Musical Music Review: Sherry!

Sherry! The Broadway Musical, 2003

Sheridan Whiteside played by Nathan Lane, Maggie Cutler played by Bernadette Peters, Lorraine Sheldon played by Carol Burnett, Beverly Carlton played by Tommy Tune, Banjo played by Mike Myers and Bert Jefferson played by Tom Wopat

This is a musical based on the play “The Man Who Came to Dinner.”   The story plays out Sheridan Whiteside “Sherry” for short, is a popular radio personality and critic.  He breaks his leg at a friend’s house, and takes up residence there causing havoc to everyone with his need to be pampered.  X-rays come back negative for a broken leg, but he insists Dr. plays along as he continues the role of the invalid.  Socialite, Lorriane Sheldon,  would like to bag him, and every other man around.  Maggie Cutler is his secretary, and he has cajoled and kept her around and away from other men for many years.  He couldn’t survive without her.  Beverly Carlton is Sheldon’s suitor.  Bert Jefferson is the suitor of Cutler.  Banjo is a second act role to add comic relief, but he also participates in Whiteside’s schemes. 

This movie at times disintegrates into havoc.  Such is the condition for the Christmas Eve radio show.  Most of the music is forgettable, but you don’t forget Bernadette Peters.  She sings a show stopper song I the first act, “Maybe It’s Time for Me.”  That is a song that stays with you.  Carol Burnett sings the title song, “Sherry” and it is humorous and enjoyable.  She also sings ‘Putty in your Hands” which talks of her hopeless addiction to men. 

Maggie is intent on getting away, and having a life of her own.  Sherry does everything in his power to keep her on the ground.  He finally decides maybe the best thing to do would be to marry her himself, and then he can keep her around.  He decides against this, and lets her go.  In the last scene Sherry really does break his leg, and he send Maggie and Bert away to find happiness.  The son “Imagine That” Peters takes the lead, but then Nathan Lane adds a duet part which is very effective.

The original Broadway Production had poor reviews and ran for 67 shows.  The set was taken apart and burned, and the score was thought lost.  After 30 years it was found, and from that we have this studio version of the musical.