In the original Bergman film Frid is a boisterous, life-loving character - practically a force of nature. And that's why I always felt "Silly People" was wrong for him; it seemed too introspective, too analytical, and more in line with Henrik's dark view of the world than Frid's. I always imagined Frid's song would be rather like "The Miller's Son" in tone and feeling, though more specific to his own situation. But when you already have one "The Miller's Son"-type number in the second act, you don't need another.
I think A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC is the best adaptation from film to musical stage I've ever seen - but if it has one flaw, it's the way Frid got lost in the translation. |
