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The Musical Life and Times of Harry Brabec, Legendary Chicago Symphony Percussionist & Humorist

Archive for the ‘Broadway Musicals’ Category



Melody Top Music Theatre (Hillside) 1962-1965

June 14th, 2010

Between 1962 and 1965, Harry played traps for sixteen shows at Melody Top. This excerpt from THE DRUMMER DRIVES! includes photos of the theatre, its orchestra members, and a collage of some programs of the wonderful Broadway musicals presented there.

The Night Rain Caused Havoc at Melody Top's Music Theatre

June 10th, 2010

In one of his amusing drawings, Harry envisions Melody Top’s pit orchestra contending with the horrendous rainstorm that closed a performance of “My Fair Lady” in July, 1965.

Musicals at the Shubert Theatre in the Sixties

June 7th, 2010

Harry was fortunate to have played the Shubert Theatre in its Chicago heyday when great musicals were being produced one after another. Between 1962 and 1966, he played percussion in some of the best musicals ever to be presented at the Shubert. Here’s more information about the Theatre and the great musicals of the sixties.

The Percussion in A CHORUS LINE

May 21st, 2010

Harry played “A Chorus Line” for two weeks when it was presented in Milwaukee’s Performance Art Center in June, 1979. He often arranged for me to see a show from both the front and the back, and I was privileged to be backstage during the dress rehearsal for this particular show. Here is a unique backstage view of Harry playing this show and working with the forty or so percussion instruments it required. Includes 6 photos.