"Enter Laughing"

[+ beethoven]

This is "So Long, 174tt Street," which starred a much-too-old Bobby Morse in 1974, and flopped after 14 performances on Broadway. "Enter Laughing" was the title of a 1950s autobiography by Carl Reiner, then a 1963 play with a young Alan Arkin, then a movie, then the musical.

It's now in a wonderful revival (thru June 23) by the York Theater at St. Peter's church on 53rd St. & Lexington Ave. It has "The Butler's Song," which is worth the price of admission -- see George S. Irving sing it on You Tube. It's got a talented cast of young actors and wonderful old pros. This shows what a good director and a tongue in the cheek can do to transform a flop into a winner -- with a three-piece orchestra and minimal sets and costumes. But the wit and heart and talent are far, far, far above minimal.

It is delightful!!!

[samhexum]

A friend of mine had always raved about the movie. I finally saw it & decided it should have been titled "Enter Yawning."

 

Glad you enjoyed the play, though.

[edjames]

Thanks Beethoven for your review and commentary.

This was on my list and somehow, I forgot all about, it but you've provided me with inspiration to seek out a ticket.

Got one for the Thursday matinee...

[+ beethoven]

For those of you who have never heard "The Butler's Song" from "Enter Laughing' (which was known as "So Long, 174th Street" when it flopped on Broadway in 1974 -- with Bobby Morse as David Kolowitz), here's George S. Irving: