| re: Review of new John Latouche biography | |
| Posted by: Erik_Haagensen 02:34 pm EST 12/15/17 | |
| In reply to: re: Review of new John Latouche biography - larry13 11:04 am EST 12/15/17 | |
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| THE BALLAD OF BABY DOE was initially attached to producers who intended to bring it to Broadway. When they couldn't raise the money, they let go of the rights and eventually NYCO picked it up. The review also errs in stating that Latouche never saw a production of the opera. He was present for the world premiere in Colorado and subsequently did rewrites based on that experience. With regard to BEGGAR'S HOLIDAY, I'm presuming that the reviewer meant to say that it was the first Broadway musical for which Latouche wrote both the book and lyrics, which is true. As to the music being by Strayhorn, that's an old controversy, with some sources claiming that Billy Strayhorn really wrote all of Duke Ellington's music. The two men worked closely together, but no one has ever proved that Ellington didn't write the music with which he is credited, and certainly biographer Howard Pollack makes no such claim in the book. Strayhorn did get credit alongside Ellington for the music to the pop hit "Day Dream," which had a lyric by Latouche, so clearly Ellington wasn't above giving him compositional credit if it was warranted. There are other errors in the review. THE VAMP is not about 1930s Hollywood; it is a satire of the silent films era inspired by the story of Theda Bara. Also, Latouche did not die at Harry Martin's house. He died at the home he co-owned with lover Kenward Elmslie in Calais, Vermont. Martin was present at the time, though, as Latouche's guest. Elmslie was not there. Elmslie still owns the house today, splitting his time between NYC and Calais. |
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