Search - Ervin M. Drake, What Makes Sammy Run? Pit Orchestra, Bernice Massi :: What Makes Sammy Run? (Original Broadway Cast)

Great Show!!

B. J Robbins | La Quinta, CA United States | 04/27/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The only surprise here is that WMSR? ran for some 540 shows. NOT because it was bad, but because it was SO GOOD! So untypical of a Broadway show! No hero, but an anti-hero who is a backstabbing heel. A song about having sex ("The Friendliest Thing"). A down ending. Extremely unusual songs. One contrapuntal, others not sung, but almost libretto-like, I don't think any song is of the usual 32-bars, but of widely differing lengths, interesting melodies, a anti-lovesong, where the two paramours describe how bad the other is ("You're No Good"), a song about "A New Pair of Shoes", etc. The score by Ervin Drake is different and delicious. Steve Lawrence is absolutely wonderful in, let's face it, what is a one man show. I particularly liked the singing of Bernice Massi. Drake's lyrics are a bit esoteric at times and come too quick to comprehend a couple times, but after a few listenings you can make it out. Like his music, they are certainly NOT TYPICAL of other Broadway shows, which makes the fact that this show ran for more than a year all the more impressive.



This show is once in a lifetime. Don't listen to the other reviewer. This one will stay with you."