Vincent Youmans, Ruby Keeler, Jack Gilford - No, No, Nanette - The New 1925 Musical (1971 Broadway Revival Cast)

"The New 1925 Musical" is how this hit revival production was advertised upon its debut in 1970, already clueing its potential audience into the camp value and appeal it offered. In this regard, No, No, Nanette was the blueprint for such modern revivals as Guys & Dolls or How to Succeed in Business, which presented social mores once considered somewhat seriously with tongue now planted firmly in cheek. The show got great marquee value from tap dancing star Ruby Keeler appearing in her first Broadway show since 1940, not to mention the four Tony Awards it scored that year; the revival ended up running twice as long as the 1925 original. What sounded campy in the early '70s, however, may sound slightly dated in our more irony-filled times; nevertheless, you can't go wrong with the three great standards that came from the Vincent Youmans/Irving Caesar score--"Too Many Rings Around Rosie," "I Want to Be Happy," and "Tea for Two"--and the production (which also means this CD) puts the last two songs to ample use throughout, sounds of tap dancing totally intact. Broadway music connoisseurs will surely find it delightful. Sony gives the rerelease its regular Broadway Masterworks series update treatment, with previously unreleased tracks, elongated songs (featuring material cut from the original album), and a broadcast of the stars backstage on opening night, which informs us that the top ticket price for the show was an astronomical $15! --Bill Holdship Amazon.com

Nostalgia time

This 1971 revival/reworking of "No, No, Nanette" evokes memories of the earlier days of Broadway musicals (which I never experienced personally, but have heard on some vintage recordings). The show was loaded with pre-production problems. Cast members were replaced; replacements were replaced; the director was replaced; the book adapter was replaced; one coproducer was forced out; the choreographer was inadequate for the job and had to be bailed out by others more capable than he (and he won a Tony, basically for the work others had done); new songs were dropped; the remaining producer tried unsuccessfully to have her daughter cast in the title role. Still, the whole thing worked. The professional reviewers liked it; three rave reviews, three good, and one mixed, no pans. The audience liked it; it ran for 861 performances. The financial backers liked it; it made a lot of money. The American Theater Wing liked it; it won four Tonies, including the one for choreography.
It is good to hear music that has been familiar for some time, but whose original context was not familiar. In particular, "Tea for Two," "I Want to Be Happy," and "I've Confessed to the Breeze."
My one problem is with "Too Many Rings Around Rosie," a really interesting number. I do not know how it is supposed to sound; but, it "wows" (for want of a more descriptive word) like a 78 rpm record played on an old wind-up player that is running down. Isn't that taking nostalgia a little bit too far?
Clearly, though, the pluses outweight the minuses, and every fan of Broadway musicals should enjoy this recording. May 17, 2008

Amazon review request

I am quite satisfied and happy with the production and content of this product. Also, particularly pleased with the bonus interviews. I must take this opportunity to thank your prompt ordering and mailing service plus, your competitive pricing.

Regards, John Gaunt May 12, 2008

No No Nannette

We absolutely love the music from No, No, Nanette. It is a very well written play, with great music and lyrics and the cast is the very best that Broadway can offer. January 10, 2007

"The New 1925 Musical"

NO, NO, NANETTE, by Vincent Youmans, Irving Caesar, and Otto Harbach, is the show that defined fun-filled 1920's musicals. NANETTE first opened on Broadway in 1925 and was revived sucessfully in 1971; this is the cast recording of that revival. Today, the musical's story and songs -- which include such hits as "I've Confessed to the Breeze," "I Want to Be Happy," and "Tea for Two" -- remain charming. The humorous story concerns Jimmy Smith, a married Bible publisher, who is guardian to teenage Nanette, a would-be "flapper" (liberated woman). Jimmy has been giving money to three pretty girls in different cities, and trouble results when Jimmy, Nanette, Jimmy's wife, and the three girls all turn up at the Smiths' Atlantic City vacation home. Rather than parodying NANETTE, this production treats the show with affection and respect; as a result, the album is sheer delight to listen to. Susan Watson as Nanette sings with spirit and fresh innocence, and Jack Gilford makes a loveable guardian. Roger Rathburn sings well (and with his tongue in his cheek, as it were) in the role of Nanette's rather dull suitor, Tom. Two standouts in the supporting cast are Helen Gallagher and Bobby Van as the Smiths' friends, Lucille and Billy (the secondary "comic couple" seen in so many musicals). Gallagher's rendition of "The 'Where Has My Hubby Gone?' Blues" is terrific. A welcome bonus is a duet called "Only a Moment Ago," sung by Gilford and Ruby Keeler (as Smith's wife); although it was dropped from the show, it is a wonderful song, and I'm glad it was recorded. The orchestra plays the score -- the overture particularly -- with tremendous energy. The recorded sound is excellent and atmospheric -- there is even "tapping" during the dance numbers. This NO, NO, NANETTE is a fun CD that takes the listener back to a more lighthearted era of the musical theatre. January 13, 2004

classic recording

NO NO NANETTE was given a lavish Broadway revival in 1971, starring a stellar cast and garnering several Tony Awards. It's sparkling cast recording is one of my all-time favorites.

The show features Helen Gallagher, Ruby Keeler, Jack Gilford, Bobby Van, Patsy Kelly; and Susan Watson as Nanette herself. The story concerns young Nanette's romantic misadventures and complications in a rather formulaic and traditional 20's-style musical comedy plot.

Both Helen Gallagher (as Lucille Early) and Patsy Kelly (as Pauline the maid) won Tony Awards for their performances in the musical, and Bobby Van was nominated for his role.

Susan Watson (the original Kim in Broadway's BYE BYE BIRDIE and Laurey in the 1960 City Center production of OKLAHOMA!) makes for a delightful Nanette, singing the infectious title song as well as "I've Confessed to the Breeze" and "Waiting for You".

Helen Gallagher is given the show's best songs, including "Too Many Rings Around Rosie", "The Where-Has-My-Hubby-Gone? Blues" and "You Can Dance with Any Girl at All".

A wonderful recording. Sony. October 24, 2002

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