Edith Adams, Gene DePaul, Johnny Mercer, Peter Palmer - Li'l Abner (1956 Original Broadway Cast)

Such were the riches of a Broadway spoiled by the successes of Show Boat and Carousel in the 1950s that many a worthy show could get historically short shrift. That may well have been the case with the stage musical adaptation of Al Capp's wildly popular syndicated comic strip, which had a run of nearly 700 performances starting in 1956. The show (music by Gene de Paul, lyrics by Johnny Mercer, book by Norman Panama and Melvin Frank) leaned smartly on Capp's hillbilly-humor-as-contemporary-satire bent, even if its well-crafted songs and score belied a musical sophistication that was anything but Ozarkian.

Mercer's lyrics are playful and sharp (particularly on the political jab "The Country's in the Very Best of Hands"), and he and de Paul provide the show with both comic showstoppers (Stubby Kaye's "Jubilation T. Cornpone") and romantic ballads (highlighted by the zest of veteran trouper Edith Adams and newcomer Peter Palmer's "Namely You"). Previously released on CD only briefly in 1990, this newly restored and supplemented edition contains a wealth of rare materials: a rehearsal recording of the "Sadie Hawkins Day Ballet," a rousing reprise of "Jubilation T. Cornpone," the brief "What's Good for General Bullmoose." There are also two songs cut before the show's opening: "The Way to a Man's Heart" and "It's a Nuisance Having You Around," performed by Percy Faith and Rosemary Clooney, respectively. The "Hawkins Day Ballet" and overture are both presented in their original '50s binaural recordings. --Jerry McCulley Amazon.com

Rollicking!

Rollicking is the best description of this musical's score. Sure, there are the melodic moments, like "Love in a Home" and "Namely You." But the numbers that make this musical unique are things like "Jubilation T. Cornpone" and "Put 'em Back the Way They Was."
I do not understand why Peter Palmer did not go on to more romantic roles. Maybe this type cast him.
Wonderful lyrics! It seems that every time I listen, I hear something I had missed before.
I feel sorry for the younger generation, who did not have the Li'l Abner comic strip, with which I grew up. Without that background, this musical might be a little difficult to comprehend. And, without having lived in the 50s, they will miss much of the satire.
! November 15, 2007

Fun show

Lil' Abner (the musical) is based on the comic strip characters of Al Capp. The comics have not been in newspapers for decades and some of the themes and gags in this show are a bit dated, but there's still some funny stuff in the show and in the music as well. Very creative lyrics and some catchy, memorable tunes. "Jubilation T. Cornpone" bounces right along while the wistful "Namely You" is a sweet, touching love song.

In addition to the music from the show, this CD includes a few bonus tracks. There are a couple of songs that were cut from the show, and some songs or extended versions of songs that were not on the original vinyl release of this soundtrack.

There's a few hiccups in the recording, a missed cue or two, unbalanced chorus, etc. but still an enjoyable listen. September 7, 2007

Li'l Abner

If you like broadway musicals, this one will be perfect for you. Out of the 50's fun musicals following the lines of the music man. Delightful and pleasant the way the great ones usually are from this period. Try the DVD of the movie as well. November 13, 2006

"My Fairl Lady" it is not.

"Lil Abner" is a musical that has clever lyrics, sometimes forgettable music and an always confusing plot.
With two exceptions- "Jubilation T. Cornpone" and "If I Had my Druthers", most of the songs have forgettable melodies. The lyrics are always clever, however. Johnny Mercer is an expert lyricist, however Broadway hit tunes are just not Gene De Paul's thing.
The book, by three writers who I have forgotten, mainly its story, is complex in a bad way. I involves to many romances, too many dated political ideas, and too many bad jokes.
The cast also has a mixed opinion from me. While Stubby Kaye, Edie Adams and Peter Palmer have strong voices, the other supporting cast, including Julie Newmar and Tina Louise of "Gilligan's Island" fame, are rarely shown on this album because most of the songs are sung by a talentless, annyoing ensemble.
In a season including "Candie", "The Most Happy Fella" and the mother of all musicals, "My Fair Lady", it is easy to see why "Lil Abner" won only for its choreography by the great Michael Kidd and Adam's performance. August 16, 2005

STUPEFYIN' !

"Lil Abner" the original cast recording! . . . a piece of Americana . . . a piece of "history" . . . it positively "stupefyin'"!

This is an expanded re-issue of the 1990 compact disc release. . . and contains bonus tracks: "There's Room Enough For Us" which was added after the show's opening, here is taken from the motion pictiure soundtrack. Also two songs cut from the show are here added: "It's a Nuisance Having You Around" here sung by Rosemary Clooney and "The Way To A Man's Heart" performed by Percy Faith and his orchestra. -- also a rehearsal tape of "Sadie Hawkin's Day Ballet" and "What's Good For General Bullmoose" and longer version of the "finale".

A memorable moment is provided by Stubb Kaye and the ensemble performing "Jubilation T. Cornpone" -- I remember his performance in the motion picture version of "Lil Abner" and this is a high-point of the show for me . . it just bubbles with real true "jubilation"! :)

Al Capp's characters were brought to life and given a human incarnation with this production.

Oh yes . . . lest I forget to mention this most important and relevant bit of information about this cd: it's more than worth the price you will pay to purchase this "original cast recording" just to see the photos included with the liner notes of: Tina Louise as "Appassionata Von Climax"! and Edith Adams as "Daisy Mae"! and Julie Newmar as "Stupefin' Jones! (hey! you get to see "two" photos of Julie as "Stupefyin' Jones"! - one more stupefyin' than the next!) -- I can see why Lil Abner never wanted to leave Dogpatch! :)

It is hard to believe that this was performed and recorded back in 1956 (almost 50 years ago now). It shows that creativity and talent are perennial and lasting. I am happy that Columbia Broadway Masterworks (Legacy) has updated/enlarged/expanded and re-issued this slsice of American musical history . . .and thanks to the cast of performers who brought it to life! October 13, 2004

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