In Brecht's "Galileo" we read, "Unhappy the land that has no heroes . . . No. Unhappy the land that is in need of heroes." An amusing paradox, but coming from Brecht, a coward and opportunist, not surprising. Brecht's personal meanness can be matched only by that of another theatrical genius, Richard Wagner, a fellow German. Isn't it wonderful that two of the greatest wizards of the musical theater should both …
SOURCE: John Simon at 01:42AM on September 7, 2017