Do we really need another selection of ballads, novelty numbers and singalong dance tunes from shows which were either unproduced, entirely unsuccessful or have existed solely in the commercial neverland of out-of-town tours? Largely due to the enthusiasm and commitment of the teams which put together compilations like the Unsung Musicals series, the answer is a qualified “yes”. The most vibrant performance can’t rescue some of these offerings from mediocrity, however pleasant, but if even the most doomed musical can throw up a touching gem like “Simple words” from Lovely Ladies, Kind Gentlemen, supply will continue to meet demand for the foreseeable future. Other highlights include “Penny by penny” from the 1981 Harnick/Legrand version of A Christmas Carol, and two numbers from lyricist Harnick’s 1991 collaboration with composer Joe Raposo, a musical adaptation of the classic film A Wonderful Life, of which “In a state” is a toe-tapping Charleston to rival anything in The Boyfriend. There’s also a delicious homage to Carmen Miranda in “Maria’s song” from Smile, a 1986 show with music by Marvin Hamlisch.
With decent booklet-notes for the connoisseur, this series is proof that shows don’t necessarily fail because of their musical shortcomings. PF