The Theater: Old Musical in Manhattan

Of Thee I Sing (book by George S. Kaufman & Morrie Ryskind; music & lyrics by George & Ira Gershwin) cannot be said, after 20 years, to have triumphed over time. At the very most, it has sufficiently fought it to a draw to seem now, though nowhere distinguished, still moderately diverting. What once passed for keen political satire comes off as clownish spoofing; a libretto that once seemed in an entirely different league from the run of Broadway books, now barely qualifies, in a very poor season, for Broadway's first division.

Nowadays the...

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!