Based on the unbelievable true story, Harmony tells the tale of the most successful entertainers you’ve never heard of. . . . until now. In the 1920s and 30s, The Comedian Harmonists sold millions of records, made dozens of films, and sold out the biggest theaters around the world. Their heavenly harmonies and musical comedy antics catapulted these six talented young men from singing in the subway tunnels of Berlin to international superstardom. What happened next is the story of Harmony. Directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner Warren Carlyle, this timely and captivating rags-to-riches story lost to history comes to dazzling life with a sensational cast of Broadway favorites.
You would think that a recording superstar on the level of Barry Manilow (85 million records sold) might enjoy a bit of a step up when attempting to get a show mounted on Broadway. You’d be wrong: From its conception some 30 years ago, Harmony hit every conceivable bump in the road, starting with a few fizzling out-of-town tryouts and a Covid delay before National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene succeeded in introducing it – to considerable acclaim – at the Museum of Jewish Heritage in the spring of 2022. Certain elements remain: Beowulf Boritt’s simple but snazzy black-patent-leather-like box of a set and Warren Carlyle’s snappy direction and choreography continue to contribute plenty of sizzle. If a few clunker lines from longtime collaborator Bruce Sussman’s book and lyrics have managed to survive the transfer, the damage is minimal – perhaps because the storylines are so broadly limned to begin with.
Timely it may sadly be, but a theatrical triumph it still isn’t. I reviewed the show back in 1997, and while it is changed and improved, it rarely rises above a level of admirable, hard-working professionalism. The score, with music by Mr. Manilow and lyrics by Mr. Sussman, is appealingly various—influences range from Gilbert and Sullivan to cantorial melodies to Kurt Weill to standard contemporary Broadway balladry. (There is even a salsa-flavored song that seems to consciously evoke “Copacabana.”) But it lacks any truly singular or gut-grabbing songs. And the book by Mr. Sussman is hamstrung by both the breadth of the history it seeks to depict and a need to leaven the increasingly dark proceedings with generous dollops of Borscht Beltish humor.
Rush Tickets:
18@18
Price: The first 18 rush tickets will be available to purchase for $18.00 each.
Where: Barrymore Theatre (243 West 47th Street) box office.
Limit: One per customer.
Restrictions: Seat locations for this program vary and may be available in all sections of the theatre.
Digital Lottery:
Price: $49
Where: https://rush.telecharge.com/
When: The lottery will open at 12 AM on the day before the performance closing at 3 PM the day before the performance. Winners are drawn at 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM
Limit: Two per customer
Information: Seats may be located in any section of the theater. While every effort will be made to seat pairs together with a full view, there is a chance that pairs may be split up and that your seat may have a partial view of the stage. Winners will be notified by email shortly after each drawing and have five hours to claim and purchase tickets online. Tickets will be emailed.
1997 | Regional (US) |
World Premiere Regional (US) |
2003 | Regional (US) |
Regional Production Regional (US) |
2023 | Broadway |
Original Broadway Production Broadway |
Year | Ceremony | Category | Nominee |
---|---|---|---|
2024 | Drama League Awards | Outstanding Production of a Musical | Harmony |
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