The memory of Will Rogers has dwindled in the much changed world of entertainment since his tragic death in a plane crash more than 80 years ago, but his spirit lives on. If it's not parks named after him or his simple philosophies of never having met a man he didn't like, it's this hit Broadway musical that became a testament to what the every-man was most likely thinking, back when everybody knew their neighbor. This musical chronicles his life, his romantic history, his career, from stage star who did little more than comment on the goings on of the day, to sardonic commentator on the social happenings going on around him in the movies. Back when movie stars didn't all look like Clark Gable or Carole Lombard, back when heavyset Marie Dresser and simplistic Will Rogers were the top box office draws.
Coming from an acting dynasty himself, Keith Carradine is an absolute perfect Will, charismatic and handsome, yet true to the land and simple life. He's a man, though, and flawed, in love with longtime sweetheart Dee Hoty, yet enamored of chorus girl Cady Huffman. In a sense, this isn't much different than another musical that had a score by Cy Coleman, "Barnum", a bit before Will's time, yet still a show business legend. Unlike some of Coleman's other shows, this is not a cynical story though, and the three maim characters are all likable, made even more human thanks to the score which features lyrics by the legendary Betty Comden and Adolph Green.
Before doing a romantic duet with a man in drag (in "Hairspray"), Dick Latessa was busy with other Broadway character roles, and here plays Will's father, an encouraging man who sends Will off to chase his dream. Who more commanding to play Florenz Ziegfeld (or at least provide his voice) than Gregory Peck? Hey, if you can't get former film Ziegfeld's William Powell, Paul Henreid or Walter Pidgeon, then Peck would be my first choice, too. The high stepping, often complicated choreography, is by the legendary Tommy Tune who introduced this to the Japanese audiences who had the privilege of getting this on TV, while Americans had to pray for a friend to get it for them. If you are lucky enough to find it, sit back and take a trip back in time, both to more than 20 years ago to the legendary Palace Theater on Broadway, and 90 years ago when real talent roamed the earth.
Coming from an acting dynasty himself, Keith Carradine is an absolute perfect Will, charismatic and handsome, yet true to the land and simple life. He's a man, though, and flawed, in love with longtime sweetheart Dee Hoty, yet enamored of chorus girl Cady Huffman. In a sense, this isn't much different than another musical that had a score by Cy Coleman, "Barnum", a bit before Will's time, yet still a show business legend. Unlike some of Coleman's other shows, this is not a cynical story though, and the three maim characters are all likable, made even more human thanks to the score which features lyrics by the legendary Betty Comden and Adolph Green.
Before doing a romantic duet with a man in drag (in "Hairspray"), Dick Latessa was busy with other Broadway character roles, and here plays Will's father, an encouraging man who sends Will off to chase his dream. Who more commanding to play Florenz Ziegfeld (or at least provide his voice) than Gregory Peck? Hey, if you can't get former film Ziegfeld's William Powell, Paul Henreid or Walter Pidgeon, then Peck would be my first choice, too. The high stepping, often complicated choreography, is by the legendary Tommy Tune who introduced this to the Japanese audiences who had the privilege of getting this on TV, while Americans had to pray for a friend to get it for them. If you are lucky enough to find it, sit back and take a trip back in time, both to more than 20 years ago to the legendary Palace Theater on Broadway, and 90 years ago when real talent roamed the earth.
