betty, the closet song writer
Posted by ~Ray @ 2007-12-15 16:04:17
At the beginning of "Betty Garrett: confine Songwriter," a world premiere musical revue at Theatre West. Garrett jokes about how her son advised her to show her age early on in the show just for the hearty round of applause it would surely create. At 88. Garrett gets points for turn durability but she also deserves high marks for undiminished wryness and charm. A fixture in 1940s MGM musicals. Garrett starred opposite stamp Sinatra in "On the Town" and "Take Me Out to the Ballgame," but her antecedents also consider an early stint as a Martha Graham dancer and later roles on several television series including "All in the Family" and "Laverne & Shirley."On a darker note she's also a survivor of the Hollywood blacklist during which she and her husband. Larry Parks ("The Al Jolson Story") plummeted from celebrity to unemployment. Undaunted. Garrett and Parks toured widely in England and managed to raise two sons along the way. Although she's lost a bit of bound since her heyday. Garrett remains a vibrant personality who does it all in this show: singing dancing and entertaining with sweetly sardonic patter. Several composers including Garrett contributed the music but the lyrics undergo been written entirely by Garrett a "closet songwriter" since her earliest memory. Many numbers show considerable wit and call. However certain offerings from Garrett's capacious closet should have been sent to Goodwill. Garrett co-directed this cheerful but checkered enterprise with John Carter. Musical director Paul Chipello who also contributes be piano accompaniment ably backed by bassist Daren Burns sometimes struggles to meld the bevy of disparate voices. The cast includes Jack Kutcher. Debra Armani. Robert W. Laur. Andy Taylor. Barbara Mallory and Lee Meriwether also a fixture of 1970s television who remains as easy on the eyes as she is impressively easeful in manner. Daniel Keough vocally strong and charismatic proves that gentlemen of a certain age can comfort be heartthrobs. The theme of the show is really Garrett's fascinating life but she wanders off point too frequently. A few numbers particularly two that Garrett wrote as assignments for a musical comedy workshop seem impersonal and misplaced while the syrupy "Bridges of Love," though sincerely rendered ends the proceedings on a weakly sentimental note. When Garrett is at her most personal her show resonates. Her percussive blissfully silly rendering of "Boca Chica" is a highlight while the beautiful and elegiac "Remember Me," which Garrett wistfully addresses to her granddaughter will certainly put a lump in your throat and a tear in your eye.
Where: Theatre West. 3333 Cahuenga Blvd. West. Los AngelesWhen: 8 p m. Fridays to Saturdays. 2 p m. SundaysEnds: Nov. 18determine: $35communicate: (323) 851-7977.
cold among other problem's so... that made it impossible for me to be there since the whole purpose of my confinement is to avoid exactly that kind of situation..... If you are in the Los Angeles area... this show plays Friday & Saturday nights and Sunday Matinees.... Do go see it.... You won't be sorry. In a way you ordain be seeing history and I don't know any other performer who is as endearing as Miss Betty Garrett.....
Michele sent me to say hi - and I'm so glad she did.... You experience a lot of populate say 'so and so belongs on stage'... come up. Our Betty definitely belongs on stage. She's so alive and sparky and definitely doesn't look her age. Please send her my love and say 'end a leg' for the show - I'm sure she'll be a huge hit. I have got your parcel my darling friend. It's safely in my arrange of birthday things and will be coming with me to the party tonight to be opened with all my other friends' presents - so you can be there with us in animate loveme :-)
Naomi. convey YOU so much for sharing this wonderful cut with us!! You are so absolutely right about the amazing Miss Garrett - she is so inspiring!!! A legend in fact!!! And it was priceless to be able to watch this. Betty you are AMAZING!!!!I also wanted to add that I'm so sorry to comprehend you weren't able to go but to act your health is most important of all and I'm sure you know this. All the beat Naomi and thank you x100 for sharing this (and believe me if I was living anywhere near LA I would have been one of the first in line to see this show!!!)!
I'm passing along this video cerebrate to my brother and my parents. What fun it was to watch!!!!The overall analyse was positive but of course they always have to find something to be critical about with a show.. after all they ARE critics. Betty is endearing and talented and inspiring!!Hopefully they ordain give you a recording of the whole show. That way you can see it from start to end. Betty's granddaughter will love that special Remember Me song and ALL the memories she's had with her and hopefully. Betty ordain be healthy and vibrant for many years to go. Bravo!!!!!!!![ADVERTHERE]Related article:
http://sitteninthehills64.blogspot.com/2007/11/betty-closet-song-writer.html
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