Category Archives: B

Musicals staring with letter B

Beautiful: The Carole King Musical

Beautiful: The Carole King Musical is the Tony and Olivier Award-winning musical that has been entertaining audiences since 2014. A smash-hit both on Broadway and in the West End, Beautiful has been commended by Carole King herself. Featuring some of her best-known songs such as “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman”, “Beautiful” and “I Feel the Earth Move”, the musical continues in London to rave reviews and packed out audiences. Following the real life of Carole King, the show documents her development from songwriter to singer, as well as her tumultuous relationship with collaborator and husband Gerry Goffin.

Beautiful_Playbill

Carole King, Gerry Goffin, Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann

Carole King, Gerry Goffin, Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann

Douglas McGrath

The real life of Carole King and her music

Paul Blake, Sony/ATV Music Publishing, Jeffrey A. Sine, Richard A. Smith, Mike Bosner, Jeremiah J. Harris

Marc Bruni

Josh Prince

Productions
beautiful-tour

Original Broadway Production

Stephen Sondheim Theatre - Opened 12 Jan 2014, closed 8 Jan 2017

Cast: Jessie Mueller (Carole King), Jake Epstein (Gerry Goffin), Anika Larsen (Cynthia Weil), Jarrod Spector (Barry Mann), Jeb Brown (Don Kirshner), Liz Larsen (Genie Klein), Rebecca LaChance (Betty), Kevin Duda (Neil Sedaka/Bobby Hatfield/Lou Adler), Rashidra Scott (Janelle Woods), Ashley Blanchett (Little Eva), Carly Hughes (Lucille), Sara King (Marilyn Wald), Josh Davis (Bill Medley/Nick), Alysha Deslorieux (“Uptown” Singer) Replacements: Chilina Kennedy (Carole King), Scott J. Campbell (Gerry Goffin), Jessica Keenan Wynn (Cynthia Weil), Ben Jacoby (Barry Mann), Paul Anthony Stewart (Don Kirshner), Tamika Lawrence (Janelle Woods)

Beautiful_London

Original London Production

Aldwych Theatre - Opened 25 Feb 2015, closed 18 Feb 2017

Cast: Katie Brayben (Carole King), Alan Morrissey (Gerry Goffin), Lorna Want (Cynthia Weil), Ian McIntosh (Barry Mann), Gary Trainor (Don Kirshner), Glynis Barber (Genie Klein), Joanna Woodward (Betty), Ed Currie (Neil Sedaka/Bobby Hatfield/Lou Adler), Tanisha L. Spring (Janelle Woods), Lucy St. Louis (Little Eva), Danielle Steers (Lucille), Vivien Carter (Marilyn Wald), Dylan Turner (Bill Medley/Nick), Tanya Nicole-Edwards (“Uptown” Singer) Replacements: Cassidy Janson (Carole King), Diane Keen (Genie Klein)

Beautiful_Broadway

US Tour (2016)

US Tour - Opened 9 Aug 2016, closed 31 Dec 2017

Cast: Abby Mueller (Carole King), Liam Tobin (Gerry Goffin), Becky Gulsvig (Cynthia Weil), Ben Fankhauser (Barry Mann), Curt Bouril (Don Kirshner), Suzanne Grodner (Genie Klein)



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

Synopsis

Twitter Synopsis:

Smash-hit musical follows the life and times of legendary artist Carole King, including some of her well-known hits.

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


Beautiful opens on stage at Carole King’s legendary Carnegie Hall concert in 1971, with Carole singing “So Far Away”. The musical then quickly rewinds to 1958 and to a 16-year-old Carole telling her mother, Genie, that she wants to become a songwriter. Genie is opposed to her daughter’s desires, but Carole goes ahead with her plans to try and sell a song to music publisher Don Kirshner. At 1650 Broadway, she sings her new song “It Might As Well Rain Until September”, and Don says he will take it and hopes she has others.

At Queen’s College, Carole meets lyricist Gerry Goffin, and together the pair begin to collaborate both musically and romantically, which reaps the rewards for both of them. When Don asks to hear their new song, Carole confesses to Gerry that she is pregnant and Gerry asks her to marry him. After this, their new song “Some Kind of Wonderful” takes on a whole new meaning, and The Drifters record a hit.

Carole and Gerry get an office at 1650 Broadway, where Carole meets lyricist Cynthia Weil, who is looking for a composer. Whilst Gerry and Carole practice “Take Good Care of My Baby”, composer Barry Mann enters, meets Cynthia and the pair begin their own collaboration. As they begin to work, sparks fly and Don asks both of the couples to present him with a song for The Shirelles. Carole and Gerry present “Will You Love Me Tomorrow” and Cynthia and Barry perform “He’s Sure the Boy I Love”. Don chooses the former and the song rockets to the top of the charts. Soon, the couples are firing out an amazing selection of songs, despite being quite competitive. When Gerry and Carole tape a TV special of their new song with Janelle Woods, Gerry confesses that he is restless in the pair’s marriage and wants to sleep with Janelle. Not wanting to lie about it, he leaves Carole stunned and she moves to sing Janelle’s song.

Act II begins with Carole in a recording studio, performing a demo of “Chains”, whilst Gerry is away with Janelle. Nick, a guitarist, asks Carole to come and sing for him, but she declines as she does not want to be a singer. Carole talks to Cynthia about Gerry, as she is also having problems with Barry and Carole decides to split from Gerry. After their meeting, Gerry appears and has a breakdown which sends him to hospital. He tells Carole he will end the affair with Janelle, and Carole suggests they make a new start in the suburbs.

Don, Barry and Cynthia arrive to visit the couple and play them their new song, which makes Gerry realise that he needs to go back to the city. Once he has gone, Barry and Cynthia reveal that they have seen him with singer Marilyn Wald. Carole goes to Marilyn’s house and Gerry is there. She makes the decision to end her marriage. Soon, Carole begins to sing and decides to move to Los Angeles to pursue a new career, leaving her friends behind.

In Los Angeles, she records her legendary album “Tapestry”, including “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman”, which she originally wrote with Gerry. The album is a smash-hit and the action flashes forward to Carole King’s Carnegie Hall concert. Gerry knocks on the door with an apology for the way he treated her and wishes her well. Carole sits at the piano and performs “Beautiful”.

Songs

Act I

  • “Overture” – Orchestra
  • “So Far Away” – Carole
  • “Oh! Carol” – Neil Sedaka
  • “1650 Broadway Medley” – Ensemble
  • “It Might as Well Rain Until September” – Carole
  • “Be-Bop-A-Lula” – Ensemble
  • “Some Kind of Wonderful” – Carole, Gerry and The Drifters
  • “Happy Days Are Here Again” – Cynthia Weil
  • “Take Good Care of My Baby” – Carole and Gerry
  • “Who Put the Bomp (in the Bomp, Bomp, Bomp) – Barry Mann
  • “Will You Love Me Tomorrow” – Carole
  • “He’s Sure the Boy I Love” – Cynthia and Barry
  • “Will You Love Me Tomorrow (Reprise)” – The Shirelles
  • “Up on the Roof” – Gerry and The Drifters
  • “On Broadway” – The Drifters
  • “The Locomotion” – Little Eva and Ensemble
  • “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling” – The Righteous Brothers
  • “One Fine Day” – Janelle, Carole and Ensemble

Act II

  • “Chains” – Carole and Ensemble
  • “Walking in the Rain” – Barry and Cynthia
  • “Pleasant Valley Sunday” – Marilyn Wald, Gerry, Carole and Ensemble
  • “We Gotta Get Out of This Place” – Barry
  • “Will You Love Me Tomorrow (Reprise)” – Carole
  • “Uptown” – Ensemble
  • “It’s Too Late” – Carole
  • “You’ve Got a Friend” – Carole, Barry, Cynthia and Don
  • “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” – Carole and Ensemble
  • “Beautiful” – Carole and Ensemble
  • “I Feel the Earth Move” – Carole and Ensemble
Awards

2014 Tony Awards: Best Leading Actress in a Musical (Jessie Mueller), Best Sound Design (Brian Ronan)

2014 Drama Desk Awards: Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Jessie Mueller), Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical (Anika Larsen), Outstanding Sound Design in a Musical (Brian Ronan)

2015 Grammy Awards: Best Musical Theater Album

2015 Olivier Awards: Best Actress in a Musical (Katie Brayben), Best Actress in a Supporting Role in a Musical (Lorna Want)

The Book of Mormon

The Book of Mormon is one of the most successful musicals of recent years. It premiered on Broadway in 2011 (where it is still going strong) and became the recipient of nine Tony Awards at that years ceremony. The show is a satire of the Mormon faith and tells the story of two naïve and optimistic young Mormon missionaries Elder Price and Elder Cunningham who are sent to a remote village in Uganda in hope of converting the local population. However they discover that the locals are being threatened by a local War Lord and have bigger problems to contend with such as AIDS, poverty and famine than worrying about religion. The Book of Mormon is written by South Park creators Tray Parker and Matt Stone and one half of the team behind musical Avenue Q Robert Lopez. Parker and Stone had previously included musical elements in South Park and numerous references to Mormons, when they met Lopez who expressed a similar interest in Mormons collaborating on the musical seemed like an obvious choice. Although slightly controversial due to its content The Book of Mormon conforms to the classic book musical structure.

Book of Mormon musical heaven

Tray Parker, Matt Stone and Robert Lopez

Tray Parker, Matt Stone and Robert Lopez

Tray Parker, Matt Stone and Robert Lopez

Scott Rudin

Trey Parker and Casey Nicholaw

Casey Nicholaw

Productions
Book of Mormon play bill

Original Broadway Production

Eugene O’Neil Theatre - Opened 24 Feb 2011, closed 27 Dec 2015

Cast: Andrew Rannells, Josh Gad, Nikki M. James, Rory O’Malley, Michael Potts, Lewis Cleale and Brian Tyree Henry.

Book of Mormon 150x100

Original London production

The Prince of Wales Theatre - Opened 25 Feb 2013, closed 22 Aug 2015

Cast: Gavin Creel, Jared Gertner, Alexia Khadime, Stephen Ashfield, Giles Terera, Haydn Oakley and Chris Jarman



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

Synopsis

Twitter Synopsis:

A devote Mormon is paired with a hapless partner and sent to Africa where they and the other missionaries must try and convert the local population to the Mormon faith.

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


Act 1
The show opens with devout poster boy missionary Elder Kevin Price leading his classmates in a door to door attempt to convert people to the Mormon faith “Hello!”. One of the missionaries, Elder Arnold Cunningham, overweight and a tad incompetent seems unable to stick to the approved script. Price’s dream is to be sent to Orlando Florida for his two year mission. He is horrified to find that he is to be paired with the hapless Elder Cunningham and sent to Uganda. “Two By Two”. Before boarding their flight at Salt Lake City Airport Elder Price, now fully committed to his given mission, speaks of how he hope to change the world and help the people of Uganda with minimal input from Elder Cunningham who thanks to rule #72 he now cannot be parted from “You and Me (But Mostly Me)”.

As soon as they arrive in Uganda the pair are robbed at gunpoint by local War Lord General Butt Fucking Naked. They are then welcomed to the village by the chief Mafala Hatimbi and the he and the villagers tell them about their plight contending with Aids, famine, poverty and the tyrannical General. The villagers sing a song “Hasa Diga Eebowai” to make themselves feel better which the Elders initially join in with however they are horrified to find out it translates as “Fuck You God”.

Hatimbi’s daughter Nabulungi introduces the disillusioned pair to the other Mormon missionaries who have so far not managed to convert anyone. Elder McKinley the district leader teaches them how to get rid of unwanted thoughts connected to Mormon Life including his own repressed homosexuality advising them to “Turn It Off” like a light switch. Elder Cunningham succeeds in comforting Elder Price that he will succeed “I Am Here For You”.

Price determined to triumph where the others have failed, sets out to teach the villagers about the founder of the Church of the Latter Day Saints, Joseph Smith, through the song “All American Prophet”. However it goes somewhat array when it turns into a song about himself leaving the villagers unimpressed and irritated. General Butt Fucking Naked arrives and announces that all of the women in the village must be circumcised by the end of the week. When one of the villagers protests the General kills him in cold blood. Nabulungi inspired by Price’s speech of an earthly paradise dreams of a better life “Sal Tlay Ka Siti”.

The Mormon missionaries are sent into panic when the Mission President requests an update on their so far unsuccessful mission. Price requests a transfer to Orlando and loyal Cunningham announces he will stick with him no matter what “I Am Here For You (Reprise)” however Price cruelly dumps Cunningham as a mission partner.

Elder Cunningham is left crushed but when Nabulungi comes to him with members of the village all wanting to learn more about the Book of Mormon he summons courage for the first time ever “Man Up”.

 

Act 2
Having never actually read the Book of Mormon and sensing he’s losing his crowd Elder Cunningham begins to embellish the bits of Mormon doctrine he does know with elements of the real lives of the African villagers and bits of popular fiction. His conscience personified by various characters including his dad, Joseph Smith, Hobbits and Yoda warn him about lying “Making Things Up”. However he decides as long as he’s helping the villagers it’s ok to bend the truth slightly.

Elder Price reflects on his childhood and the reoccurring nightmares of hell he had when he did something wrong “Spooky Mormon Hell Dream”. Terrified by the nightmare Price decides to return to his mission. Cunningham has managed to get 10 locals interested in the church but is reluctant to let Price back in as he is still upset about being ditched. Price sets off to prove himself by converting the General with the Book of Mormon. “I Believe”.

Cunningham continues with his unique style of preaching and succeeds in getting the villagers to agree to be baptized with Nabulungi being his first “Baptize Me”. The villagers begin to except Mormonism and the Mormons celebrate “I Am Africa”. After an unsuccessful conversion of the General Price is seen having the Book of Mormon removed from his anus. The General feels threatened by the villagers converting to Mormonism and resolves to kill them all.

Price drowns his sorrows over copious cups of coffee where Elder Cunningham finds him and informs him they need to at least pretend to work together as the Mission President and other senior Mormons are coming to congratulate their mission. After he leaves Elder Price reflects on the broken promises of the Mormon Church “Orlando”.

Price and Cunningham are congratulated by the head of the mission for their great success. Nabulungi and the villagers then perform a pageant based on their understanding of the Book of Mormon, as taught to them by Elder Cunningham “Joseph Smith American Moses”. The president is horrified and declares that the Africans are not real Mormons and orders the Elders to go home. Nabulungi is distressed as she wanted to reach paradise and curses God “Hasa Diga Eebowai Reprise”.

Cunningham is left distraught however Price realises that Cunningham has had the right idea all along and it’s not about the detail of scripture but about helping people. The pair are reconciled and set off to rescue the villagers from the General “You and Me (But Mostly Me) Reprise”.

Meanwhile Nabulungi, still angry with Cunningham, tells the rest of the village that he has been eaten by a lion. The general arrives and Nabulungi is ready to give in to his demands. She tells the villagers that Cunningham’s stories were all lies. To her surprise they reply that they had known all along that the stories were not literally true but rather metaphorical. Cunningham returns and everyone believes he has risen after being eaten by lions. Price and Cunningham work together to scare the General away and Price rallies the Mormons and Ugandans to work together and create their own faith. In the final scene the villagers, ex-communicated Mormons and newly converted General are seen going door to door to preach ‘The Book of Arnold’. “Tomorrow is a Latterday, ”Hello Reprise” and “Finale”.

Songs

Act I

 

  • Hello……………….. Elder Price, Elder Cunningham and Mormon Boys
  • Two by Two …………………… Elder Price, Elder Cunningham and Mormon Boys
  • You and Me (But Mostly Me)……………………………Elder Price and Elder Cunningham
  • Hasa Diga Eebowai ……………. Mafala, Elder Price, Elder Cunningham, Nabulungi and Ugandans
  • Turn It Off…………………………… Elder McKinley and Missionaries
  • I Am Here for You…………..Elders Cunningham and Price
  • All American Prophet… Elder Price, Elder Cunningham, Joseph Smith, Angel Moroni and Company
  • Sal Tlay Ka Siti……………………………………………………… Nabulungi
  • I Am Here for You (Reprise) ……………………………… Elder Cunningham
  • Man Up …………………………………. Elder Cunningham, Nabulungi, Elder Price and Company

 

Act 2

  • Making Things Up Again …………. Elder Cunningham, Cunningham’s Dad, Joseph Smith, Mormon, Moroni, Uhura, Hobbits and Ugandans
  • Spooky Mormon Hell Dream …………………………………Elder Price and Company
  • I Believe ………………………………………………………………. Elder Price and Company
  • Baptize Me ……………………………………………… Elder Cunningham and Nabulungi
  • I Am Africa ……………………………Elders McKinley, Cunningham and Missionaries
  • Orlando …………………………………………………Elder Price
  • Joseph Smith American Moses ………………….. Nabulungi, Mafala and Ugandans
  • Hasa Diga Eebowai (Reprise) ……………………………………….. Nabulungi
  • You and Me (But Mostly Me) Reprise…………………… Elders Price and Cunningham
  • Tomorrow Is a Latter Day ………….. Elders Price, Cunningham and McKinley, Nabulungi and Company
  • Hello (Reprise) ……………………………… Company
  • Finale ……………………………………………………Company
Awards

2011 Tony Awards: Best Musical, Best Book of a musical, Best Original Score, Best featured actress in a musical (Nikki M. James), Best Direction, Best Orchestrations, Best Scenic Design, Best Lighting Design and Best Sound Design.

2014 Olivier Awards: Best New Musical, Best Actor in a Musical (Gavin Creel), Best Performance in a supporting role in a musical (Stephen Ashfield) and Best Choreographer.

The Bodyguard

The Bodyguard is a brand new musical based on the 1992 award winning movie of the same name. The show has been in pre-production for some years, despite many thinking it was triggered by the death of Whitney Houston early in 2012. The musical features the songs of Whitney Houston exclusively, with no original material written for the production. Most of the songs are performed as performances by the lead character Rachel rather than to progress the story, resulting in a strange form that is half musical, half play with songs. The show stars Tony Award winner Heather Headley in the lead role of superstar Rachel Marron alongside Lloyd Owen as her protector.

The Bodyguard New Publicity Image

Various (songs of Whitney Houston)

Alexander Dinelaris

The Warner Brothers Film

Lawrence Kasdan

Michael Harrison and David Ian

Thea Sharrock

Productions
The-Bodyguard-Poster

London Production

Adelphi Theatre London - Opened 5 Dec 2012, closed 27 Apr 2013

Cast: Heather Headley, Lloyd Owen, Sean Chapman, Nicholas Colicos, Debbie Kurup, Gloria Onitiri, Oliver Le Sueur, Mark Letheren, Mark McKerracher, David Page, Ray Shell.



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

Synopsis

A dark, smoky gauze opens the show and we hear a loud gunshot. A spotlight on Frank Farmer and a shot body quickly fades away as we hear the opening to “Queen of the Night”. International superstar Rachel Marron is onstage giving a performance in front of screaming fans, after just receiving two Oscar nominations for Best Actress and Best Original Song. Ray Shell tries to convince bodyguard Frank Farmer to take on a new case, offering more money to get him to look after Rachel and her family. He introduces him to the Stalker’s methods and letters that Rachel has been receiving, without her knowledge, and is intrigued enough to get involved.

At Rachel’s home we meet her team, including her head of security Tony, choreographer and seven year old son Fletcher. They are busy rehearsing for an upcoming performance. Frank meets Rachel, and is not well liked at first by the rest of his team. He watches Rachel and her backing dancers perform, “I’m Your Baby Tonight”. He meets Nikki, Rachel’s sister who is also a singer but has spent her life walking in Rachel’s shadow, despite writing the Oscar nominated song with her. She helps Frank by giving him a list of places Rachel frequently visits along with people she sees. She tells Frank she is performing later that evening in a small bar. Frank is intrigued by Nikki and tries to question her further, but she leaves.

We are introduced to Rachel’s stalker who has breached security by leaving letters in her dressing room and taking pieces of her costume. He sings “Oh Yes” which turns into a duet with Rachel on a screen, until she appears in a dress and completes the performance.

Nikki is performing “Saving All My Love For You” in a small bar, and is surprised when Frank arrives to listen. As she drinks with him, it becomes clear that she likes him, although he is just interested in finding out about her past issues with Rachel. He lends her his jacket and makes sure she gets home safe.

Back at Rachel’s house her manager is trying to get her to agree to doing a small, exclusive performance. Frank is against the idea, telling Rachel that she needs to listen to him as it is his job to protect the family. She argues with him, and tells her manager that she will perform as not to let her fans down. Frank asks her manager why he hasn’t told her about the stalker, and he explains that he doesn’t want to distract her from the Oscar campaign.

Rachel is announced as a special guest at the club and everyone is excited. As she prepares to perform to a sell out audience, Frank preps the security team to make sure they know how to get her out in case there is a problem. She arrives onstage and performs “So Emotional”, but as she comes face to face with her stalker she is rescued by Frank who safely drags her offstage.

Alone at home Rachel performs “Run To You” as she comes to realise that she has feelings for Frank. The scene splits between her and Nikki who also sings about her feelings for Frank. The next day Rachel asks Frank if she can go on a date, saying the only way it could possibly happen is if he comes with her. He leaves the question hanging as Nikki returns his jacket, thanking him for coming to watch her perform.

Frank accepts Rachel’s offer of a date and takes her to a karaoke bar where three girls perform “How Will I Know?” As they continue to flirt, Rachel makes a bet with him that she can guess how his life has been. He agrees to sing for her on the karaoke, delivering a self conscious rendition of Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You”. Rachel (who is supposed to be incognito) sings “I Have Nothing” as the first act ends, with spotlights on Nikki, Rachel, Frank and The Stalker.

The second act begins in Frank’s bedroom as Rachel sings to him whilst he sleeps, “All the Man I Need”, which segues neatly into a recording studio where Rachel is laying down the track. Nikki is bitter about her new relationship with Frank. Rachel is getting prepared to leave for Miami for a benefit concert, and Frank tells Fletcher that he has to stay at home, but does give him a pass to get into the Academy Awards.

In Miami Rachel performs “I’m Every Woman” to a delighted audience. Frank checks in on Fletcher, who hasn’t realised that The Stalker is in their house acting as a security guard. Nikki is at home along watching Fletcher and sings “All At Once”, upset at losing yet another thing to her sister. As she goes in to check on Fletcher, she pulls back the covers to see a dead animal carcass in his bed which has been left by The Stalker. Rachel, Frank and their team arrive home in shock. Frank tells her they can’t continue to be together as it is dangerous for the whole family. He makes her cancel the rest of her promotional tours and takes the whole family to his family log cabin.

Rachel meets Frank’s father and learns his mother died of cancer the year before, when Frank was busy looking after the Senator. Whilst at the funeral of his mother, the senator was shot and his father explains how Frank carries that guilt. Fletcher and Nikki sing together “Jesus Loves Me”, but as they settle down to bed, The Stalker breaks into the house and kills Nikki, thinking it is Rachel. As Frank arrives, he flees and a chase sequence is projected onstage showing The Stalker running away from Frank.

Despite the obvious dangers, Rachel decides to perform at the Oscars, as she tells Frank how it was always her sister’s dream to win an Academy Award. At the ceremony, security is obviously tight. Rachel arrives to sing “One Moment in Time”, her Oscar nominated song. As she reaches for the final note, Frank jumps onstage to take a bullet for her from The Stalker and the safety curtain comes down.

A few weeks later Rachel and Fletcher are preparing to move away. Frank returns with his arm in a sling and brings Fletcher a gift. It is an emotional farewell, and as she leaves Rachel begins to sing “I Will Always Love You” to a large projection of Frank’s face. The whole cast returns to the stage for an upbeat encore of “I Wanna Dance With Somebody”.

Songs

Act 1

• Queen of the Night – Rachel and Ensemble
• I’m Your Baby Tonight – Rachel
• Oh, Yes – Stalker, Rachel
• Saving All My Love for You – Nikki
• So Emotional – Rachel
• Run To You – Rachel, Nikki
• How Will I Know – Featured Ensemble
• I Will Always Love You (Dolly Parton version) – Frank
• I Have Nothing – Rachel

Act 2

• All The Man I Need – Rachel
• I’m Every Woman – Rachel, Ensemble
• All at Once – Nikki
• Jesus Loves Me – Nikki, Fletcher, Rachel
• One Moment in Time – Rachel
• I Will Always Love You – Rachel
• I Wanna Dance With Somebody – Full Cast, Encore

Blood Brothers

Blood Brothers is one of London’s most popular musicals and has been playing for just under 25 years. The show started out as a simple production in a school hall, before being developed further by Bill Kenwright. The show opened originally in Liverpool where it is set, and later came to the West End after many tours, featuring a wide range of celebrities in th leading roles. The show transferred to Broadway where it enjoyed modest success where Kiki Dee starred as Mrs Johnstone. The London production recently announced it was closing at the Phoenix Theatre, just shy of its 25th Birthday, putting it at the top alomgst other long running shows such as ‘Phantom of the Opera’, ‘Les Miserables’ and ‘The Woman in Black’. The production will continue to delight audiences on tour around the UK.

Blood-Brothers-Original-Poster

Willy Russell

Willy Russell

Willy Russell

Bill Kenwright

Bill Kenwright and Bob Tomson

Bill Kenwright and Bob Tomson

Productions

Original London Production

The Lyric Theatre - Opened 11 Apr 1983, closed 22 Oct 1983

Cast: Barbara Dickson, and Con O’Neill.

The Albery Theatre - Opened 28 Jul 1988, closed 16 Nov 1991

Original London Production

The Phoenix Theatre - Opened 21 Nov 1991, closed 9 Nov 2012

Cast: The role of Mrs Johnstone has since been played by a wide variety of actresses such as Sarah Haye, Barbara Dickson, Stephanie Lawrence, Clodagh Rodgers, Kiki Dee, Lyn Paul, Linda Nolan, Bernie Nolan, Denise Nolan, Maureen Nolan, Melanie C, Niki Evans and Amy Robbins.

Original Broadway

The Music Box Theatre - Opened 25 Apr 1993, closed 30 Apr 1995

Cast: Kiki Dee



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

Synopsis

Blood Brothers begins with a tableau of Mrs Johnstone crying over the bodies of twin sons Eddie and Mickey who both lie dead onstage. A sinister Narrator then begins to tell their story, starting with Mrs Johnstone’s likeness to Marilyn Monroe and her ability to give birth to children. In a rough part of Liverpool, Mrs Johnstone finds out she is pregnant once again, adding to her already heavy woes. She works as a cleaner for the wealthy Mrs Lyons and the two share an informal relationship. Mrs Johnstone is extremely superstitious and is scared of Mrs Lyons putting new shoes on the table. After a visit to the doctor she is told she is actually having twins and worries about how she will cope. Mrs Lyons, who can’t have children, begs her to give one to her as soon as they are born. They make a pact and swear on the Bible, and Mrs Lyons plays on Mrs Johnstone’s superstitious feelings.

As soon as the twins are born Mrs Lyons takes one of the boys and Mrs Johnstone instantly regrets her decision. She takes comfort in the fact that at least one of her children will live a life of luxury.

Time passes and Mrs Johnstone’s children play kids games in the street. Mickey has now grown up to 7 years old and is taunted by his older brother Sammy. Mickey’s twin Eddie comes to join in and the pair bond over their similar birthday. Mickey asks Eddie to be his best friend and they decide to be ‘blood brothers’ making a pact to stay together and be friends. Mickey introduces Eddie to Linda and the three get up to trouble in the park. As the police take Eddie home, they treat the Lyons’ family very differently to the Johnstone’s who are frequently getting in trouble with the law. Mrs Lyons is worried about Eddie spending time with Mickey and tells him he is not allowed to see him any more. She pesters her husband to move away.

Eddie goes to visit Mickey to tell him they are moving away. He finds Mrs Johnstone and she is emotional seeing her son all grown up. Eddie is sad to leave his new best friend behind. Mrs Johnstone is told by the council that they are being rehoused the country that coincidentally moves them closer to the Lyons family once again. The Johnstone’s are happy at the prospect of a new life and a ‘Bright New Day’.

Act Two opens some years later as Mickey and Eddie are now 14 and at school. Mickey is pursued by Linda and bumps into Eddie again and they continue their friendship. Mrs Lyons feels threatened by the Johnstone’s reappearance in her life and begins to go mad. She goes to visit Mrs Johnstone and tries to buy her off, attacking her with a kitchen knife. She is consumed by the guilt of taking a baby from its mother.

As Eddie and Mickey grow up they begin to get further and further apart. Eddie goes away to university whilst Mickey is stuck in a low paid job. Linda tells him she is pregnant and they struggle for money. Mickey resents Eddie’s lifestyle with his posh house and posh job, and after being laid off by the factory, Mickey is convinced by Sammy to act as an accessory in an armed robbery. The robbery goes wrong and Mickey is put in prison.

Mrs Johnstone tells how Mickey gets depressed after his stint in jail. He becomes addicted to pills. Eddie and Linda begin to spend time together and it is obvious to everyone that there is a spark between them. Mickey noticed and becomes jealous, grabbing a gun to threaten Eddie at work. Mrs Johnstone chases after him and in the council chamber of Eddie’s work tells Mickey not to shoot his brother. The boys are shocked at the news as she is forced to tell them they were separated at birth. Mickey yells at her, asking ‘why didn’t you give me away – I could have been him’ and shoots Eddie, and is shot by the police. Mrs Johnstone is left onstage with the two dead bodies.

Songs

Act 1

  • Overture – Orchestra, Company and Narrator
  • Marilyn Monroe – Mrs. Johnstone and Company
  • Marilyn Monroe (Reprise) – Mrs. Johnstone
  • My Child – Mrs. Johnstone and Mrs Lyons
  • Easy Terms – Mrs. Johnstone
  • Shoes Upon The Table – Narrator
  • Easy Terms (Reprise) – Mrs. Johnstone
  • Kids’ Game – Linda, Mickey and Ensemble
  • Bright New Day (Preview) – Mrs. Johnstone
  • Long Sunday Afternoon/My Friend – Mickey and Eddie
  • Bright New Day – Mrs. Johnstone and Company
Act 2
  • Entr’acte – Orchestral piece
  • Marilyn Monroe 2 – Mrs. Johnstone and Company
  • The Devil’s Got Your Number – Narration
  • That Guy – Mickey & Eddie
  • Shoes Upon the Table (Reprise) – Narrator
  • I’m Not Saying A Word – Eddie
  • Miss Jones – Mr Lyons, Miss Jones and Company
  • Marilyn Monroe 3 – Mrs. Johnstone
  • Light Romance – Mrs. Johnstone
  • Madman – Narrator
  • Tell Me It’s Not True – Mrs Johnstone
Awards

1983 Olivier Awards: Best New Musical, Best Actress (Barbara Dickson)

1988 Olivier Awards: Best Actor (Con O’Neill)

1993 Tony Awards: Nominated

 

 

Bye Bye Birdie

Bye Bye Birdie features music by Charles Strouse with lyrics by Lee Adams and book by Michael Stewart. This popular musical is a satire on American society in the early 1960s surrounding the teenage obsession with singers such as Elvis and the rock’n’roll movement. As teenage idol Conrad Birdie is conscripted into the Army, a legion of fans fight for publicity one last time. The original Broadway production won the Tony Award for Best Musical and spawned successful revivals and national tours. Although the show has never done as well in the UK, it is a popular choice for American High Schools, Summer Camps and colleges.

Bye Bye Birdie Original Playbill

Charles Strouse

Lee Adams

Michael Stewart

Gower Champion

Gower Champion

Productions

Original Broadway Production

April 14, 1960 – October 7, 1961; 54 Street Theatre, (607 performances)

Cast: Dick Van Dyke, Chita Rivera, Paul Lynde, Dick Gautier, Susan Watson, Kay Medford and Charles Nelson Reilly

Original London Production

June 1961; Her Majesty’s Theatre, (269 performances)

Broadway Revival

May 2004; City Center Encores! Production

Broadway Revival

October 15, 2009 – January 24, 2010; Henry Miller Theatre

Cast: John Stamos, Gina Gershon, Bill Irwin, Jayne Houdyshell, Nolan Gerard Funk, Riley Costello



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

Synopsis

Conrad Birdie, an Elvis-like pop icon, is drafted into the Army, much to the chagrin of teenaged girls everywhere and his beleaguered agent, Albert Peterson. Albert’s girlfriend Rosie comes up with a plan to give away Conrad’s “one last kiss” before heading to war to a member of his fan club. In return, she hopes Albert will take the opportunity to finally pursue his ambition of becoming “An English Teacher.”

Teenager Kim MacAfee from Sweet Apple, Ohio is the lucky girl chosen out of thousands to be kissed by Conrad on live television. He and his entourage descend on the small town, already abuzz with the news that Kim and Hugo Peabody are finally going steady (“The Telephone Hour”). As they depart New York City, Albert is mobbed by teenagers who are devastated that Conrad is joining the army, but he encourages them to “Put On a Happy Face.”

Reporters flock to the tiny town wanting to speak to Conrad, but Albert and Rosie deflect the attention and try to assure the public that he is just “A Healthy, Normal, American Boy.” Hugo becomes worried that Kim is more interested in Conrad than him, but she assures Hugo that he’s the “One Boy” for her. Conrad sings “Honestly Sincere,” which works the teenaged girls into a frenzy and only fuels Hugo’s jealousy further.

As part of the publicity stunt, Conrad moves into the MacAfee household, drawing the ire of Kim’s father with his rock star antics. Albert manages to convince Mr. MacAfee to allow Conrad to stay by assuring him the entire family will appear on the Ed Sullivan Show, the most popular television programme in the country (“Hymn For a Sunday Evening- Ed Sullivan”).

To add to Albert’s problems, his overbearing mother, Mae, arrives in the hopes of breaking up his relationship with Rosie, who she dislikes because she is Hispanic. Mae brings Gloria Rasputin with her, a voluptuous and ditzy blonde she met on the bus who she suggests as a replacement. Rosie becomes infuriated with Albert’s coddling of his mother and imagines “How to Kill a Man” in a ballet.

Conrad and Kim finally appear on the Ed Sullivan show for “One Last Kiss,” which is interrupted at the last minute by Hugo running onstage to punch Conrad in the face. Mortified, Kim and Rosie decide to leave Hugo and Albert, singing “What Did I Ever See in Him.” Unfazed, Conrad convinces Kim and the teenagers they all have “A Lot of Livin’ to Do” and brings them to the Ice House, where a party is going on without adult supervision. On discovering Kim has run away, Mr. and Mrs. MacAfee bemoan what’s wrong with “Kids” these days.
Meanwhile, Rosie finds herself in a roadside tavern that’s hosting a Shriners meeting, hoping to forget about Albert. She begins to flirt with the members and begins to dance with them before being rescued by Albert, who declares his love and finally stands up to his mother. The parents discover their children have gone to the Ice House and have Conrad arrested. Kim realises she was being foolish and decides to return to Hugo.

Rosie confronts Mae for her racism in a tongue-in-cheek performance of “Spanish Rose.” Albert manages to bail Conrad out of jail and dresses him as a woman to sneak him out of town, putting his mother on the same train back to New York. He reveals to Rosie that he has accepted a job teaching English in Iowa, and they happily decide to get married.

Songs

Act I

  • Overture
  • An English Teacher
  • The Telephone Hour
  • How Lovely To Be A Woman
  • Put On A Happy Face
  • Honestly Sincere
  • One Boy
  • 100 Ways Ballet
  • Hymn For Sunday Evening
  • A Lot Of Livin’ To Do
  • A Healthy Normal American Boy
  • Kids
  • Baby, Talk To Me
  • One Last Kiss
  • Finale Act I
Act II
  • Entr’acte “A”
  • Entr’acte “B”
  • What Did I Ever See In Him
  • Spanish Rose
  • Rosie
  • Kids Reprise
  • Ice House Livin’
  • Shriner’s Ballet
  • Finale
  • Bows And Exit Music
Awards

1961 Tony Awards: Best Musical, Best Performance by a Featured Actor, Best Direction, Best Choreography.

Licensing

UK: Music Scope UK

USA: Tams-Witmark

Blitz!

Blitz! features a score by Lionel Bart, renowned composer of ‘Oliver!’. The musical is set in the East End of London during the Second World War, and takes its name from the aerial bombings inflicted on London by the Germans. The story brought together moments of Bart’s Jewish upbringing and featured two star crossed lovers, a Jewish woman and a Cockney Man. The story is told through the eyes of Mrs Blitztein, the mother of the Jewish woman. The show has never been presented on Broadway, despite Bart’s popularity with Oliver! as it was thought that the theme was too British orientated. One of the songs was written for Vera Lynn, and her recording is featured in the musical.

Blitz!

Lionel Bart

Lionel Bart

Lionel Bart & Joan Maitland

Lionel Bart

Productions

Original London Production

Adelphi Theatre - Opened 8 May 1962, closed 14 Dec 2012

Cast: Amelia Bayntun, Bob Grant, Grazina Frame, Graham James, Thomas Kempinski, Toni Palmer & Edward Caddick

London Revival

The Playhouse Theatre - Opened 1 Sep 1990, closed 1 Jan 1970

Cast: Amelia Bayntun, Bob Grant, Grazina Frame, Graham James, Thomas Kempinski, Toni Palmer & Edward Caddick



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

Synopsis

Blitz! is set during the air raids of the Second World War in London. Two families, the Jewish Blitzteins and the Cockney Lockes feud over their neighbouring market stalls, although their children Georgie Locke and Carol Blitztein are in love. The musical opens at Bank underground station as crowds of people shelter from the German Air Raids that have become a daily occurrence. We are introduced to the two families as they welcome their sons Georgie Locke and Harry Blitztein who are home from leave from the war for one week. Georgie catches the eye of Carol and whilst their parents continue to bicker, they begin to get closer and closer. Georgie tells Harry that he is in love with his sister, and Harry advises him against it, saying it is likely to cause trouble. The whole station settles down to listen to Vera Lynn on the wireless.

The news brings reports of more deaths, which include Tommy Blackwell’s parents who refused to go down to the shelter. Tommy is asleep, and Mrs Blitztein decides she will send him and her own son Siddy to the country for safety. The children of the street are lined up the next day to be evacuated, and they leave just in time as the bombing continues to get worse and worse. The area around Petticoat Lane has been destroyed and many families have lost their houses. They have to rally round and take in people to their homes. Mrs Blitztein shares her thoughts on Hitler. She is also upset at her children as Georgie has left a Jewish woman in favour of Carol and Harry has ran off with a married woman. Georgie asks Carol if she will wait for him to return from fighting and they sneak off to spend one final night together. Their parents try to find them but to no avail. The pair are caught outside during an air raid, in which Carol is blinded. Mrs Blitztein catches Harry stealing lead pipes and is disgusted that he won’t go back to the army.

At the station Georgie waits for Carol to come and wave him off. Harry’s former girlfriend tries to buy Harry time as he hasn’t shown up for duty. Mrs Blitztein has looked after Carol throughout the night and tells her son that she can’t see him off. Georgie understands and tells his mother of his intention to marry her when he returns.

Six months later Carol is blindly walking the streets around Petticoat Lane. The market begins to pick up and news of Georgie’s return comes to some of the family. The bombing has died down and the children return to London from the countryside. Carol finds out that Georgie is returning and that he didn’t want her to know and worries that it is because she is blind. Harry continues to be on the run from his duties, having worked on the black market for six months. Mrs Blitztein is in despair at her life and prays to her late husband to send her guidance.

Georgie emerges from the pub where he is drinking is troubles away. He sees himself as a failure as a son, soldier and boyfriend. He meets Harry and tells him he is too nervous to see Carol. Mrs Blitztein finds Georgie and tries to find out what he thinks about Carol. He tells her that he still loves her but is worried that she won’t like him after the war has made him a changed man.

Carol is brought to George and the have a reunion as George tells her that he loves her and proposes. Harry attends the wedding and says he is going back to his duty and the family feud seems somewhat resolved.

 
Songs
  • Opening/Prologue
  • Our Hotel
  • Tell Him, Tell Her
  • I Want To Whisper Something
  • The Day After Tomorrow
  • We’re Going To The Country
  • Another Morning
  • Who’s this Geezer Hitler?
  • Be What You Wanna Be
  • As Long As This Is England
  • Opposites
  • Magic Doorway
  • Bake A Cake
  • Leave It To The Ladies
  • The Day After Tomorrow (reprise)

ACT II

  • Entr’acte
  • Far Away
  • Petticoat Lane
  • Down The Lane
  • So Tell Me
  • Mums And Dads
  • Who Wants To Settle Back
  • Is This Gonna Be A Wedding?
  • Duty Calls
  • Finale
Licensing

UK: Josef Weinberger

 

 

Bells Are Ringing

Bells Are Ringing features music by Jule Styne with book and lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green. This show takes us back to a time before answering machines and high technology, when a real person answered your ringing telephone for you, if you couldn’t do it yourself. Welcome to Susanswerphone, where the lines are blurred between doing a job and eavesdropping. The story and musical numbers are delightful and uplifting. Just in Time, Better Than a Dream, Drop That Name and A Simple Little System keep actors and audiences smiling. The original Broadway production opened in 1956 and ran successfully for over 2 years.

Bells Are Ringing Original Playbill

Jule Styne

Betty Comden and Adolph Green

Betty Comden and Adolph Green

The Theatre Guild

Jerome Robbins

Jerome Robbins and Bob Fosse

Productions

Original Broadway Production

November 29, 1956; Schubert Theatre, (924 performances)

Cast: Judy Holliday, Sydney Chaplin, Jean Stapleton, Eddie Lawrence

Original London Production

November 14, 1957; Coliseum Theatre (292 performances)

Cast: Janet Blair, George Gaynes, Jean St. Clair, Eddie Malloy

Broadway Revival

April 12, 2001; Plymouth Theatre (68 performances)

Cast: Faith Prince, Marc Kudisch, David Garrison, Beth Fowler

Concert Revival

2002; Encores! New York City Centre

Cast: Kelli O’Hara, Will Chase, Judy Kaye



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

Synopsis

Welcome to a world before voicemails! Nowadays, if you aren’t home your voicemail picks up your calls, but before this high technology ‘Susanswerphone’ was there to blur the line between helpfulness and eavesdropping. The show opens with eight girls moaning about their lack of telephone calls. They consider hiring a service to answer their phone when they are out of the house. Sue runs her own service known as ‘Susanswerphone’, employing her cousin Ella to take the calls and deliver messages. Although things start out okay, she begins to get involved in the lives of the people who she takes messages for, and falls in love with one of the men whom she has never met. Her feelings for Jeff Moss become apparent and she is determined to help him out with his next play that he is currently struggling to write. Her charm and telephone manner begin to involve herself quickly in his life.

Meanwhile Sue falls in love with Sandor, the owner of Titanic Records. He sets up an outlet in her office space, which he uses to mask his criminal dealings. The police think that ‘Susanswerphone’ is merely a front for Sandor’s book-making ring of deception. Ella decides to meet Jeff and creates an alter ego for herself, going to his home and convincing him to rework his latest play. They go out for dinner and sparks begin to fly as they learn how to Cha-Cha. In Central Park, he tells her that he loves her, but after taking her to a party she is made to feel below his social station and is lost for conversation. She runs away and Jeff still hasn’t worked out who he really is.

Sandor is suffering with racing debts and has to borrow money. He plans a trip abroad with Sue as the Police begin to close in. Ella encounters three other men who her meddling has helped. She decides to run away but Jeff finally realises who she is as the show ends happily for all.

Songs
  • Bells Are Ringing
  • Mucha-Cha
  • It’s a Perfect Relationship
  • On My Own
  • Drop That Name
  • It’s a Simple Little System
  • Is It a Crime
  • Salzburg
  • Hello Hello There!
  • I Met a Girl
  • Midas Touch
  • Long Before I Knew You
  • I’m Goin’ Back
  • Just in Time
  • The Party’s Over
  • Mu-cha-cha
  • Better Than a Dream
  • Do it Yourself
Awards

1957 Tony Awards: Best Performance by a Leading Actress, Best Performance by a Featured Actor, Best Musical (nomination)

Licensing

UK: Music Scope UK

USA: Tams-Witmark

Bugsy Malone

Bugsy Malone is one of the most popular movie musicals ever made, directed and written by film maker Alan Parker. The success of the film, which famously featured an all child cast, spurned numerous stage productions around the world, and the show is a popular choice for schools and amateur theatre companies, because of the heavy child involvement. The original London production opened in 1983 where it ran at Her Majesty’s Theatre. A particularly well received production opened in 1997, performed by the National Youth Music Theatre which starred Sheridan Smith.

Bugsy Malone

Paul Williams

Paul Williams

Alan Parker

the film of the same name

Productions

Original London Production

Her Majesty's Theatre - Opened 23 May 1983, closed 1 Jan 1970, 300 performances

London Revival

Queen's Theatre - Opened 1 Jun 1997, closed 1 Aug 1997

Cast: Paul Lowe, Janee Bennett, Leanne Connelly, Chris Dyer, Matt Fraser, Nana Kumi, Alex Lee, Malinda Parris, Stuart Piper, Sheridan Smith, Hannah Spearritt, Michael Sturges, and Shean Williams



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

Synopsis

“Bugsy Malone” walks around his neighbourhood where three murders have taken place (all committed with “splurge guns” that shoot whipped cream). He arrives at “Fat Sam’s Grand Siam,” run by the eponymous mob boss. Fat Sam is furious that one of his henchmen was killed in the recent spate of murders committed by his rival Dandy Dan.

At the club Bugsy meets Blousy Brown, a girl who has auditioned to sing at the club but been rejected, as Fat Sam prefers letting his girlfriend Tallulah sing. Bugsy takes her out to dinner and they begin to fall for each other before the restaurant is raided by Dandy Dan, who hopes to take command of the town as the sole mob boss (“They Call Him Dandy”). 

Blousey auditions for a part in the Lena Marelli show at another nightclub, as Lena has just quit. However, just as she begins to sing Lena returns to work, and it appears her quitting is a weekly ritual. Bugsy consoles a dejected Blousey by promising to speak to Fat Sam for her about a job.

At the club, Fat Sam is worried about Dandy Dan’s growing power and sends his gang to obtain new weapons. However, they are ambushed and taken out by Dandy Dan and his henchmen. Fat Sam and his only remaining cohort Knuckles have no choice but to secure the services of psychotic killer Looney Bergonzi and arrange a meeting with Dandy Dan himself. Meanwhile, Blousey has arrived to audition for Fat Sam, and walks in on Tallulah seducing Bugsy. Devastated, she still manages to secure the gig, and Bugsy attempts in vain to reconcile with her.

Fat Sam pays Bugsy $200 to serve as the getaway driver for their meeting with Dandy Dan. When their secret weapon Looney Bergonzi is revealed, Dandy Dan’s posse emerges from the shadows and attacks them. Bugsy quickly manages to pull Fat Sam to safety and is rewarded with an additional $100. He finds Blousey to tell her about the money, which he plans to use to take them to Hollywood where she can become a real star.

Bugsy is mugged by thugs who steal all of his money, but he is helped by a stranger named Leroy who impresses him with his fighting skills. Bugsy believes he could be a boxing star and decides to take him on as his manager (“So You Wanna Be a Boxer”).

Fat Sam is planning a final assault on Dandy Dan and sends Tallulah to ask Bugsy for help. She finds him at the train station where he is waiting for Blousey to arrive for their trip to Hollywood. Tallulah tells him Fat Sam will give him $400 for his help, and he agrees, leaving Blousey to find the station empty. She calls Bugsy who says he has things to do instead of going on the trip, and Blousey is heartbroken (“Ordinary Fool”).

Fat Sam and Bugsy bring Leroy along to the fight, but finding themselves outnumbered, they enlist the help of men standing in a local breadline (“Down and Out”). Just as they meet up with Dandy Dan’s gang, the police arrive, but Bugsy, Fat Sam and Leroy all manage to escape. They head back to Fat Sam’s club, where Bugsy gives an elated Blousey two tickets to Hollywood. Dandy Dan invades the club and a massive splurge gunfight ensues.

Songs
  • Overture
  • I Could Have been Anything That I Wanted To Be
  • Fat-Sam’s Grand Slam Speakeasy
  • Bugsy Malone
  • Tomorrow
  • Bad Guys
  • I’m Feeling Fine
  • My Name Is Tallulah
  • So You Wanna Be A Boxer
  • Ordinary Fool
  • Down & Out
  • You Give A Little Love
  • Chinese Laundry
  • Double Chorus
  • That’s Why They Call Him Dandy
  • I’m Feeling Fine (reprise)
  • Finale Act One: You Give A Little Love
Awards

Academy Award: Best Original Film Score (Paul Williams)

BAFTA: Best Supporting Actress (Jodie Foster)

Licensing

UK: Josef Weinberger

USA: Musical Theatre International

 

Brigadoon

Brigadoon is a Scottish fantasy about a town that disappears into the Highland mist and returns for only one day every one hundred years. It includes Waitin’ for My Dearie, I’ll Go Home with Bonnie Jean, Come to Me, Bend to Me, Almost Like Being in Love, There But for You Go I, The Heather on the Hill and My Mother’s Weddin’ Day. This is a tribute to simplicity, true love and goodness, which is hidden from the ordinary traveler.

Brigadoon

Frederick Loewe

Alan Jay Lerner

Alan Jay Lerner

Cheryl Crawford

Robert Lewis

Agnes de Mille

Productions

Original Broadway Production

Ziegfeld Theatre - Opened 13 Mar 1947, closed 1 Jan 1970

Cast: David Brooks, Marion Bell, Pamela Britton, Lee Sullivan, George Keane, James Mitchell, William Hansen, Elliot Sullivan, Helen Gallagher, Hayes Gordon & Lidija Franklin

Original London Production

Her Majesty's Theatre - Opened 14 Apr 1949, closed 1 Jan 1970

Broadway Revival

Majestic Theatre - Opened 16 Oct 1980, closed 1 Jan 1970

London Revival

Adelphi Theatre - Opened 25 Oct 1988, closed 1 Jan 1970



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

Synopsis

A New York couple Tommy and Jeff travel to the Scottish Highlands to hunt for game, but they get lost on their first attempt at hunting. They hear mystical music (“Brigadoon”) and a village appears that isn’t on their map. They decide to enter the village to find out directions back to where they are staying. Once they arrive they notice that a village fayre is underway (“McConnachy Square”) and see that everyone is dressed in their own form of tartan. Andrew MacLaren’s youngest daughter Jean is set to be wed to Charlie Dalrymple and their whole family come to visit the village in order to buy products for the wedding. Youngster Harry Beaton is in love with Jean and is upset that she is already engaged, whilst Jean’s oldest sister Fiona says that she is “Waitin’ For My Dearie” before she ever gets married.

Tommy and Jeff observe the village and enquire about where they are. Fiona notices them and invites them to her family home to rest and get some dinner. Sassy Meg Brockie the dairy maid is instantly attracted to Jeff and leads him away. She takes him to the forest but he rejects her advances and she is upset as she sings (“The Love of My Life”). As Charlie celebrates his last night as a single man (“Go Home to Bonnie Jean”) Tommy reveals that he is also engaged but in no rush to get married. Fiona tells him that she likes him a lot.

As the wedding preparations continue Jean’s friends help her pack to move out of the family home, (“Jeannie’s Packin’ Up”). Charlie tries to see the bride before her wedding day but the girls send him away (“Come to Me, Bend to Me”). Jeff returns and finds that Tommy is in love (“Almost Like Being in Love”). They look at the family Bible and realise everything is dated from 200 years ago. As they enquire, they are told to speak to Mr Lundie.

Mr Lundie explains to the New Yorkers that Brigadoon only appears to the normal world once every 100 years after a pastor prayed to God to protect the town. No one is allowed to leave, and life goes on as normal. Tommy asks if others are allowed to join the mythical town and is told that a stranger can only stay if he loves someone enough. They are told that if anyone leaves Brigadoon then it will disappear forever.

As the wedding begins the clans arrive from the neighbouring towns to celebrate with national dances. Harry is upset that Jean is married and tries to kiss her, forcing him to run away saying that he will leave Brigadoon and make it disappear forever.

The second act opens as the men of the town are searching for Harry before he leaves Brigadoon (“The Chase”). They find him dead, crushed by a rock but decide not to tell the town until the next day. Tommy and Fiona embrace, admitting their feelings to each other (“There But For You Go I”). The end of the day is near and Tommy decides to stay in Brigadoon forever.
Meg continues to celebrate with the town as she tells of “My Mother’s Wedding Day” and the company dance, before a funeral takes place for Harry.

Tommy tells Jeff of his plans to stay in Brigadoon but Jeff is furious, and convinces him the whole thing is a dream. Jeff confesses that he accidentally killed Harry after tripping him as he ran away. Tommy is shocked and tells Fiona that he has doubts about staying (“From The Day On”) and as the day ends, she fades away into the darkness.

Back in New York Tommy cannot seem to get Fiona out of his mind, despite his fiancée Jane being a beautiful socialite. As they plan their wedding he hears the music of Brigadoon, and he eventually tells her that they cannot get married. Tommy tells Jeff that he wants to return to Scotland even though he knows the village won’t appear.

As they arrive to the spot where they first came across the town, Tommy is upset when nothing appears. Suddenly they hear the music and Mr Lundie appears out of nowhere. He tells Tommy that anything can happen if you love someone enough, and Tommy crosses the bridge with him into the highland mist to reconcile with Fiona, leaving Jeff alone.

Songs
  • Overture
  • Prologue
  • Once In The Highlands
  • Brigadoon
  • Down On MacConnachy Square
  • Waitin’ For My Dearie
  • The Love of My Life
  • Sword Dance and Reel
  • The Funeral
  • I’ll Go Home With Bonnie Jean
  • The Heather On The Hill
  • Come To Me Bend To Me
  • Almost Like Being In Love
  • There But For You I go
  • The Chase
  • My Mother’s Weddin’ Day
  • From This Day On, Brigadoon
  • Jeannie’s Packin Up
Licensing

UK: Music Scope UK

USA: Tams-Witmark