Broadway Scenes Remembered: Ethel Merman as Reno, Annie Oakley and Mama Rose
…Cole Porter musical, which was the first of five that she would do by the composer/lyricist, would make her a star. Her booming voice, comic timing and ability to be brash and yet charming won everyone over as she truly was “the top” as Reno Sweeney. The musical opened on November 21, 1934 at the Alvin Theatre. Interestingly, this first of three roles by which she would be known was the only one that she got to also play on screen. Ethel Merman a…