Can never get over what a colossal schmuck Buddy Hacket is for coming in early and stealing focus as she’s bringing the number home. And she’s so very gracious with the kiss on the cheek.
How have I been a Broadway fan for 40 years and this is my first time seeing Karen Morrow in action. WOW! Also great song and Onna White's choreography is alive with incredible dancers.
I just can't get over why she is not a bigger celebrity. Her delivery is SO marvelous, energetic, and just overflowing with personality. I'm guessing it's just one of those cases of an incredibly talented performer who never had just the right vehicle come along.
I think she unfortunately had the fate of not having the right show. Super talented and deserved to have a great show that propelled her. She felt she didn’t have that certain spark/extra and why her shows flopped but I disagree. I don’t think she had anything to do with the shows not doing well.
My parents had the album. I discovered it and began listening to it over and over. It launched my love of Broadway, but until this moment I never got to see any of the numbers. I’m literally in tears now. I wanna see a Warren Carlyle choreographed revival!!!
I might be wrong but I could have sworn I read somewhere that the show can never be produced again unless Buddy Hackett is playing Garside the Great (with his crystal ball). Some sort of strange arrangement, of the sort Lucille Ball managed to build into her deal that the movie version of "Mame" can never be remade (once she was through with it).
That’s an awfully long dance number. There’s a whole lot of gaiety going on up on that stage. It’s nice to see the diversity in 1964. Very educational. Thanks for sharing.
A KAREN MORROW story. We were all at a party at Mrs. H.Brooks apt. in the east 60's. Some guests were Chubby Checker, Ray Bolger, Douglas Fairbanks Jr. (and his charming daughter) and seated next to each other was ETHEL MERMAN with the DUKE & DUCHESS of Windsor. I was impressed. Bolger danced. HE WAS GREAT! Chubby did his "shtick". He was a fun guy. There had been an article in the Daily News saying, "KAREN MORROW WAS THE NEXT MERMAN". Stan Freeman was playing piano for KAREN who got up and sang, "I HAD A BALL". I loved Merman but SHE DID NOT SHUT UP ALL THE WHILE KAREN SANG. The louder Karen sang the LOUDER Merman talked to the Duke & Duchess. I don't think Merman acknowledged Karen all evening!! As I said, I loved Merman but talk about super-qkunts. Well, that's 'show-biz'.
+uncle louie I would expect exactly this sort of thing. Merman owned NYC and anyone that dared crossing into her territory, even after Gypsy was risking all. But Karen is just as good, and in a modern show, even better. I think she would have been a great Mrs Hannigan, really her type of dead-pan comedy part. But... seriously, to have ONE great song like this one, THAT rarely happens, even though it is not well known.
It brought a tear to my eyes seeing Buddy Hackett, the BIGGEST HAM of all time, step out to applaud and kiss Karen Morrow. That's showbiz at it's very best, even when it's not the top ticket show. I think this show would be top ticket now. Who ever thought there could be sooooo many good dancers on Coney Island? Ona White choreography.
What a joy to see a highlight of this fun Broadway show "come to life." I bought two used copies of the OC during my cast album collecting days - the regular album with the color pics and a promo OC album containing a bonus LP of demos and interviews with Kiley, Morrow, Hackett, Roland, Morocco and the died-far-too-young Luba Lisa.
Rob Bowman, of all the gin joints! I landed here to watch the remarkable Karen Bowman after listening to the only version of this song I had known, by Sarah Vaughn. Perhaps you're already familiar with it; if not, well worth the listen-not just for the vocals, but for the great arrangement by J.J. Johnson: ua-cam.com/video/2psf09w2Z_U/v-deo.html
Dirk De Bruyne I never said she was dead. Where did I say she was dead? My comment was that there hasn't been another true Broadway belter since she stopped performing. That in no way states or even implies that she is dead.
I HAD A BALL watching this (several times)! Thank You, Scott Nevins, for posting this number! I remember seeing Karen Morrow perform in Summer Stock productions (when there was such a thing) years ago. She was always a delight to watch. In addition to this Blue Ribbon Belter and the energetic Onna White choreography, I love tall willowy blonde showgirl who moves well...and just WHO is the guy in the white shirt, black bow tie and apron? He is my favorite to watch in this group of marvelous Broadway ensemble dancers.
OMG! HOW did that get out here? I sorta hoped it was buried in some archive ... Karen was a delight to work with, as were Richard Kiley, Buddy, Luba Lisa, Rosetta LeNoire (all 4, sadly, RIP) ...
Wow! I remember both of them - really nice folks. I'm very glad *that* relationship worked out so well. It was a total delight to work with such fine professionals. The clueless Ed Sullivan twits made me wear a bathrobe under my costume, but did/ said nothing about Patty McCormick's much briefer "Hawaiian" outfit...
+MoroccoCasbah As a young show biz crazed kid, I picked up a copy of Had a Ball on LP at a used record store. I loved it. Of course that was 10 years after the show. I still have the LP in storage, but ordered a CD because I LOVE THIS ONE SONG. I think what is very special about this show is how they made the chorus and extras very, very diverse... like Coney Island. It was a clever idea and looking back that it was 1964, it was very progressive. Shows are just not like this any more. I miss NYC and I miss Broadway even more.
@@ShiningBellyDance Did my first "Oriental" solo Dec. 27 or 28, 1960 at the "opening" of the Arabian Nghts in NYC. I was a ccncert Flamenco dancer - didn't know the first thing about Raqs Sharqi, but I flipped for the music & made learning the dances my "Life's Mission". That Sullivan show was early Feb. 1964 ...; 3 years later ...
I'm a friend of the composer (Stan Freeman).. The producer was totally clueless about music etc. He wouldn't allow any changes- which it needed desperately. NOTHING. On top of that Buddy Hackett was a 'prick'. I went to many rehearsals. Loved hearing KAREN MORROW sing.. You can NOT believe the sound and size of that voice!! Plus- she was attractive and a good actress. Don't forget RICHARD KILEY. Great voice. He too, had it "all" as well as being one of the nicest guys in the business. TOTIE FIELDS (remember her?) was supposed to have a part- but the producer said no. Buddy's decision I'm sure. Competition. Memories.
At the end, seeing Hackett walk out at the perfect time to steal her thunder and basically stand in front of her....boo. These stories are fascinating. Did you see Karen Morrow in any other notable roles??
nice patch-job on the audio for the part that failed on tv, but it should've been limited to the few notes that actually failed rather than the entire line! ("listen love" was w/o vibrato on the audio spliced...)
I'd rather it had been kept with the distorted section intact, to be honest; the word "love" in the chunk taken off the original cast recording doesn't do her powerful live performance justice, here...
Curious about the edit into the cast album for one section of her vocal? Was the original track damaged? Flawlessly done btw….Absolutely love this clip. It's truly thrilling broadway lore! I've met Karen and a friend of mine is the cave lady.
Most underrated show tune in the history of musical theater. (And Karen Morrow is probably the most underrated performer.)
Can never get over what a colossal schmuck Buddy Hacket is for coming in early and stealing focus as she’s bringing the number home. And she’s so very gracious with the kiss on the cheek.
Love this. Karen Morrow is the best
How have I been a Broadway fan for 40 years and this is my first time seeing Karen Morrow in action. WOW! Also great song and Onna White's choreography is alive with incredible dancers.
I just can't get over why she is not a bigger celebrity. Her delivery is SO marvelous, energetic, and just overflowing with personality. I'm guessing it's just one of those cases of an incredibly talented performer who never had just the right vehicle come along.
Right? Why isn't she in the pantheon of Broadway stars? That voice was heavenly.
Timing?
I blame it on Merm.
I think she unfortunately had the fate of not having the right show. Super talented and deserved to have a great show that propelled her. She felt she didn’t have that certain spark/extra and why her shows flopped but I disagree. I don’t think she had anything to do with the shows not doing well.
My parents had the album. I discovered it and began listening to it over and over. It launched my love of Broadway, but until this moment I never got to see any of the numbers. I’m literally in tears now. I wanna see a Warren Carlyle choreographed revival!!!
I might be wrong but I could have sworn I read somewhere that the show can never be produced again unless Buddy Hackett is playing Garside the Great (with his crystal ball). Some sort of strange arrangement, of the sort Lucille Ball managed to build into her deal that the movie version of "Mame" can never be remade (once she was through with it).
Glad to see other Morrow fans here. And talk about a number: Karen M. and the dancers giving it their all!
That’s an awfully long dance number. There’s a whole lot of gaiety going on up on that stage. It’s nice to see the diversity in 1964. Very educational. Thanks for sharing.
2021 still enjoy this so much especially Morocco.
A KAREN MORROW story. We were all at a party at Mrs. H.Brooks apt. in the east 60's. Some guests were Chubby Checker, Ray Bolger, Douglas Fairbanks Jr. (and his charming daughter) and seated next to each other was ETHEL MERMAN with the DUKE & DUCHESS of Windsor. I was impressed. Bolger danced. HE WAS GREAT! Chubby did his "shtick". He was a fun guy. There had been an article in the Daily News saying, "KAREN MORROW WAS THE NEXT MERMAN". Stan Freeman was playing piano for KAREN who got up and sang, "I HAD A BALL". I loved Merman but SHE DID NOT SHUT UP ALL THE WHILE KAREN SANG. The louder Karen sang the LOUDER Merman talked to the Duke & Duchess. I don't think Merman acknowledged Karen all evening!! As I said, I loved Merman but talk about super-qkunts. Well, that's 'show-biz'.
+uncle louie I would expect exactly this sort of thing. Merman owned NYC and anyone that dared crossing into her territory, even after Gypsy was risking all. But Karen is just as good, and in a modern show, even better. I think she would have been a great Mrs Hannigan, really her type of dead-pan comedy part. But... seriously, to have ONE great song like this one, THAT rarely happens, even though it is not well known.
Thank you a million times for sharing this story. Where may/can I read more from your writings, Uncle Louie. You are fascinating!!!
It brought a tear to my eyes seeing Buddy Hackett, the BIGGEST HAM of all time, step out to applaud and kiss Karen Morrow. That's showbiz at it's very best, even when it's not the top ticket show. I think this show would be top ticket now. Who ever thought there could be sooooo many good dancers on Coney Island? Ona White choreography.
Yes! That's showbiz! Few remember Buddy Hackett these days. Also This number has amazing choreography.
I loved it, and it gave everyone a chance for some limelight and audiences like that.
Keep coming back to this--can't get enough. Musical comedy thrills!
What a joy to see a highlight of this fun Broadway show "come to life." I bought two used copies of the OC during my cast album collecting days - the regular album with the color pics and a promo OC album containing a bonus LP of demos and interviews with Kiley, Morrow, Hackett, Roland, Morocco and the died-far-too-young Luba Lisa.
Karen Morrow was fantastic!
At 4:40 is the dynamic Middle Eastern dance artist, Morocco aka Aunt Rocky!
Thank you so much for posting this, Scott! Brilliant...and Karen Morrow, WOW!!!
Rob Bowman, of all the gin joints! I landed here to watch the remarkable Karen Bowman after listening to the only version of this song I had known, by Sarah Vaughn. Perhaps you're already familiar with it; if not, well worth the listen-not just for the vocals, but for the great arrangement by J.J. Johnson: ua-cam.com/video/2psf09w2Z_U/v-deo.html
thank you Karen! met your long time pianist last week! and i remember the Gypsy theater where you had classes!
Karen was truly the last of the great Broadway belters!
Dirk De Bruyne I never said she was dead. Where did I say she was dead? My comment was that there hasn't been another true Broadway belter since she stopped performing. That in no way states or even implies that she is dead.
I HAD A BALL watching this (several times)! Thank You, Scott Nevins, for posting this number! I remember seeing Karen Morrow perform in Summer Stock productions (when there was such a thing) years ago. She was always a delight to watch. In addition to this Blue Ribbon Belter and the energetic Onna White choreography, I love tall willowy blonde showgirl who moves well...and just WHO is the guy in the white shirt, black bow tie and apron? He is my favorite to watch in this group of marvelous Broadway ensemble dancers.
One more time: WOW!
Thank you for posting. Previously I'd only seen this WAY out of sync with Karen Morrow's AMAZING vocals. LOVE IT SO MUCH.
Great post!!! Thanks - and what a voice!!!
Bliss!
Sing out, Karen!!
OMG! HOW did that get out here? I sorta hoped it was buried in some archive ... Karen was a delight to work with, as were Richard Kiley, Buddy, Luba Lisa, Rosetta LeNoire (all 4, sadly, RIP) ...
+MoroccoCasbah My parents met in that show - Steve Roland and Liz Nelson. Mom's in this clip, but Dad's not. You are a joy to watch in this!
Wow! I remember both of them - really nice folks. I'm very glad *that* relationship worked out so well. It was a total delight to work with such fine professionals. The clueless Ed Sullivan twits made me wear a bathrobe under my costume, but did/ said nothing about Patty McCormick's much briefer "Hawaiian" outfit...
+MoroccoCasbah As a young show biz crazed kid, I picked up a copy of Had a Ball on LP at a used record store. I loved it. Of course that was 10 years after the show. I still have the LP in storage, but ordered a CD because I LOVE THIS ONE SONG. I think what is very special about this show is how they made the chorus and extras very, very diverse... like Coney Island. It was a clever idea and looking back that it was 1964, it was very progressive. Shows are just not like this any more. I miss NYC and I miss Broadway even more.
How long had you been dancing at this point Rocky?
@@ShiningBellyDance Did my first "Oriental" solo Dec. 27 or 28, 1960 at the "opening" of the Arabian Nghts in NYC. I was a ccncert Flamenco dancer - didn't know the first thing about Raqs Sharqi, but I flipped for the music & made learning the dances my "Life's Mission". That Sullivan show was early Feb. 1964 ...; 3 years later ...
Sing out, Morrow! ❤
Fantastic! Kind of like an Ethel Merman with a more pleasant voice.
I got a distinct Carol Burnett vibe.
Here's a great article about Karen recently in the LA TIMES: www.latimes.com/local/la-me-beat-singing-workshop-20140505-story.html
why wasnt she a gigantic star?
Does anyone else think her voice sound a bit like Carol Burnett?
Yes!
Yes! A bit of a cross between Carol Burnett and Ethel Merman.
Sigh. Broadway like it used to be before Andrew Lloyd Blubber effed it up.
Before Sondheim effed it up.
More like before the popularity of The Beatles effed it up
Blame Clive Barnes, from the Post. After Hair opened he said that he wasn’t interested in musicals that didn’t have the new rock sound.
@@whitneyryangarrity5265 To me, this is the kind of Broadway number that had seen much better days by this time.
I'm a friend of the composer (Stan Freeman).. The producer was totally clueless about music etc. He wouldn't allow any changes- which it needed desperately. NOTHING. On top of that Buddy Hackett was a 'prick'. I went to many rehearsals. Loved hearing KAREN MORROW sing.. You can NOT believe the sound and size of that voice!! Plus- she was attractive and a good actress. Don't forget RICHARD KILEY. Great voice. He too, had it "all" as well as being one of the nicest guys in the business. TOTIE FIELDS (remember her?) was supposed to have a part- but the producer said no. Buddy's decision I'm sure. Competition. Memories.
+uncle louie Hackett definitely had a bad rep. Great story!
How has this not been produced at City Center Encores?!?!
I have heard, many times, that Buddy Hackett was a prick.
At the end, seeing Hackett walk out at the perfect time to steal her thunder and basically stand in front of her....boo. These stories are fascinating. Did you see Karen Morrow in any other notable roles??
wow Totie would have been great.
she told me that they wrote the play around her, for her.
nice patch-job on the audio for the part that failed on tv, but it should've been limited to the few notes that actually failed rather than the entire line! ("listen love" was w/o vibrato on the audio spliced...)
To not love Karen Morrow is unAmerican.
Ultra fabuloso; just wish the rez was a bit higher....
VUNDERBAR!!!
I'd rather it had been kept with the distorted section intact, to be honest; the word "love" in the chunk taken off the original cast recording doesn't do her powerful live performance justice, here...
Curious about the edit into the cast album for one section of her vocal? Was the original track damaged? Flawlessly done btw….Absolutely love this clip. It's truly thrilling broadway lore! I've met Karen and a friend of mine is the cave lady.
Who does the barrel turns?
that is Morocco the famous Dancer and Mensa member.
A lot of choreographers steal from Onna White* * God Bless Kenny Ortega!!!! Karen Morrow that song is yours!!!!!
gamer number one
Confused young faces...