Let's talk about Legs Diamond (archive)

[JH4HJ]

Thanks, Ellen. I guess not selecting the "recommend videos" box only gets it down to a minimum number, rather than the dozen or so that pop up otherwise. Seems everybody's got to slap an ad on everything these days. Grrr

[mamaleh]

Only slightly OT: The other day I watched "The Rise and Fall of Legs Diamond" on TV. I'd seen it long, long ago--way before I knew about Peter or Hugh, and had only vague memories of it. Some familiar concepts, places and names: the idea to steal only from fellow thieves, the Hotsy-Totsy Club, A.R. and Flo. But in what was likely the more authentic tale, however, Flo is not the Hotsy-Totsy hostess but a madame in a NYC brothel. Same theme, though, of Legs's charmed life: In the movie he's shot by rival gangsters on numerous occasions but always miraculously pulls through, mystifying doctors and earning him the reputation of the guy who couldn't be killed. That is, until the very last incident.

Good movie. I'm not sure I could have seen it at the movies "four or five times" (as Peter phrased it in the arena version of TBFO), but it was entertaining.

Ellen

[mamaleh]

The latest episode of "Theater Talk" featured Harvey Fierstein talking about his current (HAIRSPRAY LIVE) efforts as well as his past shows, especially LEGS DIAMOND. He offers a fascinating story about how they changed the opening number to elicit entrance applause, and Peter's performance vs. that of his understudy, Larry Kert (the original Tony in WEST SIDE STORY). It's not yet available online but soon should be.

Ellen

[JH4HJ]

Oct 16, 2016 8:48:39 GMT -5 mamaleh said:

The latest episode of "Theater Talk" featured Harvey Fierstein talking about his current (HAIRSPRAY LIVE) efforts as well as his past shows, especially LEGS DIAMOND. He offers a fascinating story about how they changed the opening number to elicit entrance applause, and Peter's performance vs. that of his understudy, Larry Kert (the original Tony in WEST SIDE STORY). It's not yet available online but soon should be.

Thanks, Ellen.

The part about Legs is at 20 minutes into the interview.



He's not complimentary to Peter, but the story is interesting nonetheless. Thanks.

Here's the opening number from Legs Diamond.



I still think he looks (and sounds - and dances!) great in this role.

[JH4HJ]

I found some more COLOR photos - he looks fabulous!









Curtain Call - that gold lame suit is too much (can't find it in color)

[mamaleh]

True, but Harvey also thought his own book was not up to snuff. At least he was honest about that. Truthfully, Peter should have listened to the B'way pros who told him to take the show out of town for tryouts and rejiggering. Had they fixed it, it might have developed into a hit. The score was certainly good.

I'd forgotten how much Harvey spoke about LA CAGE first. That was very interesting too.

Ellen

[JH4HJ]

Ellen, I agree Legs ("book" = the script) needed some fixing, but it was impossible to "take it out of town" as was usually done.

Legs Diamond was the first Broadway show with fully computerized sets - which were ridiculed as "incredibly heavy, ridiculously expensive and highly dangerous" (computer controls for lighting changes were slowly being brought into Broadway houses already, with less agitation). The sets were serious sore spot with more than one of The Unions at that time, claiming it would cost jobs [which this innovation did (to Broadway as a whole), but not to the extent predicted]. This caused much friction backstage and probably contributed to the woeful lack of support the show received from the Theater Community in general.

[Watch the clip above for the 20' billboard and moving train.]

There was no out-of-town venue capable of "taking" the show and to re-fit another theater was out of the question for obvious time/financial reasons. Show Business (and backstage politics) doomed it. Ticket sales were excellent, audiences loved it (especially Peter) despite the reviews and Nederlander mentioned (after its demise) being "pressured" (no details) into closing it but he said he insisted on giving the show a couple of months anyway because Peter had worked so hard - and it was Sold Out (or close to it) for every performance.

[Aside: Most big scale musicals have computerized sets now, but the "transition phase" in the late '80s/early 90s (technically/structurally in the buildings and legally, as well as financially/emotionally, with the Unions) was a major upheaval in the world of professional theater - and Legs Diamond was at the forefront of the revolution that upgraded the old Broadway houses.]

[JH4HJ]

Remember the "foot in the face" shot I did of Hugh in TBFO Down Under?



I think I did it better - you can *almost* see Peter in this ^ one. LOL

Here's a better shot of the kick line.



Publicity shot, Sept '88.

[mamaleh]

That was a great shot, Valerie. And the others are so dashing. He looks so handsome.

Ellen

[JH4HJ]

Legs Diamond - TV ad. Not great quality, but fun to see regardless.

[JH4HJ]

ARGH! I am "like totally bummed" that I won't get to see this.


Legs Diamond 30th Anniversary Reunion Concert
December 3, 2017

Critics called it “a diamond in the rough” – well, this diamond has been polished and is ready to sparkle… again!

For the first time in NYC since its opening in 1989, come experience one of Broadway’s biggest and brightest flops, Legs Diamond! With original cast members and their stories, special guests and the beautiful score conceived and written by Grammy and Academy Award winner Peter Allen, the evening is sure to delight.

After a 6-week workshop Legs Diamond went straight to Broadway. The show had a record-breaking 72 previews in which critics relentlessly reported the endless production problems. Without reserve, these reviewers plunged their knives deep, killing the show well before it opened at the Mark Hellinger Theater on December 26, 1988. After another 62 performances Legs Diamond closed on February 19, 1989. This would mark not only the end of the show but the end of the beautiful Mark Hellinger as a theater. The theater became the Times Square Church.

Despite its short run, Legs Diamond was highly acclaimed, garnishing three Tony Award nominations, including costuming by the legendary Willa Kim for her glorious 20’s designs, choreography by the brilliant Alan Johnson, and a nomination for the divine Julie Wilson for her show stopping number “The Music Went Out of My Life.” Set in a speakeasy during the Prohibition Jazz age, Legs Diamond presented for the first time ever on a Broadway stage fully automated and computerized scenery. This unique show featured dancers oozing out of a piano, with Brenda Braxton emerging to reveal the forbidden speakeasy, showgirls dripping in diamonds and lounging in giant champagne glasses, and the Gangland Ballet.

Peter Allen played “Legs” Diamond, a noted real life gangster. The plot was filled with scenes of unrequited love and jealousy by the women who competed for Legs Diamond’s heart, played by Julie Wilson, Randall Edwards and Brenda Braxton. Unfortunately, Christine Andreas and Bob Stillman (Leg’s wife and brother) whose voices and songs brought tears to cast members in rehearsals fell victim to the many cuts during previews. Their characters never made it to opening night. We are so excited to share these rare jewels with you during our celebratory concert!

Please join us at Feinstein’s/54 Below for this once in a lifetime celebration. The 30th Anniversary of Grammy and Academy Award winning Peter Allen’s Legs Diamond, conceived with music and lyrics by Peter Allen and book by Harvey Fierstein and Charles Suppon. Spend an evening with the original cast members who will perform numbers from the show, such as “When I Get My Name in Lights,” “Sure Thing Baby,” “Only an Older Woman,” “The Man Nobody Could Love,” “All I Wanted Was the Dream,” “The Music Went Out of My Life,” and “Say it Isn’t So;” and will also share backstage anecdotes and their personal memories of working with the incomparable and charming Peter Allen.

More information here

[mamaleh]

This sounds like a fantastic show; thanks, Valerie. Maybe there's some way you could make it...?

Ellen

[annetter]

Oct 23, 2017 17:12:37 GMT -5 JH4HJ said:

ARGH! I am "like totally bummed" that I won't get to see this.


Legs Diamond 30th Anniversary Reunion Concert
December 3, 2017

Critics called it “a diamond in the rough” – well, this diamond has been polished and is ready to sparkle… again!

For the first time in NYC since its opening in 1989, come experience one of Broadway’s biggest and brightest flops, Legs Diamond! With original cast members and their stories, special guests and the beautiful score conceived and written by Grammy and Academy Award winner Peter Allen, the evening is sure to delight.

After a 6-week workshop Legs Diamond went straight to Broadway. The show had a record-breaking 72 previews in which critics relentlessly reported the endless production problems. Without reserve, these reviewers plunged their knives deep, killing the show well before it opened at the Mark Hellinger Theater on December 26, 1988. After another 62 performances Legs Diamond closed on February 19, 1989. This would mark not only the end of the show but the end of the beautiful Mark Hellinger as a theater. The theater became the Times Square Church.

Despite its short run, Legs Diamond was highly acclaimed, garnishing three Tony Award nominations, including costuming by the legendary Willa Kim for her glorious 20’s designs, choreography by the brilliant Alan Johnson, and a nomination for the divine Julie Wilson for her show stopping number “The Music Went Out of My Life.” Set in a speakeasy during the Prohibition Jazz age, Legs Diamond presented for the first time ever on a Broadway stage fully automated and computerized scenery. This unique show featured dancers oozing out of a piano, with Brenda Braxton emerging to reveal the forbidden speakeasy, showgirls dripping in diamonds and lounging in giant champagne glasses, and the Gangland Ballet.

Peter Allen played “Legs” Diamond, a noted real life gangster. The plot was filled with scenes of unrequited love and jealousy by the women who competed for Legs Diamond’s heart, played by Julie Wilson, Randall Edwards and Brenda Braxton. Unfortunately, Christine Andreas and Bob Stillman (Leg’s wife and brother) whose voices and songs brought tears to cast members in rehearsals fell victim to the many cuts during previews. Their characters never made it to opening night. We are so excited to share these rare jewels with you during our celebratory concert!

Please join us at Feinstein’s/54 Below for this once in a lifetime celebration. The 30th Anniversary of Grammy and Academy Award winning Peter Allen’s Legs Diamond, conceived with music and lyrics by Peter Allen and book by Harvey Fierstein and Charles Suppon. Spend an evening with the original cast members who will perform numbers from the show, such as “When I Get My Name in Lights,” “Sure Thing Baby,” “Only an Older Woman,” “The Man Nobody Could Love,” “All I Wanted Was the Dream,” “The Music Went Out of My Life,” and “Say it Isn’t So;” and will also share backstage anecdotes and their personal memories of working with the incomparable and charming Peter Allen.

More information here

[annetter]

I got to see this concert and it was awesome. 54 below was packed with exuberant Peter Allen fans and some of the cast were in the original production. It was an interesting & fun night. Although I am a native New Yorker, I never had the pleasure of seeing the original production (or even Peter Allen) perform. It was nice to have a chance to experience The Peter Allen phenomenon