Check out five interesting facts about The Comedian Harmonists:
- Founder Harry Frommermann drew inspiration from the American group The Revelers, bringing their close-harmony style to Berlin in 1927. However, they added a distinct European flair, infusing their repertoire with German folk songs and Schlager, creating a sound that resonated deeply with their audience.
- Before forming The Comedian Harmonists, several members honed their skills in vaudeville and cabaret, learning comedic timing and audience interaction. This experience translated into their stage presence, making their concerts a captivating blend of music and humor.
- Their success wasn’t limited to the musical stage. They appeared in 13 films, showcasing their musical talents and comedic timing on the silver screen.
- The Harmonists were known for their playful pranks both on and off stage. One infamous gag involved Harry Frommermann pretending to faint mid-performance, sending the audience into a panic before bursting into laughter.
- Among the group’s diverse skills, Erich A. Collin possessed a hidden talent for yodeling. He would occasionally surprise audiences with yodeling interludes within songs.
The Musical about The Comedian Harmonists
Harmony, a new musical about The Comedian Harmonists, is now on Broadway.
The complete Broadway cast includes Chip Zien as Rabbi, Sierra Boggess as Mary, Julie Benko as Ruth, Sean Bell, Danny Kornfeld, Zal Owen, Eric Peters, Blake Roman, and Steven Telsey as the Comedian Harmonists, Allison Semmes as Josephine Baker, Andrew O’Shanick as Standartenfϋhrer, Zak Edwards, Dan Hoy, Bruce Landry, Rhonni Rose Mantilla, Daniel Z. Miller, Benjamin H. Moore, Matthew Mucha, Constantine Pappas, Kayleen Seidl, Kyla Stone, Bronwyn Tarboton, Kate Wesler, Stuart Zagnit, and Lee Zarrett.
To learn more about Harmony: A New Musical, click here.
