Hero work was done last night at the Alvin Theatre with the opening of the new Harold Prince musical "It's a Bird It's a Plane It's Superman." Actually, I saw the show on a preview night about two weeks ago and, I might add, from a rather poor seat behind a post. However, in gratitude for the achievement at hand, I shall overlook my natural pique.

Absolute raves are due to all personnel (mama, mama, mama, what a wonderful smash!). From Jack Cassidy on down the line they are all just simply splendid and telling.

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"IT'S A BIRD IT'S A PLANE IT'S SUPERMAN," a new musical comedy with book by David Newman and Robert Benton (based on the comic strip "Superman"), music by Charles Strouse, lyrics by Lee Adams. Produced by Harold Prince, in association with Ruth Mitchell, directed by Harold Prince, scenery and lighting by Robert Randolph, costumes by Florence Klotz; dances and musical numbers staged by Ernest Flatt, at the Alvin Theatre.

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CAST
Superman......................................................Himself
Clark Kent............................................Bob Holiday
Perry White...........................................Eric Mason
Lois Lane.......................................Patricia Marand
Sydney..................................................Linda Lavin
Dr. Abner Sedgwick................Michael O'Sullivan
Jim Morgan........................................Don Chastain
Father Ling.......................................Jerry Fujikawa
Dong Ling...................................................Bill Starr
Tai Ling............................................Murphy James
Fan Po Ling........................................Juleste Salve
Joe Ling............................................Joseph Gentry
Citizens of Metropolis

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As for the songs, Adams and Strouse have simply outdone themselves. Try as I may, I cannot pick my usual one or two to recommend but must give them all my blessing. (Mama, mama, mama, what a score!)

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Songs From the Show

Overture -- Orchestra
Doing Good --Bob Holiday
We Need Him -- Jack Cassidy, Patricia Marand, Bob Holiday and Company
It's Superman -- Patricia Marand
We Don't Matter at All -- Don Chastain, Patricia Marand
Revenge -- Michael O'Sullivan
The Woman for the Man -- Jack Cassidy
You've Got Possibilities -- Linda Lavin
What I've Always Wanted -- Patricia Marand
Everything's Easy When You Know How -- The Flying Lings
It's Super Nice -- The Company
So Long, Big Guy -- Jack Cassidy
The Strongest Man in the World -- Bob Holiday
Ooh, Do You Love You! -- Linda Lavin
You've Got What I Need -- Jack Cassidy, Michael O'Sullivan
It's Superman -- The Company
I'm Not Finished Yet -- Patricia Marand
Pow! Bam! Zonk! -- Bob Holiday and The Flying Lings
Finale -- The Company

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Song titles listed as of March 20th, prior to the New York opening.
Notes by C. Burr.