For William - Book of Merman

[edjames]

Actually it sounds like a real laugh! Off-off-off Broadway

 

Two Mormon missionaries ring the doorbell of Ethel Merman and hilarity ensues in this new musical comedy.

The Book of Merman is a diva-driven journey featuring original songs and show-stopping ballads.

 

It’s Delightful. It’s Delicious. It’s De-Merman!

 

 

Directed by Joe Langworth

Music and Lyrics by Leo Schwartz

Book by Leo Schwartz & DC Cathro

 

(St. Luke's Theatre • 308 West 46th St btwn 8th & 9th Ave)

 

https://www.bookofmermanmusical.com

[+ Avalon]

[+ WilliamM]

My impression from watching her interviewed: close friends called her Merman, not Ethel. After all, It was not her real last name. Mary Martin did visit her four or five times when Merman was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. A lot considering Ethel lived in New York & Mary in California.

 

Always competitive, Merman finally used a walker after one of Mary's visits. And she kept using the walker, but it did not help much (unlike @Avalon).

Edited November 12, 2018 by WilliamM

[bostonman]

After all, It was not her real last name.

 

Merman and Bob Dylan shared a last name that neither used. In her case it was the desire to shorten it. With Dylan, it may have been his desire to have a stage name that didn't seem so Jewish.