A couple from before 1985
Posted by: AlanScott 01:17 am EDT 11/03/24
In reply to: re: Tell on Sunday - Chimpanzee lyric and other primates in song - EvFoDr 08:21 am EDT 11/02/24

"Monkey See, Monkey Do," from the 1946 semi-musical Lute Song, adapted from a classical Chinese play. It starred Mary Martin and featured Yul Brynner as her husband (which led Martin to recommend Brynner to Rodgers and Hammerstein when they were having trouble finding a King) and, in a supporting role, future first lady Nancy Davis. As well as Clarence Derwent, for whom an award was named. I am linking the song.

And then there is a whole musical: Sandy Wilson's 1971 His Monkey Wife, based on John Collier's novel His Monkey WIfe or, Married to a Chimp. A monkey or chimp was indeed a major character, although according to reviews she had few lines (although the character understood English quite well) and didn't sing a great deal, but still June Ritchie got the best reviews for playing the role. There was a title song as well as a number titled "Doing the Chimpanzee." It was greeted by mixed reviews at the Hampstead Theatre Club and did not move on to the West End, but did produce an enjoyable cast recording, if one marred by some dreadful singing in a couple of roles.
Link "Monkey See, Monkey Do"
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