I just stumbled across a listing for this bizarre sounding musical. Produced by Bloomingdale's department store, it played a grand total of 20 performances in the spring of 1944. The music was by amazing orchestrator Don Walker, in one of his only composing ventures on Broadway.
The setting is listed as "New York City, Sultanbad, and Hollywood, California in February of 1948." Song titles included "Getting Oriental Over You," "What's New In New York," "Leaf in the Wind" and the title number.
This is all the information I can find, but I'm so intrigued by it. I don't imagine anyone on here is old enough to have seen it, but perhaps someone else has heard of it? Any insight on plot or how these disparate and vaguely arabic pieces fit together?
It's the show where George S. Kaufman was brought in out of town by the Bloomingdale's owner, who was seeking Kaufman's advice on what to do with the show, and Kaufman responded, "close it, and keep the store open nights."
Begin at the beginning and go on till you come to the end: then stop.
I want to point out quickly for the benefit of those who may be reading this from Muslim countries that such a poster would NEVER be issued today, and such a show would be impossible. Americans have advanced since 1944 and have hopefully learned not to make fun of other people's religions. The failure of this show on Broadway shows that, even in 1944, people had qualms about the subject matter.
Almost all Americans of today would probably be shocked by the idea of this show.
Audrey, the Phantom Phanatic, who nonetheless would rather be Jean Valjean, who knew how to make lemonade out of lemons.
Allah Be Praised! Opened at the Adelph Theatre, April 20, 1944. Book and lyrics by George Nason, Jr. Music by Baldwin Bergensen, and Don Walker. With Joey Faye, Sid Stone, Jack Albertson and Patricia Morrison. Produced by Alfred Bloomingdales. Directed by Robert G. Gordon and Jack Small.
Burlesque musical about a land-lease Persian harem and a U.S. senator's sister who wants to join up.
Broadwaysfguy and Mr. Roxy, I agree that, when we make fun of religions, it is prudent to be selective. BOM is an American-born, Christian religion, and sensitivity to satire about the LDS church is unlikely to lead to calls for jihad or actual violence. I had visions of this very reasonable discussion thread leading to a Charlie Hebdo situation, God forbid.
Audrey, the Phantom Phanatic, who nonetheless would rather be Jean Valjean, who knew how to make lemonade out of lemons.
According to "The Sound of Broadway Music: A Book of Orchestrators and Orchestrations" by Steven Suskin, composer Don Walker's full musical score are in the Walker Collection at the Library of Congress along with other correspondence from the show including a letter from featured actress Doretta Morrow which reads: "Your most amusing wire did my old dejected heart good! Thank you for remembering our helacious opening. Allah be thanked it's over."
Walker was payed a total of $4,539 for his orchestrations more than the fees of both the director ($3,000) and choreographer Jack Cole ($1,187).
"I want to point out quickly for the benefit of those who may be reading this from Muslim countries that such a poster would NEVER be issued today, and such a show would be impossible. Americans have advanced since 1944 and have hopefully learned not to make fun of other people's religions. The failure of this show on Broadway shows that, even in 1944, people had qualms about the subject matter.
Almost all Americans of today would probably be shocked by the idea of this show."
Really AHL? Are you that sensitive? Nowack watch your back.
Namo, I didn't believe it until I clicked through to order tickets. It's real! You'll have to let us know how it is... My office is getting a big kick out of it.