Over Here!
Encyclopedia
Over Here! is a musical with a score by Richard M. Sherman
and Robert B. Sherman
and book by Will Holt
. The original Broadway
production was directed by Tom Moore
and choreographed by Patricia Birch
, with scenic design by Douglas W. Schmidt and costumes by Carrie F. Robbins.
Over Here! was a follow-up to the Sherman brothers' World War II
musical Victory Canteen
, an off-Broadway
production that featured 1940s icon Patty Andrews. The setting is a cross-country train trip in the United States
during World War II (hence the name of the play, in contrast to the popular patriotic war anthem entitled Over There
). The show begins as a nostalgic look at 1940s America but quickly evolves into a social commentary about the fear of dying in battle, prejudice, and discrimination.
, where it ran for 341 performances. The opening night cast included Patty and Maxene Andrews (of the Andrews Sisters) and newcomers John Travolta
, Treat Williams
, Marilu Henner
, Samuel E. Wright
, and Ann Reinking
, all of whom went on to achieve successful careers. The show closed on January 4, 1975 under controversial conditions. "The producers blamed Patty and Maxine, claiming they wanted more money and made unreasonable demands, and cancelled the national tour. The Andrews sisters blamed the producers, claiming they had mismanaged the show from the beginning and were now using them as scapegoats." According to an article in The New York Times, the tour was cancelled due to a "salary dispute" between the Andrews sisters and the producers.
Radar online and the Official site reports that Cody Linley
will be starring in an all new production of Over Here! set to launch early in 2010 at the Saban Theatre, Beverly Hills and an official website shows open auditions. In an interview, Linley confirmed that he will play the role of Bill.
The scheduled 2010 production is an "all-new" production with a modified book, choreographed by Tony Stevens, designed by Mark Walters with associate designer Christopher Hone and Costume Designer David Toser. Dick Van Dyke had agreed to head the all-star cast however was forced to withdraw days before the start date when his partner Michelle's illness became terminal. Unable to find an immediate replacement for Van Dyke at such short notice, the producers rescheduled the production to premiere in California in Fall 2012, following which a US tour is being planned.
Act II
Richard M. Sherman
Richard Morton Sherman is an American songwriter who specializes in musical film with his brother Robert Bernard Sherman....
and Robert B. Sherman
Robert B. Sherman
Robert Bernard Sherman is an American songwriter who specializes in musical films with his brother Richard Morton Sherman...
and book by Will Holt
Will Holt
Will Holt is an American singer, songwriter, librettist and lyricist known first and primarily as a folk performer during the 1950s and 1960s and as an interpreter of the music of Kurt Weill and Bertolt Brecht in performances and recordings with Martha Schlamme...
. The original Broadway
Broadway theatre
Broadway theatre, commonly called simply Broadway, refers to theatrical performances presented in one of the 40 professional theatres with 500 or more seats located in the Theatre District centered along Broadway, and in Lincoln Center, in Manhattan in New York City...
production was directed by Tom Moore
Tom Moore (director)
Tom Moore is an American theatre, television, and film director.Born in Meridian, Mississippi, Moore graduated with a BA from Purdue University where he received the alumni distinction as an Old Master. Moore began his career in the late 1960s, directing Loot at Brandeis University and Oh, What a...
and choreographed by Patricia Birch
Patricia Birch
Patricia Birch is an American choreographer and director for musical theatre and film.Born in Englewood, New Jersey, Birch began her career as a dancer in Broadway musicals, including Brigadoon, Goldilocks, and West Side Story . She has directed and choreographed music videos for Cyndi Lauper, the...
, with scenic design by Douglas W. Schmidt and costumes by Carrie F. Robbins.
Over Here! was a follow-up to the Sherman brothers' World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
musical Victory Canteen
Victory Canteen
Victory Canteen is a musical comedy play with script by Milt Larsen and Bobby Lauher and song score by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman. The play opened on January 27, 1971 at the Ivar Theatre and ran for seven months. The show featured Sherry Alberoni, Patty Andrews, Lorene Yarnell,...
, an off-Broadway
Off-Broadway
Off-Broadway theater is a term for a professional venue in New York City with a seating capacity between 100 and 499, and for a specific production of a play, musical or revue that appears in such a venue, and which adheres to related trade union and other contracts...
production that featured 1940s icon Patty Andrews. The setting is a cross-country train trip in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
during World War II (hence the name of the play, in contrast to the popular patriotic war anthem entitled Over There
Over There
"Over There" is a 1917 song popular with United States soldiers in both world wars.It was written by George M. Cohan during World War I. Notable early recordings include versions by Nora Bayes, Enrico Caruso, Billy Murray, and Charles King....
). The show begins as a nostalgic look at 1940s America but quickly evolves into a social commentary about the fear of dying in battle, prejudice, and discrimination.
Production history
After thirteen previews, the show opened on March 6, 1974 at the Shubert TheatreShubert Theatre (Broadway)
The Shubert Theatre is a Broadway theatre located at 225 West 44th Street in midtown-Manhattan, New York, United States.Designed by architect Henry Beaumont Herts, it was named after Sam S. Shubert, the second oldest of the three brothers of the theatrical producing family...
, where it ran for 341 performances. The opening night cast included Patty and Maxene Andrews (of the Andrews Sisters) and newcomers John Travolta
John Travolta
John Joseph Travolta is an American actor, dancer and singer. Travolta first became known in the 1970s, after appearing on the television series Welcome Back, Kotter and starring in the box office successes Saturday Night Fever and Grease...
, Treat Williams
Treat Williams
Richard Treat Williams is a Screen Actors Guild Award–nominated American actor and children's book author who has appeared on film, stage and television...
, Marilu Henner
Marilu Henner
Mary Lucy Denise "Marilu" Henner is an American actress, producer and author. She is best known for her role as Elaine O'Connor Nardo on the sitcom Taxi from 1978 to 1983.-Early life:...
, Samuel E. Wright
Samuel E. Wright
Samuel E. Wright is an American film and theater actor and singer who is best known as the voice of Sebastian in Disney's The Little Mermaid, for which he provided the main vocals to "Under the Sea", which won the Academy Award for Best Original Song. He also voiced Kron in Disney's CGI film...
, and Ann Reinking
Ann Reinking
Ann Reinking is an American actress, dancer, and choreographer. She has worked extensively in musical theatre, both as a dancer and choreographer, as well as appearing in film.-Biography:...
, all of whom went on to achieve successful careers. The show closed on January 4, 1975 under controversial conditions. "The producers blamed Patty and Maxine, claiming they wanted more money and made unreasonable demands, and cancelled the national tour. The Andrews sisters blamed the producers, claiming they had mismanaged the show from the beginning and were now using them as scapegoats." According to an article in The New York Times, the tour was cancelled due to a "salary dispute" between the Andrews sisters and the producers.
Radar online and the Official site reports that Cody Linley
Cody Linley
Cody Martin Linley is an American actor and singer. He is best known for his recurring role as Jake Ryan in the television series Hannah Montana and for being a contestant on the seventh season of Dancing With The Stars, in which he was partnered with Julianne Hough.-Career:Linley made his acting...
will be starring in an all new production of Over Here! set to launch early in 2010 at the Saban Theatre, Beverly Hills and an official website shows open auditions. In an interview, Linley confirmed that he will play the role of Bill.
The scheduled 2010 production is an "all-new" production with a modified book, choreographed by Tony Stevens, designed by Mark Walters with associate designer Christopher Hone and Costume Designer David Toser. Dick Van Dyke had agreed to head the all-star cast however was forced to withdraw days before the start date when his partner Michelle's illness became terminal. Unable to find an immediate replacement for Van Dyke at such short notice, the producers rescheduled the production to premiere in California in Fall 2012, following which a US tour is being planned.
Song list
Act I- The Beat BeginsThe Beat Begins"The Beat Begins" is the big band overture from the musical Over Here!, which opened on Broadway at the Shubert Theatre on March 6, 1974. Like most musical overtures, the piece is a non-lyrical medley of songs from the show. Although the Sherman Brothers, who wrote the music and lyrics for the...
(Overture) - The Big Band - Since You're Not AroundSince You're Not Around"Since You're Not Around" is the first song in the musical Over Here!, which opened on Broadway at the Shubert Theatre on March 6, 1974. It is meant to be performed as though it were being heard on the radio. It is a sentimental song in the tradition of "Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree" or "I'll...
- Makeout, Rankin, Mother, Father, Sarge and Company - Over Here!Over Here! (song)"Over Here!", written by Richard and Robert Sherman, is the title song from the musical of the same name. It is a play on the famous George M. Cohan song of World War I, "Over There".- External links :**-Literary Sources:...
- Paulette and Pauline de Paul - Buy a Victory BondBuy a Victory Bond"Buy A Victory Bond" is a song from the musical Over Here!, which opened on Broadway at the Shubert Theatre on March 6, 1974. The song was written by Robert B. Sherman and Richard M. Sherman.- External links :**-Literary Sources:...
- Company - My Dream for TomorrowMy Dream for Tomorrow"My Dream for Tomorrow" is a song from the musical Over Here!, which opened on Broadway at the Shubert Theatre on March 6, 1974. The song was written by Robert B. Sherman and Richard M. Sherman. It is one of the Sherman Brothers' counterpoint songs which are well known for juxtaposition of...
- June and Bill - Charlie's PlaceCharlie's Place"Charlie's Place" is a song from the musical Over Here!, which opened on Broadway at the Shubert Theatre on March 6, 1974. It was somewhat successful as a single for Maxene Andrews who debuted the song in the show....
- Pauline de Paul, Maggie, Lucky, The Big Band and Company - Hey Yvette/The Grass Grows GreenHey Yvette/The Grass Grows Green"Hey Yvette/The Grass Grows Green" is a combination of two conjoined songs from the musical Over Here!, which opened on Broadway at the Shubert Theatre on March 6, 1974. The song was written by Robert B. Sherman and Richard M. Sherman...
- Spokesman, Rankin and Father - The Good-Time GirlThe Good-Time Girl"The Good-Time Girl" aka "The V.D. Polka" is a song from the musical Over Here!, which opened on Broadway at the Shubert Theatre on March 6, 1974. It was sung by Patty Andrews in a U.S.O. style parody similar to Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Honey Bun" from South Pacific...
(later called "The V.D. Polka") - Paulette de Paul and Company - Wait for Me MarlenaWait for Me Marlena"Wait for Me Marlena" is a song from the musical Over Here!, which opened on Broadway at the Shubert Theatre on March 6, 1974. It was sung by Janie Sell, who played the part of "Mitzi the spy". Sell won the "Best Featured Actress" Tony Award as well as the 1974 Theatre World...
- Mitzi and Company - We Got ItWe Got It"We Got It" is the final song from the first act of the musical Over Here!, which opened on Broadway at the Shubert Theatre on March 6, 1974. The song was written by Robert B. Sherman and Richard M. Sherman.-Placement in the storyline:...
- Paulette de Paul, Pauline de Paul, Mitzi and Company
Act II
- The Beat ContinuesThe Beat Continues"The Beat Continues" is the big band Entre'act overture from the musical Over Here!, which opened on Broadway at the Shubert Theatre on March 6, 1974. Like other musical overtures, this piece is an instrumental medley of songs from the show...
(Entr'acte) - The Big Band and Company - Wartime WeddingWartime Wedding"Wartime Wedding" is a song from the musical Over Here!, which opened on Broadway at the Shubert Theatre on March 6, 1974. The song was written by Robert B. Sherman and Richard M...
- Paulette de Paul, Pauline de Paul and Company - Don't Shoot the Hooey to Me, LouieDon't Shoot the Hooey to Me, Louie"Don't Shoot the Hooey to Me, Louie" is a song from the musical Over Here!, which opened on Broadway at the Shubert Theatre on March 6, 1974. The song was written by Robert B. Sherman and Richard M. Sherman, and is sung by the train porter played by Samuel E. Wright. In the story, the Porter...
- Sam - Where Did the Good Times Go?Where Did the Good Times Go?"Where Did the Good Times Go?" is, what is popularly termed, the "big ballad" or "11 o'clock number" from the musical Over Here!, which opened on Broadway at the Shubert Theatre on March 6, 1974. The song is the penultimate moment of drama when all seems lost toward the end of the second act...
- Paulette de Paul - Dream Drummin'Dream Drummin'"Dream Drummin'" followed by "Soft Music" are songs by Richard & Robert Sherman. They are from the musical Over Here!, which opened on Broadway at the Shubert Theatre on March 6, 1974. The songs segue from one to the next and then back again...
/Soft Music - Misfit, The Big Band and Company - The Big Beat - Paulette de Paul, Pauline de Paul and Mitzi
- No GoodbyesNo Goodbyes"No Goodbyes" is the final song from the musical Over Here!, which opened on Broadway at the Shubert Theatre on March 6, 1974. The song was written by Robert B. Sherman and Richard M. Sherman and is a tear evoking to the soldiers as they ship off to war. It is also a sentimental goodbye to the...
- Paulette de Paul, Pauline de Paul and Company
Awards and nominations
- Tony AwardTony AwardThe Antoinette Perry Award for Excellence in Theatre, more commonly known as a Tony Award, recognizes achievement in live Broadway theatre. The awards are presented by the American Theatre Wing and The Broadway League at an annual ceremony in New York City. The awards are given for Broadway...
for Best Musical (nominee) - Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical (Janie SellJanie SellJane Ann "Janie" Sell is an American actress.-Career:Sell won the Tony as Best Featured Actress in a Musical for Over Here!, which also starred the then-surviving Andrews Sisters, Maxene and Patty...
, winner) - Tony Award for Best Costume Design (nominee)
- Tony Award for Best Choreography (nominee)
- Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical (nominee)
- Theatre World AwardTheatre World AwardThe Theatre World Award, first awarded for the 1945-46 season, is an American honor presented annually to actors and actresses in recognition of an outstanding New York City stage debut performance, either on Broadway or off-Broadway.-History:...
for Outstanding Performance in a Musical (John Driver, Ann Reinking, and Janie Sell, winners) - Drama Desk AwardDrama Desk AwardThe Drama Desk Awards, which are given annually in a number of categories, are the only major New York theater honors for which productions on Broadway, Off-Broadway, Off-Off-Broadway compete against each other in the same category...
for Outstanding Costume Design (winner) - Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Set Design (winner)