The Point!
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The Point!: A West End Musical Oddity
"The Point!" premiered in London’s West End at the Mermaid Theatre on July 19, 1977, a quirky musical adaptation of Harry Nilsson’s 1971 animated TV film and album. Directed by Colin Bennett, with a script by Wally K. Daly and additional material from Nilsson and Norm Lenzer, it featured music and lyrics by Nilsson himself. Produced by Larry Gordon and Jerry Good, the show ran for just 48 performances, closing in late August 1977. Though it boasted a starry cast and Nilsson’s cult following, this offbeat fable struggled to find a foothold in the West End, leaving behind a legacy as a fleeting curiosity.
A Journey to Pointless Lands
The story follows Oblio, a round-headed boy born into the Pointed Village, where everything and everyone must have a point literally. Ostracized for his difference, Oblio and his loyal dog Arrow are banished by the jealous Count. Their exile leads them through surreal landscapes like the Pointless Forest, where they meet eccentric characters such as a three-headed sage and a rock-man. Through these encounters, Oblio learns that “pointlessness” has its own value, returning home to challenge the village’s rigid norms. This whimsical allegory of individuality unfolds with a blend of humor and gentle philosophy.
Nilsson’s Eclectic Score
Harry Nilsson’s music drives "The Point!" with its signature blend of pop, folk, and orchestral whimsy. Songs like “Me and My Arrow,” a tender ode to companionship, and “Everything’s Got ‘Em” carry the narrative’s charm, while “Think About Your Troubles” adds a reflective edge. The West End production, with musical direction by Mike McNaught, leaned into Nilsson’s quirky style, though critics found it uneven against more polished contemporaries like "Annie." Still, the score’s off-kilter appeal mirrored the story’s unconventional spirit, earning it a niche appreciation.
A Cast of Notable Talents
The original London cast featured Davy Jones of The Monkees as Oblio, bringing a pop-star charisma to the role, alongside Micky Dolenz, also a Monkee, as the Count’s son. Broadway veteran Anita Gillette played Oblio’s mother, while Colin Bennett doubled as director and narrator. This mix of stage and music icons aimed to draw crowds, but the show’s abstract nature and brief six-week rehearsal period left it undercooked. Despite the talent, it couldn’t rival the West End’s flashier offerings, limiting its run to under two months.
A Short-Lived West End Experiment
"The Point!" arrived during a bustling 1977 West End season, competing with hits like "Evita" in development and "Annie" across the Atlantic. Its Mermaid Theatre debut outside the traditional West End hub may have hindered visibility, and its esoteric tale didn’t resonate widely with audiences expecting conventional musical fare. Post-London, it saw a 1978 Los Angeles staging with Dolenz and David Cassidy, but no major revivals followed. Today, it’s remembered more for Nilsson’s album and the 1971 film than its West End stint, a brief bloom in London’s theatrical garden.