Wednesday, March 3, 2010

We missed the "Pazzazz!"


It's pretty amazing being in the same room with a talent as huge as Richard M. Sherman, one-half of the famous Sherman Brothers songwriting team. Think "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious," "It's a Small World" and even the 1960 ditty "You're 16 (You're Beautiful You're Mine)."

What is not amazing, however, is being at a live performance when your preschooler decides she wants to go home -- loudly. Awk-ward.

Last week, CC and I were invited to attend the opening night performance of "Supercalifragilistic: An Evening with Richard M. Sherman" at the El Capitan in Hollywood.

The first act promised a medley of old favorites, including songs from "The Jungle Book" and "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang," while the second act was scheduled to introduce songs from Sherman's upcoming musical comedy with Milt Larsen, "Pazzazz!"

Let's just say we didn't make it to the second half. (Boo.)

But I get it. It wasn't exactly toddler/preschooler territory. The show was an intimate performance of a tuxedo-clad Mr. Sherman singing his songs on a bare-bones stage that held a single piano. His voice, gravely with age, still had the enthusiasm and wonder even after all these years.

He talked about his time working for Walt Disney with his brother, and he shared anecdotes about being in Paris with Maurice Chevalier, who sang the Sherman-written title song of movie "The AristoCats." There were also videos with the likes of Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke extolling the talents of the Shermans.

Richard Sherman was always humble and gracious while talking about his past successes, and seemed to still want to pinch himself for everything he's accomplished.

I was charmed; CC was coloring. (Thank you, El Capitan for providing crayons and coloring sheets.)

I'm still bummed we missed "Pazzazz!", but I'm hoping it will make its way to Hollywood again -- maybe next time at the Pantages?

Before we left, sadly just before intermission, CC got to check out some props at the El Capitan from the upcoming Tim Burton movie Alice in Wonderland -- a fun display that had a pizazz all its own.

Richard M. Sherman image courtesy of Davidson & Choy Publicity

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