The Muny - Part 3
In 1968, the Muny celebrated its 50th anniversary. Someone on the Board must have called David Merrick, who was producing Hello Dolly at the time and had made the bold decision to feature an all Black cast led by Pearl Bailey and Cab Calloway. Merrick was a St. Louisan who obtained his undergraduate education from Washington University and a law degree from St. Louis University. After marrying a St. Louis girl, who brought a sizeable dowry, Merrick moved to New York.
Hello Dolly was a huge hit on Broadway, and the notion that the entire cast would uproot and fly to St. Louis for a full week’s engagement was unprecedented. But that is exactly what happened, and I was lucky enough to be there. The show itself, with Pearl Bailey holding forth, was nothing short of exuberant. The Muny stage is conducive to huge choruses, acrobatic dancing, sweeping sets and special effects.
On a glorious night in August, I had the privilege of experiencing the Muny at its grandest. At the end of the show, and after several standing ovations, I noticed that the cast was not moving off the stage and the orchestra was staying put. Pearl Bailey moved to the front of the stage, just in front of me and said to the audience:”I hope you’re not in a hurry. We still have some fun to bring your way!” Pearl commanded the stage as she walked back and forth, waving to everyone, including Mayor Cervantes, seated in front.
To move from the St. James Theatre in New York, seating capacity 1700 to the Muny at 11,500, had to have been an exhilarating experience and Pearl was basking in it. After a few moments, Calloway suggested to Pearl that they sing the St. Louis Blues and with that the entire ensemble, including the Symphony Orchestra, broke into a rendition of the St. Louis Blues laced with Hello Dolly tunes and the place went crazy. This show within the show was totally unexpected and I am certain that noone in attendance ever forgot it.
The Muny tickets remain in the family and several more generations are enjoying the great experience. I will always be grateful to my grandmother for urging my grandfather to take a flier on this experiment called the Muny.