered with Lois H.) in 'KMK"
highlights, as an ultra-dynamic Fred/Petruccio to rival Drake and
Keel!
I remember also his 'Enchanted Evening on Broadway', 'Ballads of a
Soldier of Fortune'.... perhaps there were others that somehow escaped
my attention. Whatever was issued - there should've been more! :)
Best,
LT
Steve Newport
From: Leonar...@gmail.com (LT)
that I learned the songs therein! Couldn't have asked for better
(not yet partnered with Lois H.) in 'KMK" highlights, as an
'Enchanted Evening on Broadway', 'Ballads of a Soldier of Fortune'....
issued - there should've been more!
Beb (Bruce Bider) a former RATM poster is a big fan. I wonder if he has
any of these. I'll write to him.
Jon Alan Conrad
Hunt in her various roles at the Met -- particularly Musetta in LA
BOHEME, which she did for them 16 times. Unfortunately cast recordings
weren't being made of flops when Wrightson was the original star of
THE FIREBRAND OF FLORENCE in 1945.
JAC
Steve Newport
Earl Wrightson's '93 obituary
Earl Wrightson, 77; Baritone Sang Leads In Touring Musicals
By GLENN COLLINS
Published: March 9, 1993
Earl Wrightson, a singer and actor who brought his deep baritone voice
and imposing stage presence to dozens of musical comedies and concerts,
and who had his own television variety shows in the 1940's and 50's,
died on Sunday at his home in East Norwich, L.I. He was 77.
The cause was heart failure, said his singing partner since 1951, Lois
Hunt, who was also his companion.
Born in Baltimore, the son of a Methodist minister, Mr. Wrightson left
his vocal studies at a conservatory and moved to New York City to become
a page for NBC for $15 a week, while studying with Robert Weede, the
Metropolitan Opera baritone.
Eventually he became a regular radio performer, singing on such series
as "The Prudential Family Hour" and "The Coca-Cola Hour" with the
orchestra conductor Andre Kostelanetz.
For three years in the 1950's, he was the host of a CBS Sunday afternoon
television show, "The American Musical Theater," for which he won an
Emmy Award.
---------------------------------------
SN: Who else remembers this TERRIFIC show?
---------------------------------------
He was also the host of "At Home," a 15-minute television program that
preceded "Arthur Godfrey and His Friends." Mr. Wrightson also performed
on "The Goodyear Review" with Paul Whiteman, and in shows presided over
by Robert Q. Lewis, Jack Paar, Merv Griffin, Mike Douglas and Johnny
Carson. Most of the Top Musicals
Mr. Wrightson starred on Broadway in 1945 in a musical version of the
Edwin Justus Mayer play "Firebrand of Florence," with music by Kurt
Weill and featuring Lotte Lenya.
He also starred on tour and in summer theater, in "Camelot," "Kiss Me
Kate," "Paint Your Wagon," "I Do! I Do!" "Man of La Mancha," "South
Pacific," "Can-Can," "Silk Stockings," "Fiddler on the Roof," "Gigi," "A
Little Night Music," "The Sound of Music" and other shows.
In the 1960's Mr. Wrightson and Miss Hunt performed Broadway show tunes
in concerts with symphony orchestras across the country, on stages that
included Carnegie Hall's.
Mr. Wrightson made a number of recordings, five of them with Miss Hunt,
and was awarded the Handel Medallion by New York City in recognition of
his artistic achievements.
His last major singing role was in "The Sound of Music" with Miss Hunt
(he played the Baron von Trapp; she played Countess Elsa Schraeder) in a
97-city, six-month tour; the show was presented at the Jones Beach
Theater in Wantagh, L.I., in 1980.
---------------------------------------
SN: Constance Towers starred.
----------------------------------------
In addition to Miss Hunt, he is survived by his estranged wife, Alta
Markey Wrightson, and a daughter, Wendy Oldham, both of Fort Lauderdale,
Fla., and a granddaughter.
LT
> television show, "The American Musical Theater," for which he won an
> Emmy Award.
> ---------------------------------------
> SN: Who else remembers this TERRIFIC show?
Me!
As a kid, I was almost literally glued to the tv set whenever TAMT
was about to begin! Mr. W. had many great guests, but none moreso
than himself; On one show, he did his signature song, 'They Call the
Wind Maria' - which IMO no one has ever matched him in.
Best
LT
Steve Newport
From: Leonar...@gmail.com (LT)
For three years in the 1950's, Earl Wrightson was the host of a CBS
Sunday afternoon television show, "The American Musical Theater," for
the tv set whenever TAMT was about to begin! Mr. W. had many great
guests, but none moreso than himself; On one show, he did his signature
song, 'They Call the Wind Maria' - which IMO no one has ever matched him
in.
I remember episodes with Alfred Drake, Barbara Cook, and others. Earl &
Lois appeared frequently on The Mike Douglas Show. Those were the days!
Matthew Winn
wrote:
> > For three years in the 1950's, he was the host of a CBS Sunday afternoon
> > television show, "The American Musical Theater," for which he won an
> > Emmy Award.
> > ---------------------------------------
> > SN: Who else remembers this TERRIFIC show?
>
> Me!
>
> As a kid, I was almost literally glued to the tv set whenever TAMT
> was about to begin!
Wow, your parents must have been keen to make sure you watched it!
--
Matthew Winn
[If replying by mail remove the "r" from "urk"]
Steve Newport
Leonard Tillman: For three years in the 1950's, Earl Wrightson was the
host of a CBS Sunday afternoon television show, "The American Musical
literally glued to the tv set whenever TAMT was about to begin!
Another one that had me glued: The Chevy summer replacement show with
Edie Adams, John Raitt, and Janet Blair. Gorgeous people with gorgeous
voices. They appeared on a cover of TV Guide, which I kept and had on my
bedroom wall for years.
LT
Of this trio of stars, I think Adams is the only one still with us.
Super-talented folks, all!
LT
> On Fri, 16 May 2008 13:16:04 -0700 (PDT), LT <LeonardT2...@gmail.com>
> wrote:
>
> > > For three years in the 1950's, he was the host of a CBS Sunday afternoon
> > > television show, "The American Musical Theater," for which he won an
> > > Emmy Award.
> > > SN: Who else remembers this TERRIFIC show?
>
> > Me!
>
> > was about to begin!
>
>
You got it! :)
Although they could have saved many $$$ on 'Elmer's Glue-All®";
Wild rhinos couldn't have kept me from each showing of TAMT.
LT
On May 16, 11:50pm, NewportsRe...@webtv.net (Steve Newport) wrote:
> From: LeonardT2...@gmail.com (LT)
> For three years in the 1950's, Earl Wrightson was the host of a CBS
> Sunday afternoon television show, "The American Musical Theater," for
> which he won an Emmy Award. As a kid, I was almost literally glued to
> the tv set whenever TAMT was about to begin! Mr. W. had many great
> guests, but none moreso than himself; On one show, he did his signature
> song, 'They Call the Wind Maria' - which IMO no one has ever matched him
> in.
> --------------------------------------
> I remember episodes with Alfred Drake, Barbara Cook, and others. Earl &
> Lois appeared frequently on The Mike Douglas Show. Those were the days!
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Never to be forgotten!
Mike often had such other other greats, too, as Howard Keel, and from
the Opera scene, Giorgio Tozzi, and Renata Scotto. I recall that
when Nelson Eddy passed on (in '67), Mike, in tribute, sang 'Eddy/
Mac''s signature song, 'Will You Remember'.
He prefaced it with the words, "I hope that whenever hearing this
song, you'll think of Mr. Eddy.'
-We do; and always will - as well as of Mr. Douglas, one of the most
personable of TV hosts, ever.
Best
LT
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Steve Newport
Leonar...@gmail.com (LT)
<<<Earl Wrightson & Lois Hunt appeared frequently on The Mike Douglas
Show. Those were the days!>>>
----------------------------------------------
Howard Keel, and from the Opera scene, Giorgio Tozzi, and Renata Scotto.
I recall that when Nelson Eddy passed on (in '67), Mike, in tribute,
sang 'Eddy/ Mac''s signature song, 'Will You Remember'.
He prefaced it with the words, "I hope that whenever hearing this song,
Douglas, one of the most personable of TV hosts, ever.
I remember Mike Douglas' week long co-hosts, including Gwen Verdon and
Sammy Davis, Jr.-- sometimes with a whole program devoted to one of
their Broadway shows. And these were 90 minute programs. On Sammy's
GOLDEN BOY day, he had co-star Paula Wayne- and they did all their
numbers. Fosse appeared on Verdon's DAMN YANKEES program. I also
remember: Edie Adams telling Rex Reed she couldn't have done the L'IL
ABNER movie because she was pregnant. I remember Mike telling the sound
people to turn down the microphones when John Raitt was about to sing.
Steve Newport
From: Leonar...@gmail.com (LT)
Sunday afternoon television show, "The American Musical Theater," for
which he won an Emmy Award. As a kid, I was almost literally glued to
the tv set whenever TAMT was about to begin!
---------------------------------------
with Edie Adams, John Raitt, and Janet Blair. Gorgeous people with
gorgeous voices. They appeared on a cover of TV Guide, which I kept and
had on my bedroom wall for years.
----------------------------------------------
Super-talented folks, all!
SN: I sat next to Edie at the original off-Broadway JERRY'S GIRLS. I had
seen her MAME in stock, and we had a nice chat about it.