A Bell Is No Bell - June Bronhill & Petula Clark

[JerseySurvivor]

Saw thw show in London in October 81. Remember it vividly. No problem with Pet's age as she looked 20 years younger then-- and still does! Saw her at Feinsteins the other night and she had ME duet with her on Downtown! If it wasn't her, I've no doubt that from the gallery they'd be throwing fruit!. Love Pet. Hope she comes back soon.

[steph36uk]

I was in the audience on the first Saturday Night performance of this show in 1981, I was 16, Pet Clark was far better than I ever imagined she would be, after seeing Julie Andrews in the film. We all gave June Bronhill a standing ovation after her singing of ' Climb Ev'ry Mountain', for me it was a totally unforgettable show and performances and I still remember it all these years later, and I'm so glad to have seen it and been a part of it. That first Saturday night was packed to the rafters

[iancv]

I adored June Bronhill from a very young age - saw here perform many many timesin the UK and Australia. She was a great treasure.

[danilo22uk]

saw this production & have both programmes

[mourillio]

Stunning...and so glad that it's now available on CD, for the first time. You can get it on Amazon.

Definately a must-buy.

[4260laurel]

in my version Mother never sang this....did they re-arrange for this production- Pet Clark...one of my favorites....she must have been a terrific Maria.!

[4260laurel]

in my version Mother never sang this....did they re-arrange for this production- Pet Calrk...one of my favorites....she must have been a terrific Maria.!

[rickyross3359]

The soundtrack from this production is out for the first time on CD later this month. The full 1981 cast album plus 2 bonus tracks.

[emmapett1]

I too was in this production, I played Marta and I was in Orange group. I'm still in touch with Gretel who was in white group and Brigitta from my group. Apparently there was a reunion of this production in 2007. I would to hear more from the sound track of this show as I've lost my copy. It brings back such lovely memories!

[theeter1994]

Could you put up the whole soundtrack? I would love to hear more of Petula playing Maria. Truly one of the best!

[showtunestarpower]

I saw this wonderful production the one and only time I was in London and June Bronhill was thrilling. And Petula was just wonderful as Maria. (And this is coming from a died in the wool Mary Martin / Julie Andrews fan!)

[lexomil17]

Where can I find the cast album from that production?

[alimat7174]

i was in this production with Petula , & June , I played louisa in the brown group! at the Apollo Victoria!! I would love to hear from anyone from way back then!! haha!

[LaMusicaVa]

So neat to hear from a cast member! If you have any pictures or memories of the show you'd like to share, I'd love to use them on my site. Send me a private message if you're interested!

[emmapett1]

Hi I played Marta (orange group). I remember hearing this song through the speaker in our dressing room while we were having the finishing touches done to our makeup and hair!

[emlodik]

I must admit, I always found this show overly pretentious, but Petula's soothing voice actually makes it bearable!

[davie12]

Yes, I agree, it's a sickly show really, but bioth June Bronhill and Petula played good parts. It hard to imagine that Clarky celebrated her 50th birthday while she was doing thjis... her voice sounds like she was in her 20s

[VealParmigiana]

Could you post Petula Clark singing, "Lonely Goatherd". Mary Martin's version of that song is my favorite, and I would probably like Petula's version even more.

[madgeson]

Wonderful! I miss June.This is so much better than the current production!

[emlodik]

Interesting that they felt they needed an extra transition song, even though they added the "other" transition song that was written for the movie. LOL, talk about REALLY establishing Maria moving on from the abbey! ;-)

[dollartwenty]

So lovely. How I miss June!!

[ballaratboy]

Thank you for posting this. Beautifully sung by both ladies.

[emlodik]

Petula played Norma Desmond at 70 and Maria von Trapp at 50.... I guess in France there is no shame.

[jemb2000]

Mary Martin was around the same age when she played Maria in the original production.

[davie12]

The voices blend beautifully... the operatic voice of June Bronhill with the softer, pop voice of Petula. Very beautiful.

[everafterfan]

I suppose I see your point LaMusicaVa. If they really wanted a song in the scene, I guess the next best thing is to have them both sing "The Lonely Goatherd," a song they both remember from childhood and growing up in the mountains of Austria. That could have worked too. But, I really like this rendition!

[LaMusicaVa]

My guess is that is was meant to be connected somehow to the Mother Abbess' telling Maria to not be afraid of living life outside the Abbey on her own - a sort of "you'll never know till you try" message. Like you said, not perfect, but it makes partial sense at least! It's better than trying to add a new song to a Rodgers and Hammerstein score. :)

[txquis]

This is absolutely lovely, and not a bad idea for that spot in the show...although, I admit that the message of the song, "love isn't love til you give it away" doesn't fit as perfectly in the "go be a governess" moment as in the "go find a true love" moment in act 2. Still, a splendid arrangement.

[everafterfan]

I LOVE this song! I listen to it almost everyday (I have the songs from the 1981 production). The only question I have is: What does it have to do with Maria becoming a governess?

[nornsnornsnorns]

Thank you - a fond memory of a very good revival and distinguished cast. Much was made in the programme and publicity about the use of this "new" song, as I think they were the last lyrics Hammerstein wrote. As you say, it wasn't really new. I am sure everyone did 8 shows a week, especially the wonderful June Bronhill. I can see her now crowning Act I with her top notes