On November 16th, Two Iconic Musicals Opened On Broadway--22 Years Apart!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                              The first, of course, was "The Sound Of Music," the last collaboration between Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II.  Yes, Julie Andrews owns it now, but six years before, Mary Martin and Company introduced it to the world.  So, on this day, we honor that.  It paved the way for a cinematic legacy sure to outlive us all.  And can you name the Broadway actors who originated the roles of the Von Trapp Children?  I can, and here they are--Lauri Peters, as Liesl, William Snowden as Friedrich, Kathy Dunn as Louisa, Joseph Stewart as Kurt, Marilyn Rogers, as Brigitta, Mary Susan Locke as Marta and Evanna Lien as Gretl.  Marilyn Rogers, who originated Brigitta, died on October 10, 2010, just six days after her 63rd birthday.  She also originated the role of Amaryllis in "The Music Man" in 1957.

                               The opening was just two days before my fifth birthday, so I don't think my parents were inclined to haul me into NYC for a Broadway show, even though I would have loved it.  They were never too keen on NYC itself.  Especially my mother.

                                  I was singing "The Sound Of Music" before I realized it.  I had a 45RPM of Mitch Miller and The Children from "The Sound Of Music," singing "Do-Re-Mi."  I used to play that all the time and sing along with it.  Who knew?

                                    Realistically, this show turns 65 years old today.  Double that, and many more!

                            This is also a big day for "Merrily We Roll Along," which opened on November 16, at the then Alvin, now Neil Simon Theatre, in 1981.  Historical note, the actor pictured to the far left is not Jim Walton, but James Weissenbach, who was originally cast as Franklin Shepard, but was later replaced by Jim Walton, so there was no time to redo the cover pic.  Yes, this show opened 43 years ago, and because of Maria Friedman's 2023 Broadway production with the extraordinary cast of Jonathan Groff, Lindsay Mendez, and Daniel Radcliffe, who most deservedly won a TONY for his touching portrayal of Charley Kringas, 'Merrily' is finally being recognized for the quality show some of us back then, such as myself, knew it was.  I am glad I lived long enough to see its validation, and I look forward to seeing at least one more 'Merrily' before I am done. Hell, I would love to be in 'Merrily.'

                         Happy Birthday to a show I have strong ties to, having met so many Original Cast members, seen the film documentary, and have admired its score for decades.  

                           You time has come, 'Merrily!!!!!!!!!!!'  Live on!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                            I can't think of a day to equal November 16 in Musical Theater History!!!!!!!!!!!!!!