Speaking of ''Mack & Mabel,'' did Jerry Herman ever say it was his best or favorite score? I really enjoy ''Tap Your Troubles,'' ''Time Heals Everything'' and, my favorite Herman showtune, ''I Won't Send Roses.'' Anyway, I knew ''Mack & Mabel'' was short-lived, running only 66 performances, but I was surprised to learn it racked up 8 Tony nominations, including Best Musical, and was up for nearly everything, except Best Score. That must've really stung for Herman. And what's more, the Tony nominators passed over ''Mack & Mabel's'' songs, and instead recognized the music and lyrics of ''The Lieutenant'' (9 performances) and ''A Letter to Queen Victoria'' (18 performances). And for the record, Charles Smalls won Best Score for ''The Wiz.''
Why did Herman object to Encores! doing his shows? Was he afraid it would keep producers from mounting full-scale Broadway revivals of them? |
