Overture-Let’s Go Back To The Waltz/In Our Hideaway/The First Lady/Meat & Potatoes/I’ve Got To Be Around- The Secret Service/It Gets Lonely In The White House/Is He The Only Man In The World/They Love Me/Pigtails & Freckles/Don’t Be Afraid Of Romance/Laugh It Up/Empty Pockets Filled With Love/Glad To Be Home/You Need A Hobby/The Washington Twist/The Only Dance I Know/I’m Gonna Get Him/This Is A Great Country-Finale
The Broadway musical Mr President starred Robert Ryan and Nanette Fabray. It opened in October 1962 at the St James Theatre and ran for 265 performances. Based on a book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse about the difficulties encountered by a US president after a disastrous visit to the Soviet Union. Lyrics and music by Irving Berlin for his last musical. (US:14)
“I was lucky enough to see Mr. President the day after it opened. It was bright, witty, energetic and just plain fun. Robert Ryan was simply great by being a very strong, very believable president. His singing voice was hardly great, but who cares? He was magnificent in the part. Nanette Fabray is one of the most talented and underrated performers in the business. She can he funny, warm and touching all at once. The critics at the time took exception to the rousing This Is A Great Country, and bashed the show for this patriotic and flag-waving finale.”
“It's worth a listen for the incredible absurdities of these songs in the White House, a place of tension and supposedly high discourse. Berlin knew the crippling naiveté of Americans, so solidly embedded in everyone for a while, until reality seeped through. Now this musical seems more of a curious document on American cultural decline.” “The patriotism was ridiculous and stupid. But the songs - every one was a winner. Even the last one, has a great tune, and is well done.”
“I still remember the music and how much fun it was. It was Irving Berlin's last score, not great, but close enough.”
“Mr. President came out in the early 60s. It's the fun story of a fictitious president and his family in the White House. The story is more fluff than meat, but I like several of Irving Berlin's songs, especially the duet, Empty Pockets Filled With Love. If you're into Broadway show music, you may want to give it a try.”
“The score by Berlin is pleasant enough, but lacks a really dynamic song or two.”
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