If ever a show were appropriately named, it's the "Musical Magic" presented by the Golden Apple as a holiday special. Along with his singing and occasional dance Bill Hayes supplies most of the narrative, starting with that of his career. That relating to his pianist partner Dick Hyman gets immediate (and ongoing) illustration from the man whose performing is as grand as his piano.
We learn that Hayes' career started in his school days with musical theater and then professional theater. He went on to TV (notably "Your Show of Shows" and many guest appearances on major shows) where, between gigs in recording, theater (Broadway, national tours included), concerts, radio, and night clubs, he became best known as Doug Williams in "Days of Our Lives." He hasn't exited that role yet.
From among his biggest hits, Hayes scores big with "The Ballad of Davy Crockett" (drawing unsolicited but welcome audience participation), "No Other Love" that he introduced on Broadway, and two medleys of songs from the 1950s. One celebrates early rock 'n roll. The other stresses feelings of loss and pain, as in "Cry Me a River."
Dick Hyman, whose career kicked off mid-20th century, is not only a pianist but also organist, arranger, musical director, music researcher (especially ragtime) and composer. He's best known as composer, arranger, conductor and pianist for most of Woody Allen's films. As Golden Apple shows a scene from "Everyone Says I Love You" with Edward Norton singing, Hyman embellishes the score with his live piano improvisation.
"The Way We Were" themes memories of Hyman and Hayes' lives. Slides and excerpts from TV shows illustrate mainly the early days of these octogenarians. (In Hayes' case, perhaps a few baby pics could have been eliminated.)
An interesting surprise: samples from saved kinescopes! Another: some Hyman compositions for lyrics by William Shakespeare. The "As You Like It" song to a calypso beat is supremely likeable.
Hyman's rendition of "How High the Moon" in every style from standard pop to be-bop to scat and then some is nothing less than awesome. Hayes' "Soliloquy" from Carousel gives their finale flair.
In a parody of "Golden Earrings" Hayes reminded an opening night audience that Golden Apple would have less than two more weeks of his and Hyman's golden oldies and new takes on them. Quick! Feel the magic!
