"I look at it as a fun curtain raiser that also gives our leading man something more to sing. It still has no place in the context of the book and I think it would feel very different if some attempt had been made to integrate it back into the show. I do think it gives insight into the character though...we find out that Vandergelder's half-a-million dollar fortune isn't entirely through his own hard work...we find out that he lucked into a job and then married the boss' daughter, who then died."
I agree on all counts. I think the number works perfectly in its current slot in the show, and even though it's a very funny and charming song with a catchy tune, I can't even imagine it as the Act I closer. |
