Using its Universal logo, Broadway Decca continues its program of reissuing shows from the early days of the Broadway musical. For this release, it has selected to include on a single CD two of the major productions that were important landmarks in the transition from the traditions and style of the Viennese operetta of
Franz Lehár and Johann Strauss to the great musical productions of the 1930s and thereafter. Victor Herbert had a successful career as a writer of the operetta that was anchored in European convention but slowing moving toward something especially American. This CD compiles two of Herbert's more triumphant efforts, the childlike fantasy Babes in Toyland and his most successful undertaking, The Red Mill. Opening in 1906, the show ran for 174 performances, more than any other show of the season. It was revived in 1946, with
Eddie Foy in the lead, and ran for twice as long as the original. Both productions were loaded with Tin Pan Alley tunes such as "The Streets of New York" and "Every Day Is Ladies' Day With Me." Babes in Toyland was a forecast of what was to come in the classic movie, including the munchkin-type singing on "Never Mind Bo-Beep, We Will Find Your Sheep." Although these shows were on Broadway earlier in the century, "original cast" recordings were not made until 1944 and 1945, respectively. It is from these sources that these reissues were remastered (Doug Pomeroy did an excellent job) and reissued. The performances here are stellar, with key roles played by top performers of the day such as Wilbur Evans,
Eileen Farrell, and Kenny Baker. This release is a welcome and entertaining addition to the collection of great events in the history of the American musical stage. ~ Dave Nathan