A seldom-heard British musical gem with loads of 'star quali
Byron Kolln | the corner where Broadway meets Hollywood | 07/23/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Imagine my delight at learning that GRAB ME A GONDOLA was finally making it's CD premiere. This is a cast album I've long adored, ever since I came across a well-worn LP and literally played it to death. Hardcore musical theatre fans have wanted this recording on CD for the longest time and finally here it is!
GRAB ME A GONDOLA, with music and lyrics by James Gilbert and Julian More, opened at London's Lyric-Shaftesbury Avenue Theatre on December 26, 1956, and ran for a very successful 687 performances. The show was actually inspired by British movie bombshell Diana Dors and her infamous publicity stunts during the 1955 Venice Film Festival.
Set against the colourful backdrop of the annual Venice Film Festival, GRAB ME A GONDOLA starred talented comedienne Joan Heal as glamorous movie star Virginia Jones, who harbours ambitions to become a classical Shakespearian actress. Joan Heal has a marvellous belty singing voice with lots of zing and zip, especially apparent during her big numbers "That's My Biography", "Cravin' for the Avon", "Star Quality" and "Rig o' the Day".
Playing the romantic male lead, Denis Quilley finally cemented his position as London's greatest musical leading man; Jane Wenham ideally partners him in the love duet "Plain in Love", and he gets a smart solo piece, "When I Find That Girl". Joan Wenham also has a chance to prove her mettle with the wryly-written "Bid Him a Fond Goodbye".
Featured in the chorus were future leading ladies Una Stubbs (SUMMER HOLIDAY) and Mary Preston (LOLA MONTEZ), they are both prominently heard during the "Star Quality" number. The cast album for GRAB ME A GONDOLA, originally released by His Masters Voice, is making it's debut in stereo for the very first time with some choice bonus materials from the original London cast "highlights" recordings for PAL JOEY and WONDERFUL TOWN.
Opening in 1954, the London production of PAL JOEY starred Denis Quilley in the title role, with Carol Bruce as Vera and Jean Brampton as Gladys. Carol Bruce had distinguished herself on Broadway, playing ill-fated Julie in the celebrated 1946 revival of SHOW BOAT. Bruce was an ideal choice for Vera; and had played the role previously for several stock revivals as well as a touring production. Bruce was perfect for the world-weary socialite who gets swept away by caddish Joey, and her rendition of "Bewitched" proves it. Jean Brampton likewise has a ball with the showstopping comedy number "That Terrific Rainbow".
The London production of WONDERFUL TOWN opened in 1955 starring British musical favourite Pat Kirkwood as Ruth. Playing Ruth's flirty younger sister Eileen was the promising Shani Wallis, who, the previous year, had impressed both audiences and critics with her soubrette role in WISH YOU WERE HERE. Their voices blend seamlessly with the homesick duet "Ohio"; Wallis also charms with a winsome "A Little Bit in Love". Kirkwood's comic skills are showcased in "100 Easy Ways" and "Swing" (sadly the "Conga!" number wasn't recorded).
As if this CD wasn't already jam-packed with goodies, Sepia had also included two rarely-heard pop recordings from young Shani Wallis! Truly a must-own disc for musical theater fans!"
Won derful!!! (if you liked the musicals of the 1940s and 19
J. Deneen | saginaw, mi usa | 12/21/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"i just took a chance this and an very pleased that i did. some of the best melodies i've heard are in this show (john gilbert wrote them) + very good lyrics. my title says it all."
Track Listings (28) - Disc #1