Jerry Herman
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From Nicole R.: Mr. Herman, I saw La Cage aux Folles and was pleasantly surprised to see the role of Georges shine along with Albin, undoubtedly the "showier" character. I became very emotional during "Song on the Sand" and "Look Over There," and while I continue to hum all of the songs, those two songs left a stronger impression. I've read that you favor "Look Over There". How do you feel about the current production's treatment of "Look Over There" and its impact? Thank you for such a wonderful musical!
Jerry responds: Dear Nicole, Thank you for your kind words about the new La Cage. I have always considered Georges and Albin as co-starring roles of equal importance, and I'm delighted that you feel similarly. "Look Over There" is, for me, the emotional heart of the show--and I equally love Mr. Davis' powerful rendition in Act Two and Gavin Creel's moving reprise at the end of the show. I have seen conservative mature men wipe away tears during Gavin's performance of this song.
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From Ashley: Hi Mr. Herman! I'm such a HUGE fan of all of your music. One of my favorite songs of yours is "Bosom Buddies" from Mame. My question is: What was your inspiration for that song? The lyrics are just so clever and witty and sum up many a female relationship.
Jerry responds: Dear Ashley, That song just jumped out of the pages of Mame and Vera's relationship in Lawrence and Lee's original play. They love each other, but can't resist using their acid tongues and one-upmanship with each other. One look and I knew it had to be a song.
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From Jeremy M. Boegel: Mr. Herman, I'm a great fan of your musicals. You write such wonderful and lovely songs. Which song or entire musical score for that matter was hardest for you to write?
Jerry responds: Dear Jeremy, The hardest song for me to write was "I Won't Send Roses" from Mack and Mabel. I knew I had to write a romantic piece to be sung by a man who simply could not say the words "I love you." What I finally came up with was a warning by Mack that he would never be able to give Mabel all the beautiful things that she deserved, and by singing "and roses suit you so" he expressed his love in an anti-love song.
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From Jim Coleman: Congratulations on the revival of La Cage. I just read the new book by Stephen Citron and thought it was wonderful. Will Miss Spectacular come to Broadway?
Jerry responds: Hi, Jim! No. Miss Spectacular was created to be done in Las Vegas--and only Las Vegas--and we are waiting for the right venue to present it in.
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From BroadwayJay: I've always thought Billy Wilder's film Sabrina would make a spectacularly romantic musical, and you would be the ideal composer for a musicalization. Have you ever considered adapting this film for the stage? Since you are so wonderful at paying homage to women in your shows, I would think you would be drawn to this character like a moth to a flame. Lastly, thank you for sharing your gifts and making everyday "the best of times!"
Jerry responds: Dear Jay, Thank you for your lovely comments. Yes, I have considered Sabrina, but I feel that the story of the chauffeur's daughter and the rich master of the house to have long lost its relevance.
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From JmsTurn: Mr. Herman, I am a huge fan of your work, but I am also a huge fan of Stephen Sondheim. I watched the PBS special on the American musical, and they showed a clip of the comment you made at the 1984 Tony Awards when you accepted the Tony for La Cage Aux Folles. I understand that the quote is misunderstood. Could you explain your intentions?
Jerry responds: Dear JMsTurn, Only a small group of "showbiz gossips" have constantly tried to create a feud between Mr. Sondheim and myself. I am as much of a Sondheim fan as you and everybody else in the world, and I believe that my comments upon winning the Tony for La Cage clearly came from my delight with the show business community's endorsement of the simple melodic show tune which had been criticized by a few hard-nosed critics as being old fashioned. "Old fashioned" is one of my favorite terms, and I was simply saying "thank you for letting me be what I am."
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From Robert Diamant: Will you ever be bringing Mack and Mabel back to Broadway where it belongs!?
Jerry responds: Dear Robert, I've been trying to bring Mack and Mabel back to Broadway since 1974! All I need is a producer willing to join me.
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From Mark Robinson: Mr. Herman: What do you think the most important ingredient should be when searching for material appropriate for musicalization? I want to write musicals, but I always find myself frustrated in trying to find a play or story that I think will work because I don't think it will be improved by musicalization. Any advice?
Jerry responds: Dear Mark, I have exactly the same problem. The only reason I haven't written more musicals is because finding material that begs to sing is the toughest part of the process. My only advice is to keep looking until you HAVE to run to the piano.
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From freddie848: What's happening with the film remake of Mame? Is it still going to happen? Who will star in it?
Jerry responds: Dear Freddie, A major new production of Mame will come first, and the TV film will then follow.
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From Jaime Moreno-Valle: It is great to see the timelessness of your work! Now my question: Is there any chance we will get a different La Cage on the revival's CD? e.g. an Entr'Acte, the Promenade, exit music, etc. I just think to all of us fans of the original cast recording, it would be a great bonus, besides of course the thrill of a new version of a great show.
Jerry responds: Dear Jaime, I am with you all the way. If we do a new album, it will contain every note and every word of the new production. I would especially enjoy having the Promenade and the Entr'Acte captured forever.
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JERRY HERMAN IS NO LONGER TAKING QUESTIONS. THANKS FOR PARTICIPATING!