Long before the Backstreet Boys or BTS, there was a boy band that captured the hearts of millions – the Comedian Harmonists. This vocal sextet from Weimar Germany rose to international fame, but their success was cut short when the Nazis came to power. Now, their story has been transformed into a Broadway musical titled Harmony, with a score by pop superstar Barry Manilow.<\/p>\n
Playwright Bruce Sussman, who previously collaborated with Manilow on the musical Copacabana, stumbled upon a film about the Comedian Harmonists and was instantly captivated by their story. He immediately contacted Manilow, who, despite never having heard of the group, was drawn to their sophistication and unique blend of music and comedy.<\/p>\n
But beyond the musical possibilities, the story of the Comedian Harmonists was inherently compelling. In a time of chaos and division, three Jewish members and three Gentile members found harmony both musically and personally. They went from impoverished street musicians to international celebrities, selling millions of records and performing in prestigious concert halls worldwide. However, their success was abruptly halted in 1933 when Hitler rose to power, and their Jewish members faced persecution.<\/p>\n
Harmony, which has undergone numerous iterations and productions, now takes the form of a memory play. The character known as Rabbi, the last surviving member of the Comedian Harmonists, addresses the audience directly. Broadway veteran Chip Zien portrays this character, who weaves in and out of the action, even transforming into notable figures such as Albert Einstein and Richard Strauss.<\/p>\n
During the development of Harmony in the 1990s, Manilow had the opportunity to meet the real Rabbi Cyckowski, who happened to be his elderly neighbor in Palm Springs. The Rabbi reminisced about the group’s vaudeville days and expressed his belief that they could have surpassed the Beatles had their career not been derailed by the Nazis.<\/p>\n
The musical delves into the challenges faced by the Comedian Harmonists, particularly through the character of Mary, the Rabbi’s wife, played by Sierra Boggess. As a Gentile, she recognizes the problems the group will encounter before they do. The cast conducted extensive research and consulted with a historian, who noted that the Jews of that time had “too much hope and not enough fear.” This sentiment deeply resonated with Boggess, who incorporated it into her portrayal.<\/p>\n
For Danny Kornfeld, making his Broadway debut as the young Rabbi, preparing for the role involved watching documentaries, reading books, and visiting significant locations in Berlin. By immersing himself in the city’s history, he aimed to establish a personal connection to the character and his surroundings.<\/p>\n
While the first act of Harmony maintains a lighthearted tone, the second act brings the Nazi threat directly into the audience’s consciousness. Director Warren Carlyle emphasizes the impact of this shift, as a particular officer walks down the aisle of the Barrymore Theatre, symbolizing the changing world both on and off the stage.<\/p>\n
Harmony feels particularly relevant today, given the current state of the world. However, Manilow notes that the show has always resonated with audiences due to the timeless presence of anti-Semitism. Each time the musical has been mounted, it has been deemed “the perfect time for Harmony.” Unfortunately, this sentiment remains true today.<\/p>\n
Harmony shines a spotlight on the remarkable rise and tragic fall of the Comedian Harmonists, a boy band that defied societal divisions through their music. As their story unfolds on Broadway, the audience is reminded of the enduring relevance of their struggle against anti-Semitism. The musical serves as a powerful testament to the resilience and artistry of those silenced by hatred, urging us to confront the past and strive for a harmonious future.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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