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Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZDRAKE, Alfred(b Alfred Capurro, 7 Oct. '14 NYC; d 25 July '92) Singer/actor; Broadway star with stage presence and a strong baritone voice. Debut '33 in Gilbert and Sullivan chorus; better roles (e.g. in Straw Hat Revue '39, showcase for new talent), straight acting (e.g. in As You Like It '41); smash hit in Rodgers and Hammerstein's Oklahoma! '43. Star of Sing Out Sweet Land '45 (with Burl Ives), Beggar's Holiday '47, Kiss Me Kate '49, Kismet '53; also musical film Tars And Spars '46; later more Shakespeare incl. Othello, Hamlet; TV plays incl. operettas; Broadway in Kean '61. Original cast albums: Oklahoma! on Decca/MCA; others on Columbia. |