TMS - West End Avenue

[@walkthedogs240]

I played bass in the original Broadway production and on this recording, and here I am listening to this video over and over again to re-learn what I played on the song for a concert following Stephen Schwartz's induction into the Long Island Musicians Hall of Fame next weekend. After this, then Godspell and Pippin.

[@mattmeyer1680]

As another alumni of the Original Broadway production, this show helped turn me on to a life of magic in the theater and otherwise. Doug Henning was nothing short of extraordinary, and went on to an all-too-short life bringing a new type of magic to new generations. But this quintessential NYC song - delivered perfectly by Dale Soules - was an incredible musical smash in a show more noted for its illusions than for its score. It is a shame - for the talented Stephen Schwartz, but also for the highly underrated Soules - that this song and the entire show is not better know. Glad to see that Soules is finally getting some attention again - with the second season of Orange is the New Black, and an ensemble Emmy to her name. I'm still most proud of my slightly wrinkled but framed original poster of the show, lovingly inscribed by Dale and Doug. MAGIC!!!

[@meladkins6218]

+Matt Meyer Matt I was a replacement in the show near the end of it's run and I believe that when New York critics and theatre people in "know" have never seen anything like this before, they give it a bad rap, and shows close. I was proud to be in this show and thought it deserved better recognition.

[@meladkins6218]

+Matt Meyer Matt I was a replacement in the show near the end of it's run and I believe that when New York critics and theatre people in "know" have never seen anything like this before, they give it a bad rap, and shows close. I was proud to be in this show and thought it deserved better recognition.

[@meladkins6218]

+Matt Meyer Matt I was a replacement in the show near the end of it's run and I believe that when New York critics and theatre people in "know" have never seen anything like this before, they give it a bad rap, and shows close. I was proud to be in this show and thought it deserved better recognition.

[@mattmeyer1680]

+Mel Adkins Wonderful to hear from you, Mel!!

[@rozannegates8221]

Lynne Thigpen, Dale Soules, Lisa Raggio - magical performers and all my clients. How lucky was I?

[@teetyweet]

I was a starstruck kid when I saw this musical on Broadway in the '70s. It was my first Broadway experience, and my parents took me up from DC to see it. It was larger than life, enthralling, pure magic.... now, being a New Yorker for 30 years, this song completely encapsulates being in a kind of romantic relationship with the Big Apple - like arguing with a lover, getting mad, running out on it, and coming back with your tail between your legs. I just love it so much. It was a childhood anthem and it's still relevant to me as an adult. Pure magic, brilliant writing - music and lyrics.

[@jlent]

I too saw Magic Show on opening. This was THE song. Why it's not more famous I have no idea. Great song.

[@patriciahess2771]

I don't know how many times I played this song, once I bought it after seeing the original show. Sometimes I still think it speaks to me, as I have "crawled" back home twice in 45 years trying to be "successful". This was a terrific show, though, and the music brilliant!

[@JerseySurvivor]

Yes. And after a rest you get out and try again. As Ella once told me, “it doesn’t matter where you come from, or even where you’re going, it’s all about enjoying the journey”.

[@BrotherDan01]

I find this is one of the most powerful accounts of life in the city. Very moving. I'm surprised that people have not noticed this song more!!

[@myobfool]

I saw this in I believe it was 1976. It was priceless and yes I do wish the intro was here. (but I have the CD so maybe I may fix that)

[@shannonkerr2313]

My parents have and old warped copy of the OST that survived an apartment fire. I was the one who wore it out! Every song was amazing!

[@chriswhiteauditions]

@TheJesuitdan : I totally agree. This piece and "Another Hundred People" are the most effective accounts of NYC life. Whenever I walk or jog down West End Avenue I sing this song under my breath!

[@SLYSPYHIWAY90]

Hey Matt, and Mel ,As a fan of the theater ,hows things going?. Whats the shape of todays theater in your opinion, is there hope for big production block busters anymore. I mean are there some creative writers out there still interested in theater and is it still worth it. W.E.R.S. Emerson College in Boston plays a 4 hour radio segment every weekend called Standing Room Only to keep theater alive. I think what you guys do is magic, good luck and thank you

[@luvdemcats2]

Saw the original B'way prod. IN 1975 I believe. Paul Schaffer was the piano player before going to SNL when it was funny, remember? This song was my fave, then Lion Tamer.

[@walkthedogs240]

He was. I was the bass player for the first year of the show before taking off for a little academic retreat at Berklee College of Music in Boston.

[@cyberqat]

I saw Magic Show on Broadway in its original release. This *was* the showstopper.

[@Bobbybabybobbybubbie]

This is like Stephen Schwartz's "Another Hundred People".

[@teletubetodd]

There is a resemblance, though "Another Hundred People" is actually by Stephen Sondheim, from his 1970 musical "Company." I also hear echoes of the hemiola in Leonard Bernstein and Sondheim's "I Like to Be in America" from "West Side Story."

[@migelito1963]

Why did you cut the 'Lion Tamer' intro? It's part of the song. Big mistake.

[@BalletBabyBoy]

Saw this show 100 times on Broadway...BRILLIANT SCORE...Gail never missed a show...I LOVE THE SCORE!