DESTRY RIDES AGAIN
August
2005
A story based on an
old Max Brand
novel, and one of his best know characters,
Tom Destry has been the basis of two movies
and a Broadway musical. The 1939 movie starred
James Stewart as Destry, and Marlene' Dietrich as
saloon owner, fiddle-playing, Frenchy. The musical
that opened on Broadway in 1959 starred Andy
Griffith. As Brand created Destry as a reluctant
western hero, Griffith was inspired casting,
bringing his unassuming, laid-back style to
the character. It was his only book musical.
Though written in a comedic style, the un-
derlying message in the book and all genres
of the piece is anti-violence. Still, the book,
non-musical film, and the musical are all a
ten gallon hat - full of energy spoof, a farce of the western venacular.
With
music and lyrics by Harold Rome, and book by Leornard Gersh, the original
story by Max Brand remains intact, alive and high-kicking!
The Prairie Players'
high-energy production of Destry
features cast members from several neighboring
towns, including Sauk Centre, Little Falls, Melrose,
and of course, the talented folks of
Long Prairie, MN.
Yippee-ki-yi!
