Search - John Kander, Fred Ebb :: The Happy Time (1968 Original Broadway Cast)

A Neglected Masterpiece!

David | N.J. | 10/11/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A wonderful score. As many reviewers indicated it was a flop. But it had what most mega-hits have, emotional clout. The story involves a world renowned photographer, who makes a journey back to his hometown of St. Pierre, French Canada. It is a story of reflection. and the authors do their very best to make it a very poigant piece.





The music is very melodic, and covers a wide range of musical style,from the swirling title song, to the French Canadian anthem, St. Pierre. It has some bright, bouncy tunes that are too many to name, but at the same time never loses it's poigant edge. It also has it's share of ballads suited to Robert Goulet perfectly. Those that loved him in "Camelot" will cherish the songs "Walking among my Yesterdays", and "Seeing Things".





Kander and Ebb prove that they were the most versatile composers of their time. Do not expect another "Chicago" or "Cabaret". Those were wonderful shows, but the team was aiming for a different target this time. This show has music that just screams "rediscover me". Do yourself a favor and purchase this wonderful score before it is deleted. Highly reccomended."

I rediscovered

sbunky | Canton, Ohio United States | 03/11/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I never got to see "The Happy Time" on the stage. Actually, I had never even heard of it until the mid-70's after the success of "Cabaret" and "Chicago." I loved those two scores and wanted to hear more of Kander and Ebb's music. I bought "The Happy Time" (on an LP, back then) and played it to death. When my stereo broke down, just about the time CD's became popular, "The Happy Time" got shoved into a closet with all my other obsolete LP's. Recently, while browsing Amazon.com, I found it on CD and ordered it. I can't believe this show ran under a year in New York. Great, great score. The songs are as great as anything Kander and Ebb have ever written. From the rousing "Without Me" and "The Life of the Party" to "Please Stay," "A Certain Girl," and "I Don't Remember You," it seems like nearly every song is a showstopper. I highly recommend this CD to any lover of Broadway musicals. You won't be sorry."

As Good As Any Hit Show, LISTEN TO THE SONGS!

Lenny425 | Pomona, New York United States | 09/02/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a little known show, but FILLED with Melodies and Fun songs. Very hard to find anyone who knows it. DO NOT believe the ignorant who haven't listened. THESE are some of the prettiest, melodic show tunes you will ever hear. Give it to a kid, mine love it, never have they seen the show. "I Don't Remember You", "(Walking) Among My Yesterday's" are songs that someone should/need/must cover, "Seeing Things" is a hit waiting to be discovered. "He's Back" is a wonderful round, 4-5 voices, wonderfully melded together.
The faster numbers are just as hummable, it is "Entertainment" that will make you HAPPY, Goulet et al are just fine. Forget the other JUDGES based on box office, this is a winner....."