Saw this as my first Bway show as a teenager and bought the record the next day---and formed a lifelong love of theater. This show was fun and so well done by both leads--one of my top favorites.
When Luci Arnaz Luckinbill performed with her mom Lucille Ball in the audience you know that Lucille Ball was close to bursting with pride to see her baby girl up there singing and dancing. She learned from the best and the apple didn't fall far from the tree. Being that both parents were performers helped Luci get off to a fantastic career in showbiz!
Sara Shelby - In a recent interview for the “Will & Grace” - I Love Lucy tribute episode (aired on 4/9/2920), she credits Viven Vance for encouraging her to follow her stage dreams and avoid getting pigeonholed into TV parts. “They’re Playing Our Song” (1979) marked her Broadway 🎭 debut. She was fantastic!
@@ask4theupgrade359 She credits Vance for her to follow her stage dreams - Lucie Arnaz was fortunately to have two talented people in show business and to have a mother who in Here's Lucy - opened up the door for her daughter to become well known. Obviously whatever her choice was - it was her choice - mother was always proud of what her daughter did - whether it was on stage, tv or performing similarly like her father.
Robert Klein was about 37 and Lucy was around 28 during this performance. Robert just turned 80 recently and Lucy is over 70. They were young and could move their bodies so well. Great chemistry between them.
I love how LA's costume helps her come alive - when she starts to move, the dress just explodes into movement, and gives her a Real Star Presence. Impeccable Broadway costuming, by the brilliant Tony, Drama Desk, and Academy Award winner Ann Roth, at its finest. And Roth just won her second Academy Award, for "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom," at age 89, the most senior woman to ever win.
Thanks for calling my attention to something I hadn't consciously noticed until then. Now that I have, I can't miss it. But wow, a person would have to inherit Lucille Ball's legs and know they inherited those fantastic legs to have the confidence to wear that dress.
Glenn Close was there as Len Cariou's date (he was nominated and won for SWEENEY TODD). Look at Lucie as the scene begins to fade. She's fighting back tears being applauded so vigorously by her peers. Since she wasn't Tony nominated (Robert was), it must have meant the world to her to get this recognition.
They broke this show at the Ahmanson in LA.. I saw it several times during the work out.. loved it.. little slice of cheesecake.. its not Les Mes or Phantom... but that is the idea.. and these two were perfect!
Yes, Lucie was/is a class act still performing but most of all continuing to honour the memory of her talented parents, who produced a major landmark in Television history for future generations to marvel and enjoy.
What I found interesting was how it took Lucie's influence for people to give Desi the credit he deserved. Two things he did still impresses me. First, he revolutionized television with the use of multiple cameras. But, to me, the most important thing was his defense of his wife against McCarthy. Accusing Lucy of Communist sympathies could have ruined her life. In a pre-show speech, he talked about fleeing Castro and how he would never marry someone who supported that system. Then he made the greatest joke ever. He said the only thing red about her was her hair and that that wasn't really red.
Not only Lucie Arnaz inherited gifts and a lot of money from her parents - doors opened to the daughter of Lucille Ball. If she wasn't talented she would have not gone too far, but it sure helps to be on a first name basis with a lot of people. Actually saw Lucie Arnaz dance with Lucy and Ginger Rogers on a episode on Here's Lucy. I could not take my eyes off Lucille Ball - her energy and her beauty was compelling. She must have been about 55 and still lovely. Also when she did a number with George Burns at that time, a skit like he did with Gracie Allen, then George and Lucy danced and sang together, they were amazing. Have seen it several times and marvel at the delightful talent of these two people Lucy was 55 and George 70. He lived another 30 years. (I think both he and Bob Hope died at age 100)
Got this Broadway soundtrack because of my love of Robert Klein for years already by then. But I'd never seen any of the performance live until now! They are both terrific!! And I'm sure most everyone knows this but the show/characters were based on Marvin Hamlisch and Carole Bayer Sager.
I remember Robert Klein for his stand up comedy especially in the 1970’s he would be on HBO comedy specials. I didn’t think he was such a good actor and singer until I watched this. Awesome number.
I remember Robert Klein for his stand up comedy especially in the 1970’s he would be on HBO comedy specials. I didn’t think he was such a good actor and singer until I watched this. Awesome number.
I have watched this many times and always love the great timing (the bit with the wine glasses is genius) and choreography but also the endearing natural and comedic turn by Robert Kline and Lucy Arnaz. They did a great job,
Oh my word! Total Broadway! Music, Lyrics, Casting, Direction, Choreography! It's why we don't bat an eye dropping $90 for a ticket. Sometimes you get screwed, but sometimes you freakin' want to see it again, and again. ❤
Lucie Arnaz Luckinbill did an outstanding performance in They're Playing Our Song and to this very day I own the original record with her and her co-star Robert Klein and both did a fantastic job well done!! Bravo!!
Caryl, here. I never got to see this show anywhere, but I have always loved the music. I had never seen Lucie perform, either. Yeah, I know........but I swear I don't live in a cave...I do get out of the house occasionally. But this popped up and I had forgotten how adorable Robert Kline was back then! He is still one of my favorites. And Lucie just knocks my socks off! She is perfect in this number. .
Saw the show on Broadway - it / they were both fabulous. I still remember how wonderful the production was and I still listen to that wonderful soundtrack. ❤️❤️
@@BoBo-ti6jh You can't tell so much from this particular song , but she is a great singer. I played keyboards for a show she did in New Jersey a few years ago, and she really is a wonderful performer. It was a tribute show to her dad, so she got to do a bunch of different types of music, and the audience loved it. She was also really nice and terrific to work with.
They were both great in these roles. Robert Klein’s physicality was a nice touch … he added just enough not to detract from the role. Lucy Arnez brings some of her comedic TV chops to the role. Sure the London revival may have more polished singers - but only these two could keep an audience engaged for 2 hours often with no one else on the stage. They owned this musical.
Just saw a 40th Anniversary version of this show with Klein and Arnaz reuniting 40 years to the day the show opened. An amazing nostalgic evening of this wonderful show!
Me too. It was 1979, I was in high school and 1/2 tickets for a Broadway matinee were like $6, so I saw Lucie & Robert, as well as several other actors in the roles. I always hoped for a movie version.
The dance team at my former high school has had this as their theme tune since this came out. It's beat seeing my son play this in band like I did 20 years ago.
they’re playing my song Oh yeah they’re playing my song And when they’re playing my song Every body’s got to Sh Sh Sh The magic of words is weaving it’s spell ‘round this room Nobody’s dancin’ they’re all too entranced in Just listening to the perfect way my words fit that tune Right now they’re listening to me My lyric reads like a poem It surely stands on it’s own It makes me proud to hear that music It’s the total expression of me To be more specific this place is terrific As long as they’re playin’ my song Who would have known That two years ago when Leon asked ‘Can’t lovin’ be fun?’ Who would have known Can’t Lovin’ Be Fun Would be sung by everybody under the sun You know it made the top ten All good things come to an end I wish they’d play it again and again They keep on playin’ Oh God I’m prayin’ They’ll keep playing my song Oh ho they’re playing my song VERNON Oh yeah they’re playing your song SONIA
I have become obsessed with this clip; the song is an earworm, Robert Klien and his "Oh Yeah" is so charming, Seeing a pre fame Glenn Close in the audience and Henry Fonda's intro all add to it, but I can't keep my eyes off Lucie Arnaz during it, I can't believe she wasn't nominated for it, I know it was the year of Sweeney Todd and Angela Lansbury killed it (well Len, did) But Lucie should have got some recognition, I am glad there is at least this clip and the Soundtrack recording!
According to Wikipedia, film rights were purchased by Rastar Films in late 1979. Producer Ray Stark planned a 1982 release through Columbia Pictures with new songs contributed by Marvin Hamlisch and Carole Bayer Sager, unfortunately the film, was never produced. Since Ray Stark died, were the songs ever completed by Marvin and Carole Sager before Marvin's Death? Either Carole would know or maybe Barbra Streisand, since Barbra and Marvin were buddies? This Broadway musical would make a great movie musical as well as a Live musical adapted for a LIVE telecast on NBC or ABC starring Harry Connick, Jr. and Linda Eder!
In Carole's autobiography, she said that Marvin Hamlisch didn't want to go forward after they broke up and she married Burt Bachrach. At that point, they don't have much of a film, if Hamlisch won't do the scoring and refused to release the rights. As for today, she might have to go into litigation to secure music rights from the Hamlisch estate, so it's probably not worth the hassle.
2 года назад
@@OriginalTweetMaxine What a shame, is Barbra into producing, again? I heard Carole's friends with Babes who is directing something for... I think Netflex ? I met Luci Arnez at an AIDS Fundraising Benefit many years ago in LA. Nice person, we talked about an app she created that included things to archive about our parents and grandparents for grandchildren to know about and to pass on to their kids. Smart lady.
I can't believe they didn't show Lucille Ball if she was there. At 5:19 is a young Glenn Close to the right in front. Lucie Arnaz was robbed of a Tony nomination!
Could someone please explain to me why Robert Klein says at the very beginning that this is his first really big hit, three years ago this month, but in the lyrics sings "Who would have known, that 9 months ago, I would give birth at my piano" referring to this very song.
+Guy Tubbs It's entirely possible he's reminiscing about the song and the 9 months/giving birth line is just a joke about birth in general, and the way it was phrased is he's singing as if it was back "Three years ago".
Between this on Broadway and The Jazz Singer in theatres I thought luci was (deservedly) going to be a huge star in her own right. But it didn’t really happen that way. She seems a very level headed type, maybe she made the right choices for life rather than career?
I worked with Lucie Arnaz a few years ago and I thought the same thing - she is really a fantastic talent and I wondered why she hadn't become a bigger name on Broadway and in general. I mean, she's obviously done some great gigs, and is certainly known and appreciated within the industry - her career is nothing to sneeze at. I think you are right though - she took on projects that interested and challenged her, but didn't make her career the be all and end all of everything, and made sure to devote time to her personal life and family too.
Wonderful to see this and to read about people having seen the show. At certain points Robert Klein was doing Pee Wee Herman before even Pee Wee Herman! Thx for posting.
Why do you hate people harping on - Lucy is one of my favorite performers ever - I liked Desi Arnaz but loved Lucille Ball. In many of her films and her 3 tv shows. First saw I love Lucy in 1951, and still watching her shows today. Gives me such pleasure to have the belly laughs that come from the shows. Her ability to stay with it, even if there was little help, little money and not much encouragement in the beginning. Early on had a difficult life, but could not wait to reunite her family: MGF, her mother, her brother, and cousin. Damn strong woman whose heart was in the right place for those she loved.
Someone got her Mother Legs and talent from both Rickie and Lucy. I still love Lucy. Rel had a show on Lucy the other day, interesting fact Lucy was 40 years old when she shot to fame with I love Lucy. All you kids who think you won't get the best before your forty.
Kind of nice to see a show that wasn't vulgar, was entertaining and you could leave the theatre happy and tapping your toes; Try doing that after "Hamilton"
Regarding Lucie's costume: Was it perhaps inspired by her mom's costume in "Dance, Girl, Dance"? Skip to the 2-minute mark in the following clip and you'll see what I mean. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-CWhNTbehIhM.html
I saw the London versión in 1980....Gemma Cravens "Sonia" Beat the pants off Lucie Arnazs' and Tom Conti was a much "stronger" wimp as "Vernon". "I wish they'd Played THAT again and again..... Oh Yeahhhh!"
+Keith Buchanan Tom Conti caused no end of issues during rehearsal in London wanting to change lines etc. At one point Neil Simon said if it continued he wanted the Producers to remove his name from all advertising etc. Tom Conti can't sing either (have you heard the London Cast recording?). I was fortunate enough to have appeared in the Australian production for 10 months. We had two great leads in Jacki Weaver (yes 2 time Oscar nominee) and John Waters as Vernon (no not THAT John Waters).
