The 20th Century Fox Mambo

The 20th Century Fox Mambo
General information
Originally by:	Smash
Sung by:	Karen Cartwright with ensemble of Bombshell
Solos:	Karen
Album(s):	SMASH - The Complete Season One Bombshell: The New Marilyn Musical from Smash
Episode(s):	The Callbacks & others (see appearances below)

The 20th Century Fox Mambo is an original song first featured in The Callbacks, the second episode of Season One. It was written by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman.

Background

The song was first performed by Karen Cartwright in her callback for the Marilyn workshop.

It is reprised during various other points in the series, including versions by Ivy Lynn and Rebecca Duvall, although these were not released as singles.

It appears on the Bombshell cast album and The Complete Season One album.

Context in Bombshell

In the context of Bombshell, the number occurs as Norma Jeane finds herself in the middle of a contract with 20th Century Fox, around 1946. This is when she lands a screen test, with the help of 20th Century Fox executive Ben Lyon. She selects the name Marilyn Monroe for herself, and this number sees the transformation from Norma Jeane into Marilyn.

It was written by Tom Levitt and Julia Houston and was first performed at callbacks for the New York Marilyn workshop, with Karen Cartwright as Marilyn Monroe.

Lyrics

Norma Jeane: At Paramount, it's "ooh la la" The Warner Brothers "cha cha cha" And L.B. Mayer loves his schmaltz So MGM made The Great Waltz But the 20th Century Foxtrot It's precious but precious, it's not hot To make the big boys hire me Please make that rhythm fiery Come on, boys and girls Make me over! In this factory where dreams can come true Are you ready to make someone new? You're the team that must teach me to do The 20th Century Fox Mambo! Done the homework, and I'll pass the test I'll do whatever my teachers suggest I can do it clothed or undressed The 20th Century Fox Mambo! Make it up, shake it up Norma Jeane with 20th Century Fox Staff: Let the fantasies begin Norma Jeane: Here's the dope: To get cast, change the past Norma Jeane with 20th Century Fox Staff: Make the light just right for CinemaScope! Norma Jeane: Take a gamble, 'cause it's safe to bet Mr. Zanuck ain't seen nothing yet When we're finished, he'll never forget Norma Jeane with 20th Century Fox Staff: This 20th Century Fox 20th Century Fox Staff: For fame Play the game Change your name To the 20th Century Fox! Marilyn with 20th Century Fox Staff: Make it up! Shake it up! Marilyn: Make me feel like the main attraction Change the clothes, fix the nose And then five, six, seven, eight, action! Now I'm blonde, but I ain't so dumb Hollywood will be under my thumb I'll change partners until I become Marilyn with 20th Century Fox Staff: The 20th Century Fox Marilyn: Mambo!

Appearances in Smash

Season	Episode	Performers	Released
Season One	The Callbacks	Tom Levitt	No
		Karen Cartwright	Yes
	The Cost of Art	Ivy Lynn	No
	The Workshop	Ivy Lynn	No
	Tech	Rebecca Duvall	No
	Previews	Rebecca Duvall	No
	Bombshell	Karen Cartwright	No
Season Two	The Producers	Ivy Lynn and Kathie Lee Gifford	No

Videos

Smash - The 20th Centuy Fox Mambo HD