Tenderloin (musical)
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[edit] The Tenderloin (Broadway Musical)
The Tenderloin was a musical by the team that produced the hit "Fiorello". The book was written by George Abbott & Jerome Weidman, with music by Jerry Bock & lyrics by Sheldon Hardnick. Unfortunately, although it had a number of good songs, it did not repeat the success of Fiorelllo. The central character was loosely based on the New York City reformer Dr. Charles Henry Parkhurst. Set in the Tenderloin, Manhattan, a red-light district of the New York of the 1890s, the story follows the reformer, Reverand Brock, in his attempt to shut down the Tenderloin. He is foiled by all associated with it, includimg the police who are taking their cut from the earnings of the girls there. A newspaper reporter, Tommy Howatt, infiltrates the Rev. Brock's church and proceeds to play one side against the other. The show ends with the Rev Brock, who had been smeared by the papers and unable to clear his name, leaving New York for Detroit. Where he hoped to clean up their tenderloin!
The Reverand Brock was played by Maurice Evans. Ron Husmann played the part of Tommy. Nita & Laura, two of the "girls" were played by Eileen Rogers & Wynne Miller, and the part of Police Lt. Schmitt was taken by Ralph Dunn. Although there were many enjoyable songs in the show, only "Artificial Fowers" had a recording made, by Bobby Darin. As for the recording of the musical, "Tommy, Tommy" is a very melodious song.
The morality and the representation of human nature was presented in a light fashion with songs like Reform! & How the Money changes hands, .The show was first performed at the 46th Street Theatre, on 17 October 1960. It ran for 216 performances.
[edit] Original Broadway Cast
- Rooney - Jordon Howard
- Nellie - Marguerite Shaw
- Beclair - Michael Roberts
- Calahan - Jack McCann
- Drunk - Bob Finch
- Maggie - Pat Turner
- Liz - Christine Norden
- Mrs Barker - Elaine Rogers
- Chairman - Joe Hill
[edit] Songs
- Little Old New York
- Artificial Flowers
- What's In It for You
- Tommy, Tommy
- The Picture of Happiness
- Dear Friends
- The Army of the Just
- How the Money Changes hands
- Good Clean Fun
- My Miss Mary
- My Gentle Young Johnny
- Reform!
[edit] Reference
Programme from the 46th Street Theatre
[edit] External links
Getting a little tenderloin by Fergus Gwynplaine MacIntyre (F. Gwynplaine MacIntyre), New York Daily News, December 15, 2004
