The Theater: New Musical in Manhattan, Jan. 16, 1950

Happy As Larry (by Donagh MacDonagh; music by Mischa & Wesley Portnoff; produced by Leonard Sillman) is not only implacably whimsical; it is for the most part unbearably silly and dull. Produced as a straight play in Dublin and London, it caught the fancy of Burgess Meredith, who thought it would be the better for music. With both music and Meredith, it lasted for three performances. Meredith first plays Larry, a reminiscing tailor, then the grandfather that Larry reminisces about. Grandpa was murdered by his wife's lover, then the lover was murdered, then grandpa came briskly back to life, then his...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!