This Man Directed Two Of My All-Time Favorite Musicals--"MAME," And "RAGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                                  If any of you out there went to the Broadway theater during the Sixties, Seventies, and Eighties, chances are one of the shows you saw was directed by Gene Saks.  Who, at one point, might have been known as Mr. Beatrice Arthur, when he was married to said actress, but Gene was a genius in his own right.

                                    His track record was phenomenal.  Take a look at this.  In addition to my two favorites, he directed, among other shows, "Half A Sixpence," "Nobody Loves An Albatross," "Same Time Next Year," the musical "I Love My Wife," as well as a plethora of Neil Simon plays--"Brighton Beach Memoirs," "Biloxi Blues,"  Broadway Bound" (The Entire Eugene Trilogy!!!!!!), "Lost In Yonkers." "Jake's Women," "Rumors," not to mention the original production of "The Odd Couple," and "California Suite."

                                     He started out as an actor; interestingly, his debut was in 1949, in the ensemble of the original "South Pacific."  He also enacted the role of Leo "Chuckles The Chipmunk" Herman, in "A Thousand Clowns," both on Broadway and film--his best known acting gig.

                                       By my count he won seven Tony Awards for directing both plays and musicals.  He was the director of the day, whom every actor, including myself, wanted to work with.  I am sorry I did not get the chance.

                                         He died on March 28, at the age of 92, from complications from pneumonia, not surprising, at that age. He died at home, in the East Hamptons.

                                          But I have no doubt, once he crossed over, he was asked to mount something in the Celestial Realms!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Since he was such a success on Earth, how could he not be, there??????????????

                                             Rest In Peace, Gene Saks!  Because, as your kind goes, it can never, ever be replaced!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                              To close, I have two classic offerings. Here are Angela Lansbury, Jane Connell, Sab Shimono, and Frankie Michaels doing "We Need A Little Christmas," from Saks' Original  1966 production of "MAME."

                                              And, exactly twenty years later, in 1986, here are Judy Kuhn and Dick Latessa recreating the high point of "RAGS"--its dramatic, title song!

                                               Enjoy, darlings, and remember a true genius' work!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!