The Tony Award-winning composer who wrote the cheerful, good-natured music and lyrics for such classic shows as “Mame,” “Hello, Dolly!” and “La Cage aux Folles” has died. Jerry Herman was 88.
"Open a new door, Travel a new highway, That's never been tried before; Before you find you're a dull fellow, Punching the same clock, Walking the same tight rope As everyone on the block. The fellow you ought to be is three dimensional, Soaking up life down to your toes, Whenever they say you're slightly unconventional, Just put your thumb up to your nose. And show 'em how to dance to a new rhythm, Whistle a new song, Toast with a new vintage, The fizz doesn't fizz too long. There's only one way to make the bubbles stay, Simply travel a new high way, Dance to a new rhythm, Open a new window ev'ry day!"
That was Mame's philosophy, & I'm sure Mr Herman's as well.
Such a gift, to be able to bring joy to so many peopke for so long. A legacy well deserved.
Rest in peace, sir and many thanks.
If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it?
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RIP Jerry Herman!!! Your contributions to Broadway and to the world are incomparable! I first became familiar with your songs at age 9 belting out “The Best of Times” at a summer theatre camp. Professionally I saw “La Cafe Aux Folles” on Broadway in 2010 starring Kelsey Grammer; and then twice on tour in 2011! One of my all-time favorite experiences in ALL my theatre going years ever was getting to see “Hello Dolly” starring the legendary Bette Midler & David Hyde-Pierce on Broadway in 2017! I was fortunate enough to return to that production in 2018 on Broadway to see Bernadette Peters & Victor Garber succeed those roles! Furthermore I saw the “Hello Dolly” Tour this April three times with Betty Buckley headlining! I hope the world will get a revival of “Mame” in the near future... the only thing that seems appropriate to say now is “So Long Dearie, So Long...”
In addition to Mr. Herman’s wonderful contributions to the world of musical theater, he is also inspiring as one of the longest-surviving celebrities who was diagnosed with HIV in the early days of the epidemic. Rest In Peace, sir.
"You travel alone because other people are only there to remind you how much that hook hurts that we all bit down on. Wait for that one day we can bite free and get back out there in space where we belong, sail back over water, over skies, into space, the hook finally out of our mouths and we wander back out there in space spawning to other planets never to return hurrah to earth and we'll look back and can't even see these lives here anymore. Only the taste of blood to remind us we ever existed. The earth is small. We're gone. We're dead. We're safe."
-John Guare, Landscape of the Body
I interviewed Jerry several times for BWW and we became friends. Whenever he was in NYC we:d meet for lunch and laughs. A kinder, sweeter man never walked the face of this earth. Rest in peace, dear friend.
One of my earliest introductions to Jerry Herman's music was listening to a cassettes (yes, CASSETTES) of MACK AND MABEL and LA CAGE AUX FOLLES. (A friend had put them on cassette for me so I could listen on my walkman while I was on the go.) RIP Jerry.
The first showtime I heard out of context was Daffy Duck Singing We Need A Little Christmas! Hello Dolly is one of my favorite shows just saw it nearly a year ago with Betty Buckley at the Hollywood Pantages. In 2012 I saw La Cage Aux Folles with Christopher Sieber as Albin on tour in Costa Mesa.
There are no performers listed on the 92nd St Y site, but is there any inside info or rumors about who might be participating in the Jerry Herman Lyrics and Lyricists program? And having never attended one of these, i wonder what's the general caliber of the series?
A truly, gifted musical genius. When I would feel "low" I would play a Jerry Herman tune. Never failed to lift my spirits and get me out of my funk. His music was life affirming. He will never be forgotten. RIP Jerry Herman.
CarlosAlberto said: "A truly, gifted musical genius. When I would feel "low" I would play a Jerry Herman tune. Never failed to lift my spirits and get me out of my funk. His music was life affirming. He will never be forgotten. RIP Jerry Herman."
I start every morning listening to all or part of any one of my DOLLY recordings. ( I call it my Daily Dose of DOLLY). It sets my day up on a positive note.