[Dixielandjazz] Stan Freberg's "U. S. A."

[Dan Augustine]

     I've been recommending "Stan Freberg Presents the United States 
of America" musical for years now, but i don't know if it was my post 
that Mr. Ladd is referring to.
     However, from the time it came out in the 1960s on an LP until 
now i've been listening to it and almost memorizing every line in it 
(there is a sequal to it, but it's not as good).  It is available on 
CD (actually as a 2-CD set) on Amazon.com and elsewhere.
     It was intended to be a musical production and i think it came 
out in 1961, but as far as i know, it never appeared on Broadway or 
elsewhere, just on a recording.  But it does have Billy May's fine 
orchestra in it, hilarious gags and sound-effects, as part of a 
series of short sketches of Freberg's take on American history, from 
Columbus arriving on Miama Beach ("I'd like to cash a check, so if 
you'll direct me to the nearest bank," he asks an Indian.  "You out 
of luck today," says the Indian.  "Oh?  Why?" says Columbus/Freberg. 
"Columbus Day," says the Indian.  "Ahem," says Columbus, "we going 
out on that joke?"  "No," says the Indian, "we do reprise of song, 
that help, but not much, no ....")
     Highly recommended (again).

     Dan
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>From: "pat ladd" <pj.ladd at btinternet.com>
>To: "jazz" <dixielandjazz at ml.islandnet.com>
>Date: Fri, 2 Mar 2007 10:38:06 -0000
>Subject: [Dixielandjazz] Stan Freberg
>
>Hi All,
>
>on the recomendation of someone on the list I bought Freberg`s 
>`United States of America` on CD.  I think its hilarious.
>
>Was this only a sound   production or was it on TV?. If it is on 
>Video or DVD I  would certainly like to get my hands on a copy.The 
>dialogue is really smart and the musical arrangements are superb. 
>The sleeve notes say `A musical Review made for stereo` so I don`t 
>hold out much hope. but does anyone know differently.
>
>I would love to see a stage presentation. Imagine what Mel Brooks 
>would make of it? His film of `The Producers` with Zero Mostel has 
>long been a favourite of mine but  I have recently seen his new 
>production , on stage, in London and the beefed up version of 
>`Springtime for Hitler` with parachutists dropping from the flies is 
>a real showstopper.
>
>Frebergs show plus Brooks staging would be something to see.
>
>Cheers
>
>Pat

-- 
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**  Dan Augustine  --  Austin, Texas  --  ds.augustine at mail.utexas.edu
**     "I always keep a supply of stimulant handy in case I see a    
**      snake, which I also keep handy." -- W. C. Fields             
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