5041 Happy Talk

from 'South Pacific'
Rodgers and Hammerstein
arranged by Roger Harvey

Price: £22.50

Difficulty: Medium

Programme notes:
South Pacific opened on Broadway in 1949, was an istant hit and ran for nearly 2000 performances. It was based on stories by James A. Michener which amongst other themes tackle the issue of racial predjudice. The show contains a wealth of songs that have become popular standards, amongst them Happy Talk, which was apparently composed in 20 minutes; Hammerstein called Rodgers to see if he had received the lyrics which he had sent by courier and Rodgers replied that not only had he received them but that the music was already written. It is sung by Bloody Mary to an American serviceman courting her daughter Liat and advises on how to have a happy life.

Performance notes:
Play with light rhythmic style throughout. Aim for a perky, joyful manner.