MSS 180 (A.03-59)

Title: "You Can't Beat Fun" Musical Collection

Dates: 1940-2003

Extent: 34 cm of textual records. -- 2 video tapes.

Historical Note: The musical "You Can't Beat Fun" was originally conceived and musically written by 19 year old pianist Sam Seetner in 1939, a 2nd year Science student at the University of Manitoba, with help of two of his friends Earl J. Beattie (book), and Edward Parker (stage conception) - Seetner and Beattie wrote the lyrics .The production was staged by over 40 University of Manitoba music students (including future game show host "Monty Hall") on January 11th -13th, & 15th, 1940, at the Winnipeg Civic Auditorium. The story follows the love lives of four college freshmen who enter a university beset by cut backs and reduced to four faculties: Love, Rhythm, Home Economics and Hotcha! [?] In 2002 the production was revived to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the University of Manitoba. It played February 20th - 22nd at the Walker Theatre.

Custodial History: The collection was donated to Archives & Special Collections by Dr. Sam Seetner and the estates of the other two principles in 2003. Some material was transferred to Archives & Special Collections after remaining in the custody of Paul Paterson and the University of Manitoba Faculty of Music.

Scope and Content: The collection consists of material related to both the 1940 and 2002 performances, including lyric sheets, musical scores, publicity and press exposure. Two video tapes record the 2002 performance.

Restrictions: No restrictions apply to viewing the material. Users must abide by relevant royalty and copyright legislation

Accruals: No further accruals to this fonds are expected.

Finding Aid: A printed finding aid is available in the Archives reading room and an electronic finding aid is available at the link below:

MSS 180 (A.03-59