Category Archives: H

Musicals staring with letter H

Hamilton

Hamilton is the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical, written and composed by the legendary Lin-Manuel Miranda, who starred as the title role for the show’s opening year. Inspired by rap and hip-hop, Hamilton follows the story of America’s founding father Alexander Hamilton, documenting his tumultuous relationship with Eliza Schuyler and his untimely death at the hands of Aaron Burr. Based on Ron Chernow’s book ‘Alexander Hamilton’, Miranda uses his real life story with a pinch of dramatic license to create one of Broadway’s biggest musicals. Unlike standard shows, Hamilton is composed of rap, ballads, hip-hop and musical theatre to create a smash-hit, record-breaking production.

Hamilton_Playbill

Lin-Manuel Miranda

Lin-Manuel Miranda

Lin-Manuel Miranda

Ron Chernow's novel 'Alexander Hamilton'

Jeffrey Seller, The Public Theater, Sander Jacobs and Jill Furman

Thomas Kail

Andy Blankenbuehler

Productions
Hamilton_Broadway

Original Broadway Production

Richard Rodgers Theatre - Opened 6 Aug 2015, closed 21 May 2017

Cast: Lin-Manuel Miranda (Alexander Hamilton), Leslie Odom, Jr (Aaron Burr), Phillipa Soo (Eliza Schuyler), Renee Elise Goldsberry (Angelica Schuyler), Daveed Diggs (Marquis de Lafayette/Thomas Jefferson), Christopher Jackson (George Washington), Jonathan Groff (King George III), Jasmine Cephas Jones (Peggy Schuyler/Maria Reynolds), Anthony Ramos (John Laurens/Philip Hamilton), Okieriete Onaodowan (Hercules Mulligan/James Madison) Replacements: Javier Munoz (Hamilton), Lexi Lawson (Eliza), Rory O’Malley (King George), Brandon Victor Dixon (Burr), Mandy Gonzalez (Angelica)

Hamilton_Tour

US Tour (2017)

US Tour - Opened 2 Mar 2017, closed 29 Nov 2018

Cast: Miguel Cervantes (Alexander Hamilton), Joshua Henry (Aaron Burr), Ari Asfar (Eliza Schuyler), Karen Olivo (Angelica Schuyler), Chris Lee (Marquis de Lafayette/Thomas Jefferson), Jonathan Kirkland (George Washington), Alexander Gemignani (King George III), Samantha Marie Ware (Peggy Schuyler/Maria Reynolds), Jose Ramos (John Laurens/Philip Hamilton), Wallace Smith (Hercules Mulligan/James Madison)



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Synopsis

Twitter Synopsis:

Lin-Manuel Miranda’s smash-hit rap and hip-hop inspired Broadway musical Hamilton follows the life of American founding father.

Add your own Twitter style synopsis (140 characters only!) in the comments box


Based on the real life of America’s founding father Alexander Hamilton, the musical opens with the company giving an introduction to Hamilton’s early life as an orphan in the Caribbean. In 1776, Hamilton seeks out Aaron Burr but rebuffs his philosophy, instead joining the company of three revolutionaries: John Laurens, Marquis de Lafayette and Hercules Mulligan. Impressing them with his speech skills, the quartet begin dreaming of their cause.

Meanwhile, the Schuyler sisters roam the streets of New York as the spirit of revolution builds in the air. A message arrives from King George in England, reminding them that he is willing and able to fight for the cause of the colonists. When the revolution begins, Hamilton, Burr and their friends join the army, who end up retreating from New York City. George Washington realises he needs help and enlists Hamilton as his right hand man, despite Hamilton wanting to fight on the front lines.

In 1780, the men attend a ball, where Eliza Schuyler instantly falls in love with Hamilton, as does Angelica. Angelica swallows her feelings for the sake of her younger sister, and Eliza and Hamilton soon marry. Burr privately admits to Hamilton that he’s having an affair with the wife of a British officer and Hamilton advises him to take action. Burr chooses to wait and see what his life has in store for him.

As revolution is rife, Hamilton asks Washington to give him command, which is given to Charles Lee instead. This proves catastrophic at the Battle of Monmouth, where Lee orders a retreat. Lafayette is promoted to replace Lee, which causes him to spread rumours about Washington. Hamilton is offended and Laurens offers to duel Lee for him. Washington finds out that Lee has been injured and orders Hamilton to return home to Eliza, who tells him that she is pregnant with his child. Lafayette convinces France to join the American cause, and the war begins to play in their favour. They realise that they need Hamilton and reluctantly order him back to cut off the British navy at Yorktown.

After days of fighting, the British surrender at Yorktown, and King George asks how the rebels expect to successfully govern their people. Soon, Hamilton’s son Philip is born and Burr’s daughter, Theodosia, is also born. Hamilton and Burr return to New York to pursue careers as lawyers and Burr becomes increasingly annoyed by Hamilton’s constant success. When Hamilton is chosen as a delegate to the Constitutional Convention in 1787, Burr refuses to assist him. Hamilton is soon chosen to be Treasury Secretary for the newly appointed President Washington.

In 1789, Thomas Jefferson returns to the US as Secretary of State. Madison asks for Jefferson to help him stop Hamilton’s financial plan, which Madison believes will give the government too much control. Washington pulls Hamilton aside to force him to figure out a compromise. When he returns home, Angelica advises Hamilton to convince Jefferson that his plan is a good idea. Angelica and Eliza ask him to accompany them on a vacation, but he refuses, saying he needs to work.

When alone, Hamilton is visited by Maria Reynolds, who seduces him and they begin an affair. Her husband soon finds out and begins to blackmail Hamilton, who continues the affair. Hamilton discusses his financial plans with Jefferson and Madison, resulting in the Compromise of 1790, which moved the US capital from New York to Washington D.C. Burr is envious of Hamilton’s power and wishes he had the same. Burr switches political parties and beats Eliza’s father in a race for his seat in the Senate, causing Hamilton and Burr to fall out. Burr, Jefferson and Madison become irritated that Washington continues to back Hamilton, and they look for a way to damage Hamilton’s reputation.

Washington informs Hamilton that Jefferson has resigned to run for president, and he will be stepping down in the role. King George receives the news and gets ready for the US to fall under John Adams’ leadership. Adams and Hamilton fall out and destroy their party, whilst Burr, Jefferson and Madison believe that they have discovered Hamilton embezzling government money. In reality, the money comes from his affair with Maria Reynolds and Hamilton tells them of his affair, begging them not to tell anyone. Concerned that they know his secret, Hamilton publishes a public admission about the affair in hopes to save his political legacy. However, his reputation is destroyed and Eliza burns all of their letters, ruining Hamilton’s chance of being redeemed in the future.

After a number of years, Hamilton’s son Philip challenges a man to a duel after hearing him slander his father, but is shot. Philip dies and Hamilton begs for Eliza’s forgiveness. In 1800, Jefferson and Burr are tied in the race for president and Hamilton throws his support behind Jefferson, who ends up winning by a landslide. Burr challenges Hamilton to a duel and shoots him in the chest. Burr laments that even though he survived the duel, he is cursed to be the villain, only to be remembered as the man who killed Alexander Hamilton.

As the musical draws to a close, the company summarise Hamilton’s life, noting that no one has any control over how they will be remembered. Washington, Jefferson and Madison all praise Hamilton’s work. Eliza reveals that she fought to save her husband’s legacy, by opening an orphanage. As she dies, Hamilton shows her everyone that will care for her and protect her legacy, as she did for him.

Songs

Act I

  • “Alexander Hamilton” – Company
  • “Aaron Burr, Sir” – Hamilton, Burr, Laurens, Lafayette and Mulligan
  • “My Shot” – Hamilton, Laurens, Lafayette, Mulligan, Burr and Company
  • “The Story of Tonight” – Hamilton, Laurens, Lafayette, Mulligan
  • “The Schuyler Sisters” – Angelica, Eliza, Peggy, Burr and Company
  • “Farmer Refuted” – Seabury and Hamilton
  • “You’ll Be Back” – King George
  • “Right Hand Man” – Washington, Hamilton, Burr and Company
  • “A Winter’s Ball” – Burr, Hamilton and Company
  • “Helpless” – Eliza, Hamilton and Company
  • “Satisfied” – Angelica, Eliza, Hamilton and Company
  • “The Story of Tonight (Reprise)” – Laurens, Lafayette, Mulligan, Hamilton and Burr
  • “Wait For It” – Burr and Company
  • “Stay Alive” – Hamilton, Washington, Lee, Laurens, Lafayette, Mulligan, Eliza, Angelica and Company
  • “Ten Duel Commandments” – Laurens, Hamilton, Lee, Burr and Company
  • “Meet Me Inside” – Washington, Hamilton and Company
  • “That Would Be Enough” – Eliza and Hamilton
  • “Guns and Ships” – Lafayette, Burr, Washington and Company
  • “History Has Its Eyes on You” – Washington and Company
  • “Yorktown (The World Turned Upside Down)” – Hamilton, Lafayette, Laurens, Mulligan, Washington and Company
  • “What Comes Next?” – King George
  • “Dear Theodosia” – Burr and Hamilton
  • “Non-Stop” – Hamilton, Burr, Eliza, Angelica, Washington and Company

Act II

  • “What’d I Miss” – Jefferson, Burr, Madison, Washington, Hamilton and Company
  • “Cabinet Battle #1” – Jefferson, Hamilton, Washington and Madison
  • “Take a Break” – Eliza, Philip, Hamilton and Angelica
  • “Say No to This” – Hamilton, Maria Reynolds, James Reynolds and Company
  • “The Room Where It Happens” – Burr, Hamilton, Jefferson, Madison and Company
  • “Schuyler Defeated” – Philip, Eliza, Hamilton and Burr
  • “Cabinet Battle #2” – Washington, Jefferson, Hamilton and Madison
  • “Washington on Your Side” – Burr, Jefferson and Madison
  • “One Last Time” – Washington, Hamilton and Company
  • “I Know Him” – King George
  • “The Adams Administration” – Burr, Hamilton, Jefferson, Madison and Company
  • “We Know” – Hamilton, Burr, Jefferson and Madison
  • “Hurricane” – Hamilton and Company
  • “The Reynolds Pamphlet” – Hamilton, Jefferson, Madison, Burr, Angelica and Company
  • “Burn” – Eliza
  • “Blow Us All Away” – Philip, Hamilton, Eacker, Dolly, Martha and Company
  • “Stay Alive (Reprise)” – Philip, Hamilton, Eliza, Doctor and Company
  • “It’s Quiet Uptown” – Angelica, Hamilton, Eliza and Company
  • “The Election of 1800” – Jefferson, Madison, Burr, Hamilton and Company
  • “Your Obedient Servant” – Burr and Hamilton
  • “Best of Wives and Best of Women” – Eliza and Hamilton
  • “The World Was Wide Enough” – Burr, Hamilton and Company
  • “Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story” – Eliza, Washington, Burr, Jefferson, Madison, Angelica, Laurens, Lafayette, Mulligan and Company
Awards

2016 Tony Awards: Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical (Lin-Manuel Miranda), Best Original Score (Lin-Manuel Miranda), Best Actor in a Musical (Leslie Odom, Jr), Best Featured Actor in a Musical (Daveed Diggs), Best Featured Actress in a Musical (Renee Elise Goldsberry), Best Costume Design of a Musical (Paul Tazewell), Best Lighting Design of a Musical (Howell Binkley), Best Direction of a Musical (Thomas Kail), Best Choreography (Andy Blankenbuehler), Best Orchestrations (Alex Lacamoire)

2016 Drama League Awards: Outstanding Production of a Broadway or Off Broadway Musical, Distinguished Performance (Lin-Manuel Miranda)

2016 Pulitzer Prize: Drama (Lin-Manuel Miranda)

2016 Grammy Awards: Best Musical Theater Album

2016 Fred and Adele Astaire Awards: Best Choreographer (Andy Blankenbuehler)

2016 Dramatists Guild of America Awards: Frederick Loewe Award for Dramatic Composition (Lin-Manuel Miranda)

2016 Edward M. Kennedy Prize: Drama Inspired by American History (Lin-Manuel Miranda)

2015 Drama Desk Awards: Outstanding Musical, Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical (Renee Elise Goldsberry), Outstanding Director of a Musical (Thomas Kail), Outstanding Music (Lin-Manuel Miranda), Outstanding Lyrics (Lin-Manuel Miranda), Outstanding Book of a Musical (Lin-Manuel Miranda), Outstanding Sound Design in a Musical (Nevin Steinberg), Special Award (Andy Blankenbuehler)

2015 Outer Critics’ Circle Awards: Outstanding New Off-Broadway Musical, Outstanding Book of a Musical (Lin-Manuel Miranda), Outstanding New Score (Lin-Manuel Miranda)

2015 New York Critics’ Circle Awards: Best Musical

2015 Off Broadway Alliance Awards: Best New Musical

2015 Theatre World Awards: Outstanding Debut Performance (Daveed Diggs)

2015 Clarence Derwent Awards: Most Promising Female Performer (Phillipa Soo)

2015 Obie Awards: Best New American Theatre Work (Lin-Manuel Miranda, Thomas Kail, Andy Blankenbuehler, Alex Lacamoire

2015 Lucille Lortle Awards: Outstanding Musical, Outstanding Director (Thomas Kail), Outstanding Choreographer (Andy Blankenbuehler), Outstanding Lead Actor in a Musical (Leslie Odom, Jr), Outstanding Lead Actress in a Musical (Phillipa Soo), Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical (Daveed Diggs), Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical (Renee Elise Goldsberry), Outstanding Costume Design (Paul Tazewell), Outstanding Lighting Design (Howell Binkley), Outstanding Sound Design (Nevin Steinberg)

Hans Christian Anderson

Hans Anderson, or Hans Christian Anderson (the film’s name) is a two act musical that features music and lyrics by Frank Loesser. The film was extremely successful after being released in 1952, starring Danny Kaye in the title role. The show follows the life of storyteller Hans Anderson, whose children’s stories such as ‘The Little Mermaid’ and ‘The Ugly Duckling’ have become world famous. The stage production opened in London at the London Palladium in 1974 and starred Tommy Steele in one of his many productions at this famous venue. The show was revived later in 1974. The score by Frank Loesser was extended to fit the requirements of a stage audience and included a number of new songs. Rumours of a modern day film adaptation have been floating around the internet for many years.

Hans Christian Anderson

Frank Loesser

Frank Loesser

Moss Hart, Ben Hecht

the stories of Hans Christian Andersen and the 1952 film

Productions
Hans Anderson Original London

Original London Production

London Palladium - Opened 17 Dec 1974, closed 1 Jan 1970

Cast: Tommy Steele, Colette Gleeson, Milo O’Shea, Bob Todd and Lila Kaye

Hans Anderson London Revival

London Revival

London Palladium - Opened 17 Dec 1977, closed 1 Jan 1970

Cast: Tommy Steele



What was your favourite production? Add your thoughts in the comments box

Synopsis

Hans Christian Andersen is a young Danish writer who hopes to become like his idol, William Shakespeare. The children of the village stop by his cottage and ask him to tell them a story, and he regales them with the tale of “Thumbelina.” The school master Rector Meisling is furious that Hans has taken the children away from the studies, and Meisling tells Hans he will amount to nothing.

A musician named Otto arrives and asks Hans to come with him to the Odense Theatre where he works as a pianist. The Theatre’s star singer, Jenny Lind immediately takes a liking to Hans and agrees to read his play, even though her manager Max Klaus thinks it is terrible. Jenny encourages Hans to study writing a bit more, and he returns to his home village with a letter asking Rector Meisling to continue his education.

Hans tells the schoolchildren the story of the “Inchworm,” and even the Rector’s wife is amused. The Rector threatens Hans, but Otto reappears to rescue him. Now that Hans can read and write, he leaves with Otto on an adventure (“Anywhere I Wander”) and finally arrives in “Wonderful Copenhagen.”

Max feels threatened by Hans’ reappearance, and helps have him arrested while he is trying to convince publishers that his work is good. In prison, Hans is surprised to be reunited with Otto, who explains that Jenny has placed an advertisement in the paper asking for news about Hans which the two men are able to use to get out of jail.

Meanwhile, Max is hosting a lavish party for Jenny, and is displeased when Hans arrives. Though he tries to throw Hans out, Jenny stops him and asks him how his writing is going. He attempts to explain one of his more convoluted stories, but all of the guests laugh at him. Humiliated, he finds the servants and explains that he always feels out of place. He tells them the story of “The Ugly Duckling,” which Jenny overhears, and she convinces him that his future lies in telling wonderful children’s stories.
Hans does manage to become famous and attempts to woo Jenny, but she feels their relationship is purely platonic (“No Two People”). Hans is devastated, but Otto arrives to encourage him to focus on his work. He appears before the King, and regales him with “The King’s New Clothes.” The King is delighted and gives him a royal title.

Songs
  1. Ecclesiasticus
  2. Don’t Talk To Me About Those Happy Days
  3. I’m Hans Christian Andersen
  4. For Hans Tonight
  5. Thumbelina
  6. Inchworm
  7. Anywhere I Wander
  8. This Town
  9. Wonderful Copenhagen
  10. The Ugly Duckling
  11. No Two People
  12. The King’s New Clothes

 

High Society

High Society is a musical based on the film of the same name, which in turn is based on the Phillip Barry play ‘The Philadalphia Story’. The show features a score by Cole Porter and uses songs he wrote specifically for the production, along with a number of songs from his back catalogue. The story focuses on a wedding between a Long Island socialite and a pretentious executive that is thrown into disarray when her ex-husband arrives. The original Broadway production was not particularly successful but the show found an audience in the West End, thanks in large to the Regent’s Park Open Air Revival directed by Ian Talbot, on which the 2005 revival was based. The show continues to tour in the UK and is set to do so again starring Daniel Boyes.

High Society

Cole Porter

Arthur Kopit

Arthur Kopit

Lauren Mitchell, Robert Gailus, Hal Luftig, Richard Samson and Dodger Endemol Theatricals

Christopher Renshaw

Lar Lubovitch

Productions
High Society Original London

Original London Production

Victoria Palace Theatre - Opened 25 Feb 1987, closed 1 Jan 1970, 420 performances

High Society Original Broadway

Original Broadway Production

St. James Theatre - Opened 27 Apr 1998, closed 30 Aug 1998

Cast: Stephen Bogardus (Macaulay Conner), Melissa Errico (Tracy), Daniel McDonald(Dexter), John McMartin (Uncle Willie), Randy Graff, Lisa Banes, Marc Kudisch, Betsy Joslyn and a 12-year-old Anna Kendrick.

High Society London Revival

London Revival

Open Air Regent's Park, Shaftesbury Theatre - Opened 1 Jul 2003, closed 26 Jan 2006



What was your favourite production? Add your thoughts in the comments box

Synopsis

On an estate in Long Island’s Oyster Bay we are introduced to Tracy Lord, a socialite who is preparing to marry again. Her mother is fraught due to the weddings preperations and her sister Dinah is upset that she is marrying one of the dullest men around. Tracy reminds her absent minded Uncle Willie about the upcoming event but her positive mood is short lived as Dexter her first husband has returned, sailing in on the ‘True Love” boat that hold painful memories for Tracy.

Dexter tells Tracy that a pair of reporters from a local scandal magazine called ‘Spy’ are attending the wedding disguised as guests. Dexter has invited them to stop the magazine publishing a story about Tracy’s father Seth’s affair with a young dancer Tina Mara. Seth has been thrown out of the house and is told not to attend the wedding. Dinah is left alone with Dexter and he makes it clear that he hasn’t come to win Tracy back.

As the guests arrive they are greeted by Dinah and Tracy, who introduces her Uncle Willie as her father to make sure no one guesses the real reason he isn’t invited to attend. This causes some mayhem as Seth has to explain to some of the men the secret of Tina’s allure. Tracy meets Dexter by the pool and he brings her down enough for her to start questioning her world. She suddenly finds her fiancé to be boring and stares out at the True Love boat remembering her fantastic honeymoon with Dexter. She begins to drink champagne as the act ends.

Tracy arrives drunk at Uncle Willie’s party at 4am and begins dancing with the staff. George is outraged and storms off. Dinah is excited and rushes off to tell Dexter. She finds him packing up ready to leave and convinces him that he has a chance, as she is knocking back champagne. At the party, George reminds Tracy that they have a big day coming up and tells her off for being drunk. She calls him a snob, and as she leaves she kisses Mike and the pair rush of to go skinny dipping. Dexter and Dinah arrive to witness the mayhem. Dexter explains to Tracy the plot involving her father as George arrives in time to see Mike carrying Tracy in nothing but a robe. Dexter stops George hitting Mike and Mike takes her to bed.

The next morning Tracy wakes up and remembers she was in the pool the night before with a man other than her husband to be. As Mike enters she realises it was him and thinks the marriage must be over. Tracy’s mother and father mend their relationship as the blackmail attempt is lifted. Dexter volunteers to marry Tracy as George is no where to be found, as Dinah rests happy knowing her meddling has created happiness.

Songs

Act 1

  • “High Society”
  • “Ridin’ High“
  • “Throwing a Ball Tonight”
  • “Little One“
  • “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire
  • “I Love Paris“
  • “She’s Got That Thing”
  • “Once Upon a Time”
  • “True Love“
Act II 
  • “High Society” (Reprise)
  • “Let’s Misbehave“
  • “I’m Getting Myself Ready for You”
  • “Once Upon a Time” (Reprise)
  • “Just One of Those Things“
  • “Well, Did You Evah!“
  • “You’re Sensational“
  • “Say It With Gin”
  • “Ridin’ High”
  • “It’s All Right With Me“
  • “He’s a Right Guy”
  • “I Love You, Samantha“
  • “True Love” (Reprise)
Awards

1998 Tony Awards: Nominated for Best Performance by a featured actress, Best Featured Actor

2004 Olivier Awards: Nominated for Best Musical, Best Supporting Actress

Licensing

UK: Music Scope UK

USA: Tams-Witmark

 

How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying

How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (H2$) is one of the most popular Broadway musicals of the period. The show won the Pulitzer Prize for its depiction of a specific time and place. The original production broke records, and numerous revivals have provided opportunities for star performers. The show shows the sexual office politics of a 1960s New York office firm, as window cleaner J Pierrepont Finch climbs the company ladder aided by a clever self narrating book.

How to Succeed

Frank Loesser

Frank Loesser

Abe Burrows, Jack Weinstock and Willie Gilbert

the book by Shepherd Mead

Cy Feuer & Ernest Martin

Abe Burrows

Bob Fosse & Hugh Lambert

Productions
How to Succeed Original Broadway

Original Broadway Production

46th Street Theatre - Opened 14 Oct 1961, closed 6 Mar 1965, 1417 performances

Cast: Robert Morse, Rudy Vallee, Bonnie Scott, Virginia Martin, Charles Nelson Reilly, Ruth Kobart, Sammy Smith & Donna McKechnie.

How to Succeed Original London

Original London Production

Shaftesbury Theatre - Opened 28 Mar 1963, closed 1 Jan 1970, 520 performances

Cast: Warren Berlinger (Finch), Billy De Wolfe (Biggley), Patricia Michael (Rosemary), Josephine Blake (Smitty), David Knight (Bud Frump), Olive Lucius (Miss Jones), Bernard Spear (Mr. Twimble), and Eileen Gourlay (Hedy La Rue).

How to Succeed 1995 Revival

1995 Broadway Revival

Richard Rodgers Theatre - Opened 23 Mar 1995, closed 14 Jul 1996, 548 performances

Cast: Matthew Broderick, Megan Mullally, Sarah Jessica Parker 

How to Succeed 2011 Revival

2011 Broadway Revival

Al Hirschfeld Theatre - Opened 27 Mar 2007, closed 20 May 2012, 473 performances

Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, John Larruquette, Nick Jonas, Darren Criss.



What was your favourite production? Add your thoughts in the comments box

Synopsis

Twitter Synopsis:

Window cleaner climbs the corporate ladder with the help of a crafty book that teaches him valuable lessons about getting ahead in business

Add your own Twitter style synopsis (140 characters only!) in the comments box


When window washer J Pierepont Finch finds a book titled ‘How to Succeed in Buisness Without Really Trying’ he follows its easy steps in order to climb his way up the corporate business ladder in 1950s New York. At the World Wide Wickets Company he slots into the company machine where no one knows exactly what each other is doing. He catches the eye of secretary Rosemary who tells her friend Smitty that he is the perfect man for her, and she would be ‘Happy to Keep His Dinner Warm’ at home. Chairman of the Board JB Biggley is the boss of the company and his annoying nephew Bud Frump attempts to use his family connections to travel up the corporate ladder. Finch begins life in the mailroom under the watchful eye of Mr Trimble, the ultimate ‘company’ man. Finch finds an opportunity to advance from the mail room quickly, to the annoyance of Bud and the other men in the company.

Biggley is having an affair with the sassy Hedy La Rou who demands to work in the office. He finds her a job as a secretary, but the men of the company have to be reminded that ‘a secretary is not a toy’. Rosemary continues to battle to win Finch’s affections, buying herself a new dress in order to impress him at a corporate party. Bud plots to set Finch up, trying to get him in a compromising situation with Hedy so Biggley will fire him. After briefly kissing Hedy, Finch realises that he is indeed in love with Rosemary and the two admit their feelings for each other. Bud swears he will not be beaten.

Some time passes and Rosemary is once again upset with Finch. Smitty and the office girls convince her to stay with him, saying she is an inspiration and a ‘real life fairy tale’. She agrees to stay, and ends up as Finch’s secretary. As Hedy tells Biggley she is leaving him he admits his true feelings and the pair become sincere for the first time. Bud rallies the men in the office against Finch and they plot to bring him down the corporate ladder. As head of advertising Finch actually needs to show some potential and Bud gives him an idea that he knows his uncle will hate. Finch is nervous but sings a love song to himself in the mirror. In a board meeting Finch pitches the idea of a pirate themed treasure hunt to find shares for the company. It ends up going horribly wrong and the business is threatened with closure. Finch once again manages to talk his way out of trouble, rallying the executives together in ‘the Brotherhood of Man’. Finch is made chair of the board and reaffirms his love for Rosemary.

Songs

Act I

  • Overture
  • How To Succeed
  • Happy To Keep His Dinner Warm
  • Coffee Break
  • Company Way, The
  • Company Way, The (reprise)
  • The Entrance Of Hedy LaRue
  • Secretary Is Not A Toy, A
  • Been A Long Day
  • Been A Long Day (reprise)
  • Grand Old Ivy
  • Paris Original
  • Rosemary
  • Finaletto Act One
Act II
  • Cinderella, Darling
  • Love From A Heart Of Gold
  • I Believe In You
  • Brotherhood Of Man
  • Saturday Morning Ballet
  • Rosemary
  • Act One Finale
  • Entr’acte
  • The Pirate Dance
  • I Believe In You (reprise)
  • Finale
Awards

1962 Tony Awards: Best Musical, Best Author, Best Leading Actor, Best Featured Actor, Best Direction, Best Producer, Best Musical Director.

1995 Tony Awards: Best Leading Actor (Matthew Broderick)

2011 Tony Awards: Best Featured Actor in a Musical (David Larroquette)

Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

Licensing

UK: Josef Weinberger

USA: Musical Theatre International

 

 

Hello, Dolly!

Hello, Dolly! features music and lyrics by Jerry Herman, along with book by Michael Stewart. The musical is based on the Thornton Wilder play ‘The Matchmaker’ and follows Dolly Levi who in infamous for her romantic pairings. The musical achieved great success in its original Broadway production, produced by David Merrick. The show fought off stiff competition from ‘Funny Girl’ to win the Tony Award, and has since gone on to achieve worldwide acclaim, along with a successful 1969 film starring Barbara Streisand.

Hello Dolly

Jerry Herman

Jerry Herman

The Matchmaker by Thorton Wilder

David Merrick

Gower Champion

Gower Champion

Productions
Hello Dolly Original Broadway

Original Broadway Production

St James Theatre - Opened 16 Jan 1964, closed 27 Dec 1970, 2 performances

Cast: Carol Channing, David Burns, Charles Nelson Reilly, Eileen Brennan, Jerry Dodge, Sondra Lee, Alice Playten, and Igors Gavon.

Hello Dolly Original London

Original London Production

Theatre Royal Drury Lane - Opened 2 Dec 1965, closed 1 Jan 1970, 794 performances

Cast: Mary Martin, Loring Smith, Johnny Beecher, Garrett Lewis, Mark Alden, Marilynn Lovell.

Hello Dolly 1st Broadway Revival

1st Broadway Revival

Minskoff Theatre - Opened 6 Nov 1975, closed 28 Dec 1975, 42 performances

Hello Dolly 2nd Broadway Revival

2nd Broadway Revival

Lunt-Fontanne Theatre - Opened 5 Mar 1978, closed 9 Jul 1978, 147 performances

Hello Dolly 1st London Revival

1st London Revival

Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Shaftesbury Theatre - Opened 1 Jan 1979, closed 1 Jan 1970

Hello Dolly 2nd London Revival

2nd London Revival

Prince of Wales Theatre - Opened 3 Jan 1984, closed 27 Apr 1984

Hello Dolly 3rd Broadway Revival

1995 Broadway Revival

Lunt Fontanne Theatre - Opened 19 Oct 1995, closed 28 Jan 1996, 116 performances

Hello Dolly Regent's Park 2009

Open Air Regent's Park Revival

Open Air Regent's Park Theatre - Opened 30 Jul 2009, closed 12 Sep 2009

Cast: Samantha Spiro, Mark Anderson, Allan Corduner, Oliver Brenin, Clare Louise Connolly, Daniel Crossley, Josefina Gabrielle



What was your favourite production? Add your thoughts in the comments box

Synopsis

Twitter Synopsis:

Renowned matchmaker plots to wed a well known millionaire to continue living a life of luxury bestowed upon her by her late husband

Add your own Twitter style synopsis (140 characters only!) in the comments box


At the turn of the 20th Century New York City is excited as Dolly Levi comes to town. She has made a name for herself as a matchmaker and ‘meddles’ in people’s lives in order to find them a partner. She intends to marry the grumpy half-a-millionaire Horace Vandergelder but pretends she is finding him another suitable match. A young artist Ambrose has his heart set on Horace’s niece Ermengarde but Horace opposes it based on his living and lack of a steady job. Ambrose enlists the help of Dolly and they travel to Yonkers to visit Horace.

Horace tells his two clerks Cornelius and Barnaby that he needs to get married to have a woman around to do the household chores. He wants to travel with Dolly to the parade in New York Cityto propose to hat shop owner Irene Molloy who is a widow. Dolly throws a spanner in the work, questioning the death of Irene’s husband as Horace leaves Barnaby and Cornelius in charge of the shop. They decide they want to travel into the city to have a great day and blow all of their money. Dolly encourages them to meet up with Irene and her assistant Minnie. She tells Ermengarde and Ambrose that she has entered them into a dance contest to prove that they are a good match to Uncle Horace. They all put on their Sunday clothes and travel into New York.

In the hat store Irene and Mini dream of finding husbands, although Irene does not love Horace. Cornelius and Barnaby arrive and pretend to be rich, hiding as Horace and Dolly arrive later. Fun ensues as the girls try to hide the boys from Horace, not knowing his clerks are both hidden in the store.

Dolly arranges dinner for Cornelius and Barnaby with their lady friends and teaches them how to dance in an upmarket environment. They take their girls out for the night and dance with them, watching the parade pass by. Dolly requests a sign from her late husband to let her know she can marry Horace. As she meets a furious Horace she convinces him to give matchmaking another chance, and tells him she knows the perfect girl for him.

At the Harmonia Gardens Restaurant Cornelius and Barnaby are desperate to have a kiss from their girls. The head waiter prepares the staff for Dolly’s return just as Horace arrives with his new date that is soon bored of him and leaves, as Dolly predicted would happen. As they all sit down to dine the clerks are unaware that their boss is in the same building. The girls order the most expensive items on the menu. Dolly is greeted in style with the show’s title number and she sits with Horace, telling him that no matter what he says to her, she will not marry him. As Barnaby mistakes his wallet for Horace’s, the plan unravels and Horace spots the clerks along with Ermengarde and Ambrose. The calamity leads to night court.

Barnaby and Cornelius confess that they love their female friends, and Dolly convinces the judge that their only crime was being in love. The judge clears them of all charges but forces Horace to pay damages. Horace tells Dolly he wouldn’t marry her if she was the last woman on earth and Dolly angrily says farewell.

As the couples decide to embark on their new lives together, Horace finally admits that he can’t live without Dolly. He tells her his life would be dull without her and she promises to stay with him.

Songs
  • Overture
  • I Put My Hand In
  • It Takes a Woman
  • Put O Your Sunday Clothes
  • Ribbons Down My Back
  • Motherhood
  • Dancing
  • Before The Parade Passes By
  • Elegance
  • Hello, Dolly
  • It Only Takes a Moment
  • So long dearie
  • Finale

Ethel Merman Version – Added Songs

  • World, Take Me Back
  • Love, Look In My Window

Film Version – Added Songs

  • Just Leave Everything To Me)
  • Love Is Only Love
Awards

1964 Tony Awards won

Musical: ”Hello, Dolly!”
Leading Actress: Carol Channing
Author: Michael Stewart
Producer : David Merrick
Director : Gower Champion
Composer and Lyricist: Jerry Herman
Conductor and Musical Director: Shepard Coleman
Scenic Designer: Oliver Smith
Costume Designer: Freddy Wittop
Choreographer: Gower Champion

1969 Academy Awards Nominations and Winners

Best Score – Lennie Hayton, Lionel Newman
Best Art Direction – John DeCuir, Jack Martin Smith, Herman Blumenthal, Walter M. Scott, George James Hopkins, Raphael Bretton
Best Sound – Jack Solomon, Murray Spivack
Nomination: Best Picture
Nomination: Best Cinematography – Harry Stadling
Nomination: Best Editing – William Reynolds
Nomination: Best Costume Design – Irene Sharaff
Licensing

UK: Music Scope UK

USA: Tams-Witmark

 

 

Hairspray

Hairspray features a score by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman along with a book and libretto by Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan. The musical is based on the 1988 John Walters film of the same name. The stage musical was then remade into a successful musical film starring John Travolta and Zach Effron. The show won both the Tony Award and Olivier Award for Best New Musical, along with a large amount of critical praise leading to commercial success.  Set in 1960s Baltimore, the story leads an important discussion about race and body image with an inspirational message to all and includes a fantastic upbeat score.

Hairspray

Marc Shaiman

Scott Wittman

Mark O’Donnell / Thomas Meehan

the 1988 John Walters film of the same name

Margo Lion, Adam Epstein, The Baruch-Viertel-Routh-Frankel Group, James D. Stern, Douglas L. Meyer, Rick Steiner,Frederic H. May

Jack O’Brien

Jerry Mitchell

Productions
Hairspray Original Broadway

Hairspray Original Broadway Production

Neil Simon Theatre - Opened 15 Aug 2002, closed 4 Jan 2009, 2642 performances

Cast: Marissa Jarret Winkour, Matthew Morrison, Harvey Fierstein

Hairspray Shaftesbury 2007

Original London Production

Shaftesbury Theatre - Opened 20 Oct 2007, closed 28 Mar 2010

Cast: Michael Ball, Leanne Jones, Mel Smith, Tracie Bennett, Matt James



What was your favourite production? Add your thoughts in the comments box

Synopsis

Twitter Synopsis:

Big boned girl dances her way onto a TV show inspiring a civil rights movement in 1960s Baltimore with an inspiring message of equality

Add your own Twitter style synopsis (140 characters only!) in the comments box


In 1960s Baltimore, Tracy Turnblad wakes up in her usual cheery mood and says ‘Good Morning, Baltimore’ as she heads to school with her best friend Penny. The pair rush home later in the day to watch their favourite TV program ‘The Corny Collins Show’, to the resentment of Tracy’s mother Edna. The pair dream of dancing on TV like the perfect teen dancers, and when they see an advert to audition for the gang, they are extremely excited. The show is controlled by Velma von Tussle who makes sure her daughter Amber is always in the limelight. As she sees Tracy she teasers her over her weight and tells her she will never be a dancer. Tracy meets teenage heartthrob Link Larkin and instantly falls in love with him.

At school Tracy is put in detention alongside Penny, and the two first meet Seaweed, a black dancer whose mother Motomouth Maybelle runs the ‘Negro Day’ once a month on ‘The Corny Collins Show’. He teaches them some new dance moves that instantly win Tracy attention, and her popularity sky rockets. Edna is forced to leave the house as Tracy welcomes her to the 1960s, getting her a brand new dress and hair-do so she can act as her manager.Tracy’s fame build around school and girls start to copy her signature hair-do. A jealous Amber knocks Tracyout during gym class, and Link rushes to her side to assist her. Penny and Seaweed drag Tracy and Link along to a platter party hosted by Motomouth Maybelle at her record shop.

Tracy is disgusted to learn that blacks are not allowed to take part in the televised ‘mother-daughter’ day, and tries to lead a rebellion to kick start a civil rights movement. Maybelle convinces Edna and admits that she is ‘Big, Blonde, and Beautiful’.

After the demonstration most of the gang are locked up for breach of the peace. Wilbur, Edna’s long suffering husband bails her out of jail, but Tracy is forced to stay locked up. Link sneaks into the prison to free Tracy, as Seaweed sneaks into Penny’s house to free her from her prudish mother. They admit their feelings to each other and decide that after all of their hard work, they have to storm the ‘Miss Teenage Baltimore Awards’ on TV. They devise a plan to integrate the show, and storm the filming much to the dismay of Velma and Amber. As the votes are announced,Tracy storms the stage with a message for racial equality, and is soon declared the winner of the contest. Link is then offered a recording contract and Velma is relegated to another show. ‘The Corny Collins Show’ becomes fully integrated and the full cast sing ‘You Can’t Stop the Beat’.

Songs

Act I

  • “Good Morning Baltimore” – Tracy and Ensemble
  • “The Nicest Kids in Town” – Corny and Council Members
  • “Mama, I’m a Big Girl Now” – Edna, Tracy, Prudy, Penny, Velma, Amber, and Female Ensemble
  • “I Can Hear the Bells” – Tracy and Ensemble
  • “(The Legend of) Miss Baltimore Crabs” – Velma and Council Members with Tracy, Penny, and Little Inez
  • “The Nicest Kids in Town (Reprise)”† – Corny and Council Members
  • “It Takes Two” – Link, Tracy, and Male Ensemble
  • “Welcome to the 60’s” – Tracy, Edna, The Dynamites, and Ensemble
  • “Run and Tell That!” – Seaweed, Little Inez, and Detention Kids
  • “Big, Blonde, and Beautiful” – Motormouth, Little Inez, Tracy, Edna, Wilbur, and Company

Act II

 

  • “The Big Dollhouse” – Matron, Edna, Velma, Tracy, Amber, Penny, Motormouth, and Female Ensemble
  • “Good Morning Baltimore (Reprise)” – Tracy
  • “(You’re) Timeless to Me” – Edna and Wilbur
  • “(You’re) Timeless to Me (Reprise)” – Edna and Wilbur
  • “Without Love” – Tracy, Link, Penny, Seaweed, and Ensemble
  • “I Know Where I’ve Been” – Motormouth and Ensemble
  • “(It’s) Hairspray” – Corny and Council Members
  • “Cooties” – Amber and Council Members
  • “You Can’t Stop the Beat” – Tracy, Link, Penny, Seaweed, Edna, Wilbur, Motormouth, Velma, Amber, and Ensemble
Awards

2003 Tony Awards: Best Musical, Best Book, Best Leading Actor, Best Leading Actress, Best Featured Actor, Best Direction, Best Original Score, Best Costume Design.

2008 Olivier Awards: Best New Musical, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Featured Actress.

Licensing

UK: Josef Weinberger

USA: Musical Theatre International

 

 

Hair

Hair: The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical is unique musical that changed the face of musical theatre during the late 1960s. Featuring music by Galt MacDermot and book and lyrics by James Rado and Gerome Ragni, the musical portrays the hippie culture of America in the 1960s around the time of the US involvement with Vietnam. The show features nudity, sexual acts, profanity and drugs and became an overnight sensation. This new type of ‘Rock’ musical helped pave the way for other shows in the later decade. Featuring a non linear narrative the show was one of the first ‘concept’ musicals and invited the audience on a remarkable journey.

Hair

Galt MacDermot

Gerome Ragni and James Rado

Gerome Ragni and James Rado

Michael Butler

Tom O’Horgan

Julie Arenal

Productions
Hair Original Broadway

Original Broadway Production

Biltmore Theatre - Opened 29 Apr 1968, closed 1 Jul 1972, 1750 performances

Cast: Steve Curry, Ronald Dyson, Sally Eaton, Leata Galloway, Paul Jabara, Diane Keaton, Lynn Kellogg, Melba Moore, Shelley Plimpton, James Rado, Gerome Ragni & Lamont Washington.

Hair Original London

Original London Production

Shaftesbury Theatre - Opened 27 Sep 1968, closed 1 Jul 1973, 1997 performances

Hair Broadway Revival

Broadway Revival

Delacorte Theatre - Opened 31 Mar 2009, closed 27 Jun 2010, 519 performances

Hair Gielgud 2010

London Revival

Gielgud Theatre - Opened 14 Apr 2010, closed 4 Sep 2010, 519 performances

Cast: Sasha Allen, Gavin Creel, Caissie Levy, Darius Nichols, Bryce Ryness, Kacie Sheik, Will Swenson



What was your favourite production? Add your thoughts in the comments box

Synopsis

Claude and his tribe of young, free spirits announce it is the dawning of the age of “Aquarius.” Claude himself is looking for a girl to love named “Donna.” Members of the tribe praise the virtues of “Hashish” and “Sodomy.” They also celebrate what they do not have and the value of having a simple life (“Ain’t Got No”). 

Sheila arrives and chants in protest at war (“I Believe in Love”). A pregnant woman, Jeannie sings about pollution (“Air”). Members of the tribe dress as Claude’s parents and berate him for not having a job and wasting his life and declare that the army will sort him out. He celebrates the tribe’s embracing of life rather than society’s expectations (“I Got Life”). He is then drafted into the Vietnam War and is torn about what to do.

Two tribe members dress as tourists who question the others about their long hair. The entire tribe breaks into a celebration of the symbolism of their “Hair.” Sheila and Berger, a mischievous member of the tribe, reveal their complicated romantic history. Everyone attends a “Be-In” in protest of the war, at which the men burn their draft cards apart from Claude who still questions what to do (“Where Do I Go?”).

The tribe acts out scenes from Claude’s induction into the army. The women of the tribe explain their love of “Black Boys” and “White Boys.” Berger gives Claude hallucinogenic drugs and he has a trip that has him meet famous Americans throughout history, including George Washington, General Custer, Abraham Lincoln, and recounts the often violent history of the country’s progress. Buddhist monks and Catholic nuns arrive and murder each other in a symbolic vision of how religion has been used to justify wars. Amidst the growing pile of dead bodies, the remaining members of the tribe reflect on “What a Piece of Work Is Man.”

In the aftermath, Claude disappears, while Sheila leads the tribe in “Good Morning Starshine.” Claude arrives in his military uniform, but he is now invisible to the others. The tribe begins to sing “Let the Sun Shine In” jubilantly before revealing Claude, now dead after being killed in action.

Songs
  • Aquarius
  • Donna
  • Hashish
  • Sodomy
  • Colored Spade
  • Manchester England
  • I’m Black
  • Ain’t Got No
  • I Believe In Love
  • Ain’t Got No – (reprise)
  • Air
  • Initials
  • I Got Life
  • Going Down
  • Hair
  • My Conviction
  • Easy To Be Hard
  • Don’t Put It Down
  • Frank Mills
  • Be-In
  • Where Do I Go?
  • Electric Blues
  • Manchester England – (reprise)
  • Black Boys
  • White Boys
  • Walking In Space
  • Abie Baby
  • Three-Five-Zero-Zero
  • What A Piece Of Work Is Man
  • Good Morning Starshine
  • Bed, The
  • Flesh Failures, The (Let The Sunshine In)
Licensing

UK: Music Scope UK

USA: Tams-Witmark