I just received the new DVD of Evening Primrose…the first-ever legal, Kosher and visually watchable copy of the 1966 musical-for-TV by James Goldman and Stephen Sondheim. I always thought it was kind of a creepy story made creepier by the presence of Anthony Perkins in the lead role…and while I'm glad someone finally issued it for all, I don't think it's a DVD I'll be watching over and over. There's a reaction I have occasionally near the beginning of a play or movie that goes something like this: "Gee, this is well done but I don't think I really want to spend the next hour or two of my life watching the story of these people." (The last time I had it in the Broadway area was at a musical called The Life.)
There is much to admire in Evening Primrose in terms of craft, particularly in Mr. Sondheim's lyrics…and it's an important bit of television and theatrical history. So I'm glad to have this DVD and if you haven't ordered one yet, I suggest you click on this link and get a copy. It's certainly the best musical ever videotaped inside a department store. Here's the keystone (and maybe the best) number in the show…
