She was faced with an arduous task, given Rodgers' open dismissal of Sondheim's lyrics as "shit," as well as his eventual ban of Laurents from rehearsals completely. Franchi generally received excellent reviews of his singing performance on this show, his Broadway debut.[31]. Sondheim's lyrics for the song tended to lean toward a more cynical view of marriage and his suggestion that the husband and wife might find consolation by having separate affairs, even a homosexual one, was quite revolutionary for 1965. When the McIlhennys show her their purchase of a set of glasses exactly like hers, Leona believes Renato misrepresented their value, but Signora Fioria assures her they are antiques. Some people cry at hellos and farewells, Some people cry at nostalgia with bells, Some cry at weddings, some at the moon, I cry promptly Mondays at high noon. The original production received mixed reviews. . is available to license! LEONA I was thinking, Coffee and Puccini Isn't my taste. Do I Hear a Waltz? Filmed with Kathryn Hepburn and Rosanno Brazzi but unknown in the UK, and now opening as The Park Theatre's first musical. Optimistic at a chance to do something unusual, Sondheim thought that Leona--the lonely and uptight American--should not sing until the end of the show. Do I Hear a Waltz? And the small supporting cast, featuring Carol Bruce as the proprietor of a pension, is also impressive. [23][24], The musical was presented by Encores! For there are times, particularly in the early stages, when the songs are merely a decoration. have accomplished their conversion from the play with tact and grace. Maybe we should ask him What he's doing later. The gentleman is an attractive, middle-aged shopkeeper, whose attentions give flight to her deepest dreams of romance. Even so, Rodgers felt that the original play did not lend itself to musicalization; Sondheim agreed. He probably showed it to her out of enthusiasm. Do I Hear a Waltz? which starred Anita Bryant as Leona and featured Don Amendolia as Vito (Carol Bruce had originally been announced as encoring her Broadway role of Fioria for Kenley Players). in the context of Mary Rodgers's formulation of what she called a "Why? Follow @genius on Twitter for updates By Laura Hitchcock. Do I Hear a Waltz? Leona refuses his offer and leaves, but returns the next day to buy the goblet. opened on Broadway on March 18, 1965 at the 46th Street Theatre and closed on September 25, 1965 after 220 performances. It at all. [33] Sondheim felt that Rodgers was not able to write a story in song so he ended up writing many of the lyrics first. Musical excerpts (not included on the original cast recording) include the overture, Lezione in Inglese, We're Going to the Lido, Everybody Loves Leona. "[34], Ultimately Sondheim understood the failure of Do I Hear a Waltz? [33] In getting to know Rodgers, Sondheim found a "funny, dour, difficult fellow" who was plagued with self-doubt, thinking that his musical abilities were failing him. Learn - Leona "Stay" - Di Rossi "Perfectly Lovely Couple" - Ensemble "Everybody Loves Leona" - Leona "Last Week, Americans" - Fioria "Thank You So Much" - Leona, Di Rossi; Finale Ultimo - Orchestra; Note: The book for this production was extensively revised by Arthur Laurents. The owner, Renato di Rossi, tells her it is an authentic 18th-century piece, not a reproduction. [4], Laurents suggested that John Dexter direct the show, but later regretted the choice. Gender: Female. "http":"https";t.getElementById(r)||(n=t.createElement(e),n.id=r,n.src=i+"://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js",s.parentNode.insertBefore(n,s))}(document,"script","twitter-wjs"); [7], Laurents rued the casting - he felt Allen was too young and colorless and Franchi couldn't act - and ignored all the ongoing problems in favor of making his dream a reality, but most of all he regretted the break in his friendship with Sondheim after the show.[8]. He enthusiastically contacted Laurents and the two discussed changes that could be made to improve the show. Style: Uptempo. The first run-through was disastrous, and Dexter immediately lost interest, leaving most of the work to his assistant-cum-choreographer Wakefield Poole. – Leona Samish, Mrs. McIlhenny, Mr. McIlhenny, Eddie Yaeger and Jennifer Yaeger, "Here We Are Again" – Leona Samish, Vito and Ragazzi, "Thinking" – Renato Di Rossi and Leona Samish, "No Understand" – Signora Fioria, Eddie Yaeger and Giovanna, "Moon in My Window" – Jennifer Yaeger, Signora Fioria and Leona Samish, "We're Gonna Be Alright" [revised] – Eddie Yaeger and Jennifer Yaeger, "Do I Hear a Waltz?" Mood: Excited, Fascinated ♬ BUY Vocal Book. Do I Hear a Waltz? Follow @genius "[19][20], A 2001 revival of the musical was staged at the Pasadena Playhouse, Pasadena, California, where it ran from July 15 through August 19: with stage musical icon Carol Lawrence as Fioria, the cast also included Anthony Crivello (Renato), Eddy Martin (Mauro), Alyson Reed (Leona), Jack Riley (Mr. McIlhenny), Elmarie Wendel (Mrs. McIlhenny), and Annie Wersching (Jennifer Yaeger). I can't hear a waltz. RCA released a single (RCS 47-8552) of two of the songs recorded by Sergio Franchi ("Someone Like You" and "Take The Moment"); and he sang them on several televised shows. It starred Elizabeth Allen and Sergio Franchi; other principal cast members included Carol Bruce, Madeleine Sherwood, Julienne Marie, Stuart Damon, Fleury D'Antonakis, and Jack Manning. was presented by the St Louis Municipal Opera, with a cast also including Fleury D'Antonakis (reprising her Broadway role as Giovanna), Clifford David (Eddie Yaeger), Enzo Stuarti (Renato), Monique van Vooren (Fioria) and Karin Wolfe (Jennifer Yaeger). — perhaps because it can’t compare to his trail-blazing hits, and also because Sondheim apparently wrote some lyrics that were not acceptable to composer Richard Rodgers and, therefore, didn’t make it into the show. Some people cry at Vienna or Rome, This one is mine, Cookie, this one is home. Do I Hear a Waltz? ... Leona's character is more balanced in this version. (Kenley Players Production, 1967) which opened August 1967 with a cast that included Anita Bryant, Bob Wright (ii), Monique Van Vooren, Paul Koverman, Stanley Grover on Ovrtur, the database of musicals from New York, London and beyond. Choreography was by Herbert Ross, with scenery and costumes by Beni Montresor and lighting by Jules Fisher. Do I Hear a Waltz? Leona Samish is a hard-edged, single New York City secretary in her late 30’s vacationing alone in 1960’s Venice. Leona, an unmarried American secretary 'of a certain age,' goes on a vacation to Venice where, under the spell of that enchanted city, she falls in love. Eddie, finding himself enamoured with Signora Fioria, announces he wants to put distance between himself and the woman by returning to the United States. Productions. [15], In the summer of 1972 Ronald Holgate again encored as Renato in a tour of Do I Hear a Waltz? [1] By the time the project began to jell, however, Hammerstein had died, and Stephen Sondheim was asked by Laurents and Mary Rodgers, Richard Rodgers' daughter, to write the lyrics. LEONA Such a fine beginning, I keep thinking ... Musical: Do I Hear A Waltz?. Do I Hear a Waltz? It was adapted from Laurents' 1952 play The Time of the Cuckoo, which was the basis for the 1955 film Summertime starring Katharine Hepburn. Age: Young Adult. One of the shows that no-one ever expected to be revived was DO I HEAR A WALTZ?, the 1965 musical version of "Time of the Cuckoo", with music by Richard Rodgers and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. Meanwhile, the Yaegers are facing problems of their own. The following day both the Yaegers and the McIlhennys check out of the pensione as Fioria is happy that everyone is leaving and making way for the next group of guests ("Last Week Americans"). [17], In 1997, Sondheim was sent a recording of a concert version of Do I Hear a Waltz? There she meets Americans Eddie and Jennifer Yaeger, who are living in Rome and have come to Venice for a vacation, and the McIlhennys, an older couple on a package tour ("What Do We Do? Original Broadway Cast, 1965 (Columbia/Sony) (4 / 5) Stephen Sondheim has often bad-mouthed Do I Hear a Waltz? is a musical with a book by Arthur Laurents, music by Richard Rodgers, and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. "[33], One particular incident involved an infamous lyric change referring to a married couple in the song We're Gonna Be All Right. They give the impression that they are there because a musical requires music. Additionally, Mary Rodgers (the composer's daughter) was a good friend of Sondheim and forcefully urged him to consider a collaboration. But you know, it's got stuff about sexuality in it. Do I Hear a Waltz? Friedman-Abeles photograph collection. New York, New York May 11, 2016-May 15, 2016. In the end, the Yeagers, the McIlhennies, and Leona all leave the Pensione and a new flock of visitors start their vacations. Coming on the heels of the brief troubled run of Anyone Can Whistle, he and Arthur Laurents hoped for a hit—for financial reasons and to restore their credibility. Pretty people, two by two, Do as they've always done. Just so Leona could come here and cry [MAURO, spoken] Lady, you want a guide? (Original Broadway Cast Recording) Stephen Sondheim. [LEONA, spoken] ... Do I Hear A Waltz? with Patrice Munsel headlining as Leona: also in the cast were Richard Kline (Eddie Yaeger) and Denise Lor (Fioria). Here we are again, Time to call the waiter. Show Name: Do I Hear A Waltz? http://www.playbill.com/videos New York City Center’s Encores! [37], Tony Award for Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical, Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical, http://www.worldcat.org.nz/title/do-i-hear-a-waltz/oclc/756946852?referer=br&ht=edition, "Jersey Footlights; Distinguished Visitors at Auditions", IndieLondon.co.uk: "Landor Theatre brings a taste of Venice to London", "Encores! Range: A3-B4. We Fly" and "Bargaining" to be repetitive songs, victims of the lack of desire to rewrite, a type of song he named "mechanicals. Laurents originally conceived the production as a small chamber musical with music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein, and Mary Martin in the lead role of spinster Leona Samish. To begin with, his reasons for collaborating with Rodgers were prompted out of obligations to others rather than a belief in the material. They have not attempted a complete transformation. Sergio Franchi, as her romantic partner, also came in for criticism, but comes off much better here. Also a factor was that his now-deceased mentor Oscar Hammerstein had recommended that he succeed him as Rodgers’ lyricist."[3]. Context & Lyrics. Just so Leona could come here and cry. It starred Elizabeth Allen and Sergio Franchi; other principal cast members included Carol Bruce, Madeleine Sherwood, Julienne Marie, Stuart Damon, Fleury D'Antonakis, and Jack Manning. [21], In 2003, the Landor Theatre in London staged the musical[22] and in March 2014, Charles Court Opera further revived the show at Park Theatre in Finsbury Park. Realizing Renato is married, she cancels their rendezvous. Dexter insisted on giving the lead role of Leona to Elizabeth Allen, who Laurents felt could manage the acting and singing but had a cold personality too contrary to that of the character. Franco Zeffirelli was the first choice for director, and he met with Laurents, Sondheim, and Rodgers, who fell asleep during their discussion. [33], The original cast recording was released by Columbia Records in 1965, and was chosen by Billboard as an Original Cast Spotlight Album. Later that day, a package with a second goblet is delivered to the hotel. that summer: however Collins' maternity leave mandated Julia Meade instead headlining those two engagements opposite Holgate. New York City secretary Leona Samish arrives in Venice ("Someone Woke Up"), where she is staying at the Pensione Fioria, where she is greeted by owner Fioria ("This Week Americans"). is a stage musical based on the Arthur Laurents play The Time of the Cuckoo. "Do I Hear a Waltz?" He comes to the pensione and explains he and his wife have not loved each other for years but divorce is not an option, not only because the country doesn't permit it, but because they have their children to consider as well. They do not translate the story into the fresh and marvelous language that the rich resources of the musical stage make possible. His affection for her is gone, and they part as friends ("Thank You So Much"). He offers not only to find her a matching glass to make up a pair, but to show her the sights of the city, as well. ... Do I Hear a Waltz? Lyrics. concert revival of Richard Rodgers and Stephen Sondheim’s lackluster 1965 flop musical, Do I Hear a Waltz? In May 1966, Do I Hear a Waltz? at New York City Center in May 2016. sounded so promising. It was directed by Evan Cabnet[25][26] and starred Melissa Errico (Leona), Claybourne Elder (Eddie Yaeger), Sarah Stiles (Giovanna) and Richard Troxell (Renato De Rossi). (Pause) RENATO I keep thinking, Such a fine beginning, Such a lovely evening we could spend. Do I Hear a Waltz? And I don't understand. Elizabeth Allen – Leona Samish; Sergio Franchi – Renato Di Rossi; Carol Bruce – Signora Fioria; Stuart Damon – Eddie Yaeger; Julienne Marie – Jennifer Yaeger; Jack Manning – Mr. McIlhenny; Madeleine Sherwood – Mrs. McIlhenny Do I Hear a Waltz? On the other hand, they have not cheapened or falsified the play . Dates / Origin Date Created: 1965 Library locations Billy Rose Theatre Division Shelf locator: *T-VIM 1992-013 Topics Rodgers, Richard, 1902-1979. There isn't a band. Oh, my Lord, there it goes again! Unlike his other partnerships in which composers responded with a collaborative give-and-take between lyrics and music, Sondheim felt that working with Rodgers was like "a set of assignments, either from me to Rodgers or Rodgers to me. At the same time one cannot suppress a regret that they failed to be bolder. Learn More. In his final meeting with Hammerstein, the dying lyricist recommended that Sondheim collaborate with Rodgers. Vocal Part: Alto. [35] A remastered version was released on compact disc and cassette tape by Sony Broadway in 1992. Renato arrives with a garnet necklace for Leona, who is thrilled with his gift and agrees to extend her stay in Venice. Rodgers, who was producing the Broadway production, rejected Martin as too old for Leona. It was adapted from Laurents' 1952 play The Time of the Cuckoo, which was the basis for the 1955 film Summertime starring Katharine Hepburn. (Original Broadway Production, 1965) which opened March 18, 1965 with a cast that included Elizabeth Allen, Sergio Franchi, Christopher Votos, Carol Bruce, Stuart Damon on Ovrtur, the database of musicals from New York, London and beyond. With rare exceptions (Sondheim cited My Fair Lady as such an exception because its creators loved and respected the story), "Why? From three giants of the Broadway stage comes this touching story of lost opportunity. (Original, Musical, Broadway) opened in New York City Mar 18, 1965 and played through Sep 25, 1965. Do I Hear a Waltz? that had been presented in London. Arthur Laurents (1917-2011) was the author of musical plays such as West Side Story, Gypsy, Anyone Can Whistle, Do I Hear A Waltz?, Hallelujah Baby! //]]>, Sorry, we have to make sure you're a human before we can show you this page. [6] . The musical is based on Arthur Laurents’ play The Time of the Cuckoo and was adapted into a musical by Laurents, Richard Rodgers (music) and Stephen Sondheim (lyrics). Names Friedman-Abeles (Firm) (Photographer) Collection. Leona, an unmarried American secretary 'of a certain age,' goes on a vacation to Venice where, under the spell of that enchanted city, she falls in love. Rodgers refused to consider such an innovation, bringing Sondheim to recognize that in the Rodgers and Hammerstein collaboration, it was Hammerstein that was the pathbreaker, because Rodgers was an "archconservative" whose innovations were restricted to superficial gimmicks (for example, no string instruments in No Strings). Do I Hear a Waltz . View Lyrics. Adapted from Arthur Laurents' 1952 play, The Time of the Cuckoo, the musical Do I Hear a Waltz? Two giants of musical theatre: lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, music by Richard Rodgers and a book by Arthur Laurents. [CDATA[ Song: Thinking. [LEONA] Do I hear a waltz? Actress Rebecca Seale is taking on the lead role of Leona Samish in Charles Court’s version of the seldom-performed musical Do I Hear a Waltz? We don't have to say much To make the job complete. It was then he realized the original play did lend itself to musical adaptation, but the score Rodgers composed wasn't very good. Rodgers' mistreatment of Sondheim left the lyricist feeling apathetic if not outright sour about the project, but he maintained his professionalism. Laurents suspected Rodgers had been drinking, and when he discovered a bottle of vodka secreted in the toilet tank during a later visit to the Rodgers apartment, he realized he had been correct. Leona, a secretary, arrives in Venice and is amazed by what the city has to offer. The musical received three nominations for the Tony Awards: Elizabeth Allen was nominated for the Tony Award for Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical; nominated for Best Original Score; and nominated for Best Scenic Design, but lost in all three categories. Very odd, but I hear a waltz. Do I Hear a Waltz? Howard Taubman of The New York Times observed, "The authors . March 4, 2015 D-F Michael Portantiere. [10][11] Also in the summer of 1966 Do I Hear a Waltz made its West Coast premiere, with Anne Jeffreys as Leona leading the Valley Music Theater production in which Richard Torigi played Renato and Fleury D'Antonakis again played Giovanna. LEONA Someone woke up one incredible day, [27][28], The 42nd Street Moon company of San Francisco has mounted two revivals of Do I Hear a Waltz?, the first in 1998 with Darren Criss as Mauro, the second in 2014 with Emily Skinner as Leona.[29]. It starred Elizabeth Allen and Sergio Franchi; other principal cast members included Carol Bruce, Madeleine Sherwood, Julienne Marie, Stuart Damon, Fleury D'Antonakis, and Jack Manning. [14] Also in the summer of 1967 Monique van Vooren encored as Fioria in the Kenley Players of Dayton (Ohio) production of Do I Hear a Waltz? Do I Hear a Waltz? made its regional theatrical debut at the Pabst Theater in Milwaukee (Wisconsin): Dorothy Collins as Leona led a cast which also included Ron Holgate (Collins' husband) as Renato, Joel Fabiani as Eddie Yaeger. Lend itself to musicalization ; Sondheim agreed maternity leave mandated Julia Meade instead headlining those two engagements opposite Holgate,! Broadway cast, 1965 well received by the critics, and they part friends! Her romantic partner, also came in for criticism, but later regretted the choice ruby glass goblet a... Also in the early stages, when the songs are merely a decoration, also came for... 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