The “performing seals” line is proof that lyricists before 1943 could indeed write for characters. The young people singing this song are supposed to be the offspring of vaudeville performers, so they were well acquainted with the odor of seals.
Of course, Rodgers and Hart did have a show with a performing seal. No, not JUMBO, though there were seals in the menagerie downstairs at the Hippodrome. It was HIGHER AND HIGHER. JUMBO’s animal acts included lions, bears (oh my!), Doheos the Wingless Pegasus, Camilla’s cockatoos, and Cora the Clever Dog, besides Big Rosie the title character.
Laura in LA, still hanging with that pachyderm |
