Most of you know Neva from her role as Chava in the 1971 film version of "Fiddler On The Roof.' But she started out as a child actress on the Broadway stage. She actually auditioned for one of the younger daughters in the original Broadway production of 'Fiddler.' She did not get it; instead, it took composer and lyricist Bob Merrill to recognize Neva as the legend she was.
He was crazy about her work in "Henry, Sweet Henry," back in 1967, and created for her the number that made her a Legend Of The American Musical Stage--"I Wonder How It Is."
If "RAGS" had been done ten years earlier, it surely would have been Neva belting out the dramatic title tune. Nothing on Judy Kuhn, who was brilliant, but what a song that would have been for Neva.
It was "The Prince Of Grand Street" with Robert Preston, that Merrill saw as making Neva into a big star. Alas, it never made it to Broadway. Still, if one searches, one can hear the number Merrill wrote for Neva to make her stand out--"A Place In The World."
And Neva shares a place in my life, darlings. Not only because our birthdays are next to each other (though two years apart; she will be 72), and the 'Fiddler' film, but I have seen Neva in shows and concerts, as well as meeting her at The Actors Temple, and 54 Below. She was so charming and gracious. At 54 Below, she signed my album cover of "Henry, Sweet Henry," which proudly hangs on the wall in our foyer.
So, Happy Birthday, Neva. Enjoy being a grandmother or whatever your heart desires.
And let us hear from your talent, once in a while!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Here is "I Wonder How It Is," the number that made Neva Small a Legend Of The American Musical Stage." Enjoy!
Love that song!! Love Neva!!!
ReplyDeleteVictoria, I wish we would see and hear more of Neva!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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