HIGH BUTTON SHOES

[broadwaydanwi]

For those who want to learn more about a somewhat forgotten musical comedy, I have posted a new page on "Memories of Melody Top" about a 1978 production of HIGH BUTTON that starred Monty Hall and Anne Jeffreys (both of whom passed away in September of 2017). Click on the link below to see some very rare color photos from this production. I have hoped for years that Encores! would stage a new HIGH BUTTON SHOES so that the entire score is finally recorded.

HIGH BUTTON SHOES at Milwaukee's Melody Top

[fashionguru_23]

I HATE when you post about Melody Fair! My heart always breaks that there is nothing like this! I want to see Chita Rivera in "Flower Drum Song", or George Chakiris & Rita Moreno in "Guys and Dolls".

Thanks!

[Dollypop]

I've loved HIGH BUTTON SHOES ever since I did it in summer stock in the mid sixties. It was a wonderful score and some endearing characters. Oh, how I'd love to see Warren Carlyle chorograph the zany seaside ballet!

[broadwaydanwi]

Thanks for the comments! Melody Top included "The Things We Did Last Summer," by Styne and Cahn, in their HIGH BUTTON SHOES for the characters of Papa and Mama Longstreet. And as for dance, there is more in the musical than the Bathing Beauty/Keystone Kops ballet. A comic tango, the "Lulu Fadoo," takes place in the first act for young Stevie and Nancy (the maid). And at the end of the second act is a rousing number called the "Castle Walk." I couldn't think of a better show for Encores! to revive.

[Dollypop]

As I recall, "Papa Won't You Dance With Me?" was a big dance number, too!

[markypoo]

I saw that 1978 production in Milwaukee, and remember it well.

[broadwaydanwi]

Dollypop said: "As I recall, "Papa Won't You Dance With Me?" was a big dance number, too!"

Yes, I agree that "Papa" is more of a full-blown production number instead of a solo turn for Mama Longstreet. The song is so catchy that I'm able to image it going on for a long time with lots of dancers.

[beaemma]

I saw this production and do remember a production number for "Papa." HIGH BUTTON SHOES is one of those entertaining, well crafted shows that isn't produced much any more. Melody Top did it one other time, with Gabe Dell and Margaret Whiting. It's a fun show, and I agree that it would be a good choice for Encores.

[markypoo]

At the curtain call following the performance I saw, Monty Hall gestured toward Anne Jeffreys and adlibbed: "How'd you like to find HER behind Door Number Three?"
To which she replied: "I'll make a deal with this man anytime."

[broadwaydanwi]

markypoo said: "At the curtain call following the performance I saw, Monty Hall gestured toward Anne Jeffreys and adlibbed: "How'd you like to find HER behind Door Number Three?"
To which she replied: "I'll make a deal with this man anytime.""

Ah, yes! The "third act" act Melody Top was always memorable. I loved it when the stars stayed on stage and talked to the audience. I've heard that Van Johnson always ended his little speeches by saying that his jams and jells were for sale in the lobby. And Jo Anne Worley used to throw little packages of Kleenex into the audience because she was in television commercials for the tissue.