What, exactly, is a "Dark Musical???" My girls certainly know that, but, for those who may be clicking on here for the first time, let me explain. It has nothing to do with "The Wiz," "Purlie," or, even, "Ain't Supposed To Die A Natural Death!!!!"
A "Dark Musical" is the polar opposite of a "Musical Comedy". Where the latter can be anything from entertaining ("Mame") to absolute fluff ("Crazy For You!"), the former ventures into territory not explored in the latter, subject matter sometimes so disturbing, it is no wonder most of them do not run long. Consider some of these better "Dark Musicals"!
1. "Show Boat"
2. "Carousel"
3. "West Side Story"
4. "Gypsy"
5. "Cabaret"
6. "Follies"
8. "A Chorus Line"
9. "Merrily We Roll Along"
10. "Rags"
It is actually show #9, 'Merrily', that prompted the discussion, leading to this blog.
While dressing this morning, Monsieur asked me to sing something from the aforementioned show. I began warbling on a few tunes, but when I got to one of its signature songs, "Not A Day Goes By," he remarked how sad a song it was. And I had to admit it is, which is why I resist singing not only this, but other such songs--to do so I have to go to some dark places that sometime bring up things I would much rather forget. An acquaintance of mine recently said that, while he wanted to see the current revival of "Follies"--which is fabulous, darlings!!!--he was not sure if, at his age now, he could take it, emotionally.
Which is exactly what "Dark Musicals" do--go into not often explored, frequently emotionally difficult, territory. Hence, why many do not often run for very long. (Isn't it interesting how many of them deal with show business???) And the ones that do--like "A Chorus Line" acknowledge the darkness in a way that somehow sheathes its negative veneer. And who taught us all how to do that, honeys????? None other than Jacqueline Susann!!!!! As when Patty Duke, as Neely, says "I know it's a rotten business...but I LOVE it!!!!!!!"
Of all the "Dark Musicals" listed, I think "Gypsy" is the most accessible. Though its original run was not spectacular, the amount of revivals it has had in the over fifty years since it opened (is it Broadway's most revived musical???? If not, pretty darn close!!!!!) makes it seem like a long runner. And that is because, on one level it is fun; everyone loves that Overture, the Strippers' number ("You Gotta Have A Gimmick") and the showstopping turn of whatever actress is playing Mama Rose.
(Which is going to be ME someday, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!) Yet the brassiness and glossiness cannot cover the fact that this is at heart a tragic story--of a woman abandoned by her own mother, who wanted fame herself, and, determined not to abandon her own offspring, is determined to give them what she hadn't. She does, but at a price--one of the daughters (June) abandons her, and with Louise comes the old tug and pull of letting go. But people seem to take to "Gypsy" more readily than any show on my list. It all has to do with how the darkness is couched, darlings!!!!!!!!
Breathes there a Tbeater Queen who has NOT put on the cast album (Ethel Merman being the Gold Standard!!!!!) and performed the role of Mama Rose themselves???? Don't lie to me, darlings; I know who you are!!!!!!! Now, get that act outta the living room and at least to The Monster or Marie's Crisis!!!!!!! Every time "Gypsy" gets revived, it is a revelation, and fresh discoveries get made, but one thing I wish SOME revival would do, which has not, is bring back the Human Christmas Tree at Minsky's. That image, seen only in photos, is one of the most stunning theater images, and I cannot imagine a director or performer not wanting to mount it. Unless there is some contractual thing regarding Jerome Robbins' staging, I cannot imagine why this is never duplicated. But it is the first thing I think of when I think of what makes "Gypsy" an accessible show, even though it is a "Dark Musical."
And seeing a "Dark Musical" is often followed up, with a light drink. Just ask Elaine Stritch!!!!! Hope all your Musical Comedy Dreams come true, darlings!!!!
And if you do "Gypsy," do not--I repeat, DO NOT--allow yourself to be upstaged in "Little Lamb!!!!!!"
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