Anyone Can Whistle

Anyone Can Whistle is a musical with a book by Arthur Laurents and music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, based on the 1958 play The Visit by Friedrich Dürrenmatt and the 1961 play The Firebugs by Max Frisch. The show premiered on April 4, 1964, at the Majestic Theatre on Broadway, starring Angela Lansbury as Maya, Lee Remick as Nurse Fay Apple, and Harry Guardino as Hapgood. The musical was directed by Arthur Laurents and choreographed by Herbert Ross, with orchestrations by Don Walker and costume design by Theoni V. Aldredge.

Background

The idea for the musical was conceived by Arthur Laurents, who was inspired by the social commentary of Bertolt Brecht and the absurdism of Eugène Ionesco. Stephen Sondheim was brought on board to write the music and lyrics, and the two collaborated closely to create a show that would satirize the social norms of the time, including the Cold War and the Red Scare. The show was also influenced by the works of Kurt Weill and Dmitri Shostakovich, and features a unique blend of jazz, classical music, and musical theatre styles. The musical was produced by Cy Feuer and Ernest H. Martin, with set design by William Eckart and lighting design by Jules Fisher.

Plot

The story takes place in the fictional town of Peanutville, where the mayor and town council are struggling to find a way to save the town from financial ruin. The town's water supply is drying up, and the economy is on the verge of collapse. In an effort to attract tourists and boost the local economy, the town decides to create a fake miracle - a spring that supposedly has healing properties. The plan is to use the spring as a tourist attraction, and to charge visitors for the privilege of bathing in its waters. However, things quickly spiral out of control as the town becomes overrun with tourists, charlatans, and con artists, including Dr. Detmold, a psychiatrist who is determined to expose the town's fraud. The show features a large ensemble cast, including Gabriel Dell as Comptroller Schub, Penny Fuller as June, and Donna McKechnie as Dina.

Music

The musical features a range of songs, including Anyone Can Whistle, Me and My Town, and There Won't Be Trumpets. The music is characterized by its use of dissonance and atonality, which creates a sense of tension and uncertainty. The show's orchestration is also notable for its use of unconventional instruments, such as the theremin and the prepared piano. The musical was recorded by Columbia Records and features the original Broadway cast, including Angela Lansbury, Lee Remick, and Harry Guardino. The show's music has been praised by critics, including Harold Clurman and Walter Kerr, and has been compared to the works of Leonard Bernstein and Richard Rodgers.

Production_history

The show premiered on April 4, 1964, at the Majestic Theatre on Broadway, and ran for a total of 9 performances. Despite its short run, the show has developed a cult following over the years, and has been revived several times, including a 2010 production at Carnegie Hall starring Christine Baranski as Maya, Donna Murphy as Nurse Fay Apple, and Edward Hibbert as Hapgood. The show has also been performed at the Kennedy Center and the New York City Center, and has been directed by Lonny Price and Casey Nicholaw. The musical has been praised by critics, including Ben Brantley and Charles Isherwood, and has been compared to the works of Tom Stoppard and Samuel Beckett.

Reception

The show received mixed reviews from critics at the time of its premiere, with some praising its innovative music and satirical humor, while others found it confusing and overwhelming. Despite this, the show has developed a reputation as a groundbreaking work of musical theatre, and has been praised by critics such as Frank Rich and John Lahr. The show's music has also been praised by composers such as John Adams and Philip Glass, and has been compared to the works of Igor Stravinsky and Dmitri Shostakovich. The musical has been recognized with several awards, including a Tony Award nomination for Best Actress in a Musical for Angela Lansbury, and a Drama Desk Award nomination for Outstanding Music for Stephen Sondheim. The show has also been recognized by the Library of Congress and the National Endowment for the Arts. Category:Musicals by Stephen Sondheim