A Broadway musical brings to life the story of the Comedian Harmonists, a renowned boy band in Weimar Germany that was silenced by the Nazis due to their Jewish members.
Long before the Backstreet Boys or BTS, there was a boy band that captivated the world with their harmonies and comedic performances. The Comedian Harmonists, a vocal sextet in Weimar Germany, rose to international fame in the 1920s and 1930s. However, their success was abruptly halted when the Nazis came to power and targeted them because three of the group’s members were Jewish. Now, their extraordinary story has been brought to the Broadway stage in the musical Harmony, featuring a score by pop superstar Barry Manilow.
The Birth of a Musical:
The idea for Harmony came to playwright Bruce Sussman when he watched a lengthy German documentary about the Comedian Harmonists. Rather than being overwhelmed by the film, Sussman was inspired by the group’s story and immediately called Barry Manilow, his collaborator on the musical Copacabana. Manilow, who had never heard of the Comedian Harmonists before, was enchanted by their sophisticated blend of music and comedy. The musical possibilities were evident, but it was the group’s journey through one of history’s most chaotic times that made their story truly compelling for the stage.
From Rags to Riches:
The Comedian Harmonists started as impoverished street musicians but quickly rose to stardom. They were discovered performing in a small club alongside Marlene Dietrich, who was still unknown at the time. Their talent and charm led to millions of record sales, 13 films, and performances in prestigious concert halls worldwide. However, in 1933, Hitler’s rise to power brought their success to a screeching halt. With three Jewish members, the group faced an uncertain future as they confronted the collision course with history in their second act.
Harmony Amidst Chaos:
What makes the story of the Comedian Harmonists so remarkable is that, amidst the chaos of the time, three Jewish members and three Gentiles found harmony. Director and choreographer Warren Carlyle highlights this aspect, stating that they literally found harmony when the world around them was tearing people apart. The group’s ability to transcend religious and cultural differences resonates deeply, especially in a world that seems increasingly divided.
The Memory Play:
Harmony has undergone various iterations and productions over the years, but its current form is a memory play. The last surviving member of the group, known as Rabbi, serves as the narrator, speaking directly to the audience. Broadway veteran Chip Zien brings this character to life, weaving in and out of the action and portraying other notable figures like Albert Einstein and Richard Strauss. The show’s structure allows the audience to experience the story through Rabbi’s eyes while also reflecting on the group’s enduring legacy.
Real-Life Encounters:
During the development of Harmony in the 1990s, Barry Manilow had the opportunity to meet the real Rabbi Cyckowski, the last surviving member of the Comedian Harmonists. To Manilow’s surprise, Rabbi Cyckowski turned out to be his elderly neighbor in Palm Springs, California. The encounter provided a personal connection to the story and a glimpse into the vaudeville world that the group had once inhabited. According to Rabbi Cyckowski, had their careers not been cut short, they could have been even bigger than the Beatles.
Relevance and Reflection:
Harmony feels particularly relevant today, as it explores themes of anti-Semitism and the rise of authoritarianism. Director Warren Carlyle notes that the second act of the musical brings the Nazi threat into the audience, making the world outside the theater feel closer and more unsettling. Barry Manilow reflects on the ongoing relevance of the show, as anti-Semitism continues to persist. Harmony serves as a reminder of the power of music and unity in the face of adversity, urging us to confront and learn from history’s darkest chapters.
Conclusion:
Harmony brings the captivating story of the Comedian Harmonists to life on the Broadway stage, shedding light on a forgotten chapter in music history. The musical not only showcases the group’s incredible talent but also highlights their resilience and the power of harmony amidst a world torn apart by hatred. As audiences are transported back in time, they are also confronted with the relevance of the story in today’s society. Harmony serves as a poignant reminder that even in the darkest of times, music and unity can prevail, offering hope and inspiration for generations to come.
Leave a Reply