Summary

One in this educational public affairs series that traces the origins and development of the American musical theater and examines the careers and contributions of the creative artists who have made the musical a native American art form. In an informal workshop setting, New York City high school students meet the composers, lyricists, and performers who have shaped the American musical and question them about their work.

In this edition, Sammy Davis, Jr., reviews his career, particularly his work in the current Broadway musical "Golden Boy." Host Earl Wrightson begins the show by discussing with Davis the strenuous aspects of performing in "Golden Boy," which includes singing, dancing, serious acting, and boxing. Davis then recounts the progression of his career in entertainment from his beginnings at the age of three in his family's vaudeville act, and gives some examples of the types of material he uses in his nightclub acts including some impersonations and insight into Humphrey Bogart's signature facial gestures. Davis also explores the alterations needed in the original play to adapt the leading role from that of an Italian-American to a black man. Wrightson then introduces Charles Strouse, the composer of "Golden Boy," who recounts the many changes made to the show during its five months of out-of-town tryouts. After discussing his involvement in aspects of the production other than acting, Davis conducts the CBS Orchestra in "Night Song" from the show, and sings "Stick Around," also from "Golden Boy," accompanied by Strouse on the piano. Davis and Strouse comment on the unusual opening of the show which eschews a conventional overture for the sounds of synchopated rhythms heard in a boxing gym. Davis ends the program by recounting the coaching for the boxing scene he received from Sugar Ray Robinson as well as some resulting accidents.

Cataloging of this program was made possible by The Marc Haas and Helen Hotze Haas Foundation, 1998.