Category Archives: F

Musicals staring with letter F

Finding Neverland

Finding Neverland is the Broadway musical written by Gary Barlow and Eliot Kennedy. Featuring a parade of stars as the Scottish writer J. M. Barrie, including Matthew Morrison and Alfie Boe, Finding Neverland is based on the 2004 film starring Johnny Depp and Kate Winslet. Following the story of J. M. Barrie and his unlikely friendship with Sylvia Llewelyn Davies and her sons, the musical documents the inspiration behind his ever-successful play Peter Pan. When Barrie befriends the boys, he begins to write about their adventures. Being particularly inspired by the youngest Llewelyn Davies boy, Peter, his legendary play slowly begins to take form.

Finding-Neverland_Playbill

Gary Barlow and Eliot Kennedy

Gary Barlow and Eliot Kennedy

James Graham

Marc Forster's 2004 film starring Johnny Depp

David Magee

Harvey Weinstein

Diane Paulus

Mia Michaels

Productions
Finding-Neverland_Broadway

Original Broadway Production

Lunt-Fontanne Theatre - Opened 15 Apr 2015, closed 21 Aug 2016

Cast: Matthew Morrison (J. M. Barrie), Laura Michelle Kelly (Sylvia Llewelyn Davies), Kelsey Grammar (Charles Frohman/James Hook), Teal Wicks (Mary Barrie), Alex Dreier, Hayden Signoretti and Noah Hinsdale (Michael Llewelyn Davies), Hayden Signoretti, Christopher Paul Richards and Alex Dreier (Jack Llewelyn Davies), Sawyer Nunes, Christopher Paul Richards and Jackson Demott Hill (George Llewelyn Davies), Aidan Gemme, Christopher Paul Richards and Jackson Demott Hill (Peter Llewelyn Davies), Carolee Carmello (Mrs du Maurier), Melanie Moore (Peter Pan), Tyley Ross (Lord Cannan) Replacements: Alfie Boe, Tony Yazbeck (J. M. Barrie), Anthony Warlow, Terrence Mann, Marc Kudisch, Paul Slade Smith (Charles Froham/James Hook), Dana Costello (Mary Barrie), Sandy Duncan, Sally Ann Triplett (Mrs du Maurier)



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Synopsis

Twitter Synopsis:

With songs composed by Gary Barlow, Finding Neverland brings the magic of the boy who would never grow up to the stage.

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


Based on the 2004 film of the same name, Finding Neverland follows famous Scottish writer J. M. Barrie, his friendship with Sylvia Llewelyn Davies and close relationship with her four sons. After a less than successful opening of his latest play Little Mary, Barrie meets widowed Sylvia and her sons in Kensington Gardens and they all soon develop a strong bond.

M. Barrie proves to be a great friend and father figure to the boys, and his antics with the children quickly begin to inspire him to write a play about boys who never wish to grow up, with youngest son Peter provides particular inspiration. Soon, people begin to question his relationship with Sylvia, although it remains fiercely platonic. His wife Mary divorces him and Sylvia’s mother starts to object at the amount of time Barrie spends with the family.

Sylvia becomes increasingly weak after an illness, but Barrie continues to play with the boys, taking the adventures they experience and turning them into Peter Pan. Presenting his idea to Producer Charles Frohman, Frohman reluctantly agrees to put on the play, despite believing that it will not appeal to his upper-class theatregoers. Barrie takes it on himself to disperse children from a local orphanage throughout the audience, which causes the surrounding adults to delight in the play. Proving a huge success, Peter Llewelyn Davies arrives to watch the show and realises that it is about him and his brothers; George, Michael and Jack.

Too ill to attend the theatre, Barrie puts on a production for Sylvia in her home, gathering the actors, props and musicians in her house. At the end, Peter Pan points to the doors to signify that she should go to Neverland. She takes the hand of her boys and walks into Neverland, implying her death. At Sylvia’s funeral, Barrie discovers that her will reads that he should take care of the Llewelyn Davies boys, which he is overjoyed at. Barrie and Peter form a bond unlike any other.

Songs

Act I

  • “Prologue” – Orchestra
  • “If the World Turned Upside Down” – J. M. Barrie
  • “All of London is Here Tonight” – Frohman, J. M. Barrie, Mary and Ensemble
  • “The Pirates of Kensington” – George, Jack, Peter and Michael
  • “Believe” – J. M. Barrie, Sylvia, Boys and Ensemble
  • “We Own the Night” – Mary, Mrs du Maurier, Lord Cannan, Frohman, Sylvia, J. M. Barrie, Boys and Servants
  • “All That Matters” – Sylvia and Mrs du Maurier
  • “Sylvia’s Lullaby” – Sylvia
  • “Neverland” – J. M. Barrie and Sylvia
  • “Circus of Your Mind” – Frohman, Mary, Mrs du Maurier and Ensemble
  • “Live by the Hook” – James Hook and Ensemble
  • “Stronger” – J. M. Barrie, James Hook and Ensemble

Act II

  • “The World is Upside Down” – J. M. Barrie, Frohman and the Acting Troupe
  • “What You Mean to Me” – J. M. Barrie and Sylvia
  • “Play” – Frohman, Sylvia and the Acting Troupe
  • “We’re All Made of Stars” – George, Jack, Peter and Michael
  • “When Your Feet Don’t Touch the Ground” – J. M. Barrie and Peter
  • “Something About This Night” – Frohman, the Acting Troupe, J. M. Barrie and Peter
  • “Neverland (Reprise)” – J. M. Barrie, Sylvia, Mrs du Maurier, Boys and the Acting Troupe
  • “Finale (When Your Feet Don’t Touch the Ground)” – Mrs du Maurier, J. M. Barrie and Ensemble
Awards

2015 Broadway.com Audience Choice Awards: Favourite New Musical, Favourite New Song “Believe”

Licensing

UK: Musical Theatre International

USA: Musical Theatre International

Fanny

Fanny features music and lyrics by Harold Rome along with book by S. N. Behrman and Joshua Logan. The plot follows a tale of passion, secrets and intrigue set around the port of Marseille in France. The show was one of Rome’s most successful musicals of the period, and has been revived a number of times by different regional companies and fringe groups. The show starred Ezio Pinza who had previously captivated audiences in South Pacific, and the original production ran for a solid 2 years.

fanny

Harold Rome

Harold Rome

Adapted for the stage by Joshua Logan and S.N. Behrman

Marcel Pagnol’s French film trilogy, “Marius, Panisse and Fanny”

David Merrick & Joshua Logan

Joshua Logan

Helen Tamiris

Productions
Fanny Original Broadway

Original Broadway Production

Majestic Theatre, Belasco Theatre - Opened 4 Nov 1954, closed 16 Dec 1956, 888 performances

Cast: Ezio Pinza, Walter Slezak, Florence Henderson, William Tabbert, Nejla Ates, Gerald Price & Alan Carney

Fanny Original London

Original London Production

Theatre Royal Drury Lane - Opened 1 Jan 1956, closed 1 Jan 1970

Fanny London Revival

London Revival

Sadler's Wells - Opened 1 Jan 2005, closed 1 Jan 1970

Fanny Encores Revival

New York Concert Revival

Encore! City Center - Opened 4 Feb 2010, closed 7 Feb 2010



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Synopsis

In Marseille, teenaged lovers Fanny and Marius are encouraged to marry by Marius’ tavern-keeper father Cesar, who hopes his son will follow in his footsteps. Marius loves Fanny, but wants the chance to leave the town for an adventure and longs for a life at sea. Cesar is furious and disowns Marius. Fanny, however, understands and allows him to go, though their passionate farewell almost makes him change his mind. After he leaves, she discovers she is pregnant with his child.

An older, wealthy man in the town, Panisse, has previously tried to marry Fanny, but she formerly spurned his advances. Desperate to avoid a scandal, she now approaches him, and he agrees to marry her. He is moreover thrilled at the prospect of a son and decides to raise him as his own, hoping he will one day take over his sail-making business. The child is indeed a boy and named Cesario.

Panisse and Cesar are good friends and look after Cesario after he is born. On the boy’s first birthday, Marius returns suddenly and attempts to claim Fanny and Cesario. Fanny is unable to refuse him outright, but Cesar manages to run him out of town.

Twelve years later, Cesario is now an adolescent and longs to be a sailor like his father before him. He runs away to find Marius at sea, and Parnisse, heartbroken at losing Cesario, retreats to his deathbed. Marius brings Cesario back home, and Parnisse’s dying wish is for Marius and Fanny to be together at last.

Songs

Act I

  • Overture
  • Octopus Song
  • Restless Heart
  • Never Too Late For Love
  • Cold Cream Jar Song
  • Why Be Afraid To Dance?
  • Shika, Shika
  • Welcome Home
  • I Like You
  • I Have To Tell You
  • Fanny
  • Panisse And Son
  • Wedding Dance
Act II
  • Finale Act 1
  • Birthday Song
  • To My Wife
  • Thought Of You, The
  • Love Is A Very Light Thing
  • Other Hands, Other Hearts
  • Montage
  • Be Kind To Your Parents
Licensing

UK: Music Scope UK

USA: Tams-Witmark

 

Finian’s Rainbow

Finian’s Rainbow is a mythical musical set in the southern states of America, where an Irish man and his daughter travel to bury a pot of gold at the site of Fort Knox. Followed by a leprechaun, mistakes and confusions collide creating a fun musical comedy. Featuring  music by Burton Lane and lyrics by EY Harburg the score has delivered a number of standards such as ‘Look to the Rainbow’ and ‘Old Devil Moon’ which have been covered by various artists around the world. The Broadway production ran for over a year and attempts to revive the show have been made in recent years with varying levels of success.

Finian's Rainbow Original Playbill

Burton Lane

E.Y. Harburg

E.Y. Harburg and Fred Saidy

Lee Sabinson & William Katzell

Bretaigne Windust

Michael Kidd

Productions
Finian's Rainbow Original Broadway

Original Broadway Production

46th Street Theatre - Opened 10 Jan 1947, closed 1 Jan 1970, 725 performances

Cast: Ella Logan, Albert Sharpe, Donald Richards, David Wayne, Anita Alvarez, Robert Pitkin

Finian's Rainbow Original London

Original London Production

Palace Theatre - Opened 21 Oct 1947, closed 1 Jan 1970, 44 performances

Finian's Rainbow Encores Revival

Concert Revival

Encore! Concert - Opened 26 Mar 2009, closed 29 Mar 2009

Finian's Rainbow Broadway Revival

Broadway Revival

St. James Theatre - Opened 29 Oct 2009, closed 17 Jan 2010



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Synopsis

Finian McLonergan and his daughter Sharon travel from the small town of Glocca Morra, Ireland to Rainbow Valley in the fictional state of Missitucky USA. They are followed by a small leprechaun named Og who is after Finian because he has stolen his pot of gold to plant in the soil next to Fort Knox in the hope that it will make him rich. Og needs to find the gold, or all of the leprechauns in Glocca Morra will lose their magical powers.

As they arrive they encounter Buzz, the stooge of the racist Senator Billboard Rawkins trying to take money from the land owners for not paying their taxes. Local land owner Woody and his mute sister Susan arrive in time with money to pay the taxes but find they are $70 short. Susan can’t talk so instead communicates with her feet by dancing. Finian lends them some money to brighten their day.

Woody and Sharon begin to fall in love just as Finian manages to bury the pot of gold. Meanwhile, the racist sheriff is preparing to get rid of the townsfolk of Rainbow Valley for going against the law of the south and letting blacks mix with whites. Sharon is outraged at his behaviour and wishes that he could feel what it is like to be on the other side of his racist remarks. As she makes her wish over the buried pot of gold, it comes true and the Senator turns black and runs off to hide in the woods.

Everyone begins to hear about the gold hidden in Rainbow Valley but only Finian knows where it is hidden. They all rush to go and find it as Susan dances and is drawn to the pot, digging it up and burying it in a different location. Og watches her and casts a spell to cure the Senator of his bad behaviour. Og falls in love with Susan and sings to her.

Sharon is accused of being a witch thanks to her efforts at turning the Senator black. The town prepares to burn her at the stake. At the last minute the Senator returns proving that all is well again. Sharon marries Woody, and Susan is able to speak, marrying Og. Finian meanwhile continues to spread his happiness and rainbows around to whoever needs it.

Songs
  • Overture
  • This Time of Year
  • How Are Things in Glocca Morra?
  • Look to the Rainbow
  • Look to the Rainbow Dance
  • Old Devil Moon
  • Something Sort of Grandish
  • If This Isn’t Love
  • Something Sort of Grandish reprise
  • Necessity
  • That Great Come-and-Get-It-Day
  • When the Idle Poor Become the Idle Rich
  • The Begat
  • When I’m Not Near the Girl I Love
  • Finale
Awards

1947 Tony Awards: Orchestra Conductor, Musical Performance and Choreography

Licensing

UK: Josef Weinberger

USA: Tams-Witmark

 

The Fantasticks

The Fantasticks is the longest-running musical in the world. It is also the longest running show in the history of the American Theatre, starting life as a one act staging at Barnard College in the summer of 1959. When it opened in New York, the press was so tepid that producer Lore Noto almost closed it after a week. The Show is currently still running at the same theatre it opened in and continues to clock up numerous performances.

The Fantasticks

Harvey Schmidt

Tom Jones

Tom Jones

Les Romanesques by Edmond Rostand

Lore Noto

Word Baker

Productions

Original Off Broadway Production: May 3 1960; Sullivan Street Playhouse, (17,162 performances)

Original 1960 cast included: Jerry Orbach, Rita Gardner, Kenneth Nelson, William Larson, Hugh Thomas, Tom Jones, George Curley & Richard Stauffer.

Original London Production: September 7, 1961; Apollo Theatre, (44 performances)

London Revival: July – September 1990; Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre

Broadway Revival: August 23 2003; Snapple Theatre (now Jerry Orbach Theatre), still running

London Revival: June 9, 2010 – June 26, 2010; The Duchess Theatre



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Synopsis

In a small town, two houses are separated by a wall (played by a mute actor). The mysterious narrator El Gallo explains that Matt and Luisa live next door to one another and have fallen in love, but their fathers are embattled in a family feud and have ordered them apart. He asks the audience to “Try to Remember” a simpler time in their life when they were first in love.

Luisa wants “Much More” in her life than the humdrum town can offer. Matt confesses his love for Luisa by singing over the wall (“Metaphor”). They both have active imaginations, and Luisa explains her fantasy that Matt will rescue her from abduction. The two fathers then send their respective children inside, and reveal that they have made up their feud to bring their children together, as telling a child “no” makes them want something even more (“Never Say No”). Eager to find a way to end the “feud,” Matt’s father, Mr. Hucklebee, tells Luisa’s father, Mr. Bellomy, that he has hired a professional to kidnap Luisa so that Matt can save her.

El Gallo arrives as the man hired to abduct Luisa. He explains he can enact a variety of different scenarios for them (“It Depends on What You Pay”). The fathers decide they want the best and most expensive option. Two travelling actors arrive and El Gallo enslists them to help him with the kidnapping.

That evening, Matt and Luisa sing of their love together (“Soon It’s Gonna Rain”). El Gallo and the actors put their plan into action and abduct Luisa (“Rape Ballet”). As planned, Matt manages to rescue her and the fathers can finally end their feud together, but El Gallo wonders how long this “Happy Ending” will last.

El Gallo explains that what seemed lovely by moonlight is not always the same in the glaring light of day. The fathers begin to squabble over their gardens (“This Plum is Too Ripe”), before Hucklebee reveals to the children that the entire abduction was staged. Matt and Luisa are upset and soon the situation evolves into a genuine feud between the fathers. Matt tries to win over Luisa with a real display of strength by challenging El Gallo to a duel. When he loses, Luisa is unimpressed by his boasting and they break up.

Matt decides to leave town in search of something more exciting (“I Can See It”). The fathers are both upset at the situation, and remark that gardening is easier than parenting (“Plant a Radish”). Luisa comes across El Gallo and asks him to take her on an adventure, but we soon see that both Luisa and Matt have realised that the outside world can be a harsh place (“Round and Round”).

El Gallo reveals that he had to hurt both Luisa and Matt so they could learn to value each other. Matt returns home and finds Luisa, and they both discover that the adventure they both wanted is really with each other (“They Were You”). At the sight of their children’s reunion, the fathers end their feud once more as Matt and Luisa embark on their new life together.

Songs

Act I 

  • Overture
  • Try To Remember
  • Louisa’s Intro
  • Bird Magic
  • Much More
  • Matt’s Intro
  • This Girl
  • Metaphor
  • Celebration
  • Huck’s Intro
  • The Wall
  • I’ll Marry
  • Bell’s Intro
  • Ladder
  • Never Say No
  • It Depends On What You Pay
  • It Depends On What You Pay Reprise
  • Moonlight #1
  • Moonlight #2
  • In the Glen
  • Soon It’s Gonna Rain
  • Rape Ballet
  • After the Ballet
  • Happy Ending
Act II
  • Opening Act II (Part I)
  • Opening Act II (Part II)
  • Opening Act III (Part III)
  • This Plum Is Too Ripe
  • The Quarrel
  • I Can See It
  • An Episode
  • Rebuilding Wall #1
  • Rebuilding Wall #2
  • Plant A Radish
  • Much More Reprise
  • Round and Round
  • Distant Carousel
  • Beyond that road
  • Paradox
  • Finale:  They Were You, Metaphor Reprise, Try To Remember Reprise
  • Bows & Exit Music
Licensing

UK: Josef Weinberger

USA: Musical Theatre International

 

Fiorello!

Fiorello! is one of only 8 musicals to win the Pulitzer Prize for Drama due to its significant historical content. The show concerns New York City mayor Fiorello LaGuardia, a Republican who governed around the time of the Great Depression. The book by Jerome Weidman was based on the 1955 work ‘Life With Fiorello’ by Ernest Cuneo. The show features music by the creative team of ‘Fiddler on the Roof’, Sheldon Harnick and Jerry Bock. The original Broadway production was directed by George Abbott and premièred in 1959. The musical is yet to play in London’s West End.

Fiorello

Jerry Bock

Sheldon Harnick

Jerome Weidman and George Abbott

Robert Griffith & Harold Prince

George Abbott

Peter Gennaro

Productions
Fiorello Original Broadway

Original Broadway Production

Broadhurst Theatre, Broadway Theatre - Opened 23 Nov 1959, closed 18 Oct 1961

Cast: Tom Bosley (Fiorello), Bob Holiday (Neil), Nathaniel Frey (Morris), Patricia Wilson (Marie), Pat Stanley (Dora), Howard Da Silva (Ben Marino), Mark Dawson (Floyd), Ellen Hanley (Thea), Eileen Rodgers (Miss Mitzi Travers)

Fiorello 1st Encores

Broadway Revival

City Centres Theatre - Opened 13 Jun 1962, closed 1 Jan 1970

Fiorello 2nd Encores

Encores! Revival

Encores! New York City Centres - Opened 1 Feb 1994, closed 1 Jan 1970



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Synopsis

The Mayor of New York City Fiorello LaGuardia opens the show reading comic books over the radio as a newspaper strike takes over the city. The clock turns back to 1915, one year into the First World War. We see LaGuardia in his law office where clients are awaiting the chance to speak with him face to face. His clerks tell the crowd that they will all have chance to speak with him, regardless of whether or not they can afford to pay for his services, (“On The Side of The Angels”). Meanwhile his secretary Marie and her best friend Dora are hearing about drama that has unfolded due to the strikes, as Thea Almerigatti, the head of the women shirtwaist strikers has been arrested. Fiorello calms down the situation and promises to help. One of the district leaders Ben plays a game of poker with his politically minded friends (“Politics and Poker”) as Marie announces that LaGuardia is a potential Congressional candidate and is standing up to the corrupt politics of Tammany Hall. Fiorello invites Marie to dinner after the pair spend time together, but as Thea arrives having being released from prison he breaks off the plan to help her with her strategy. Marie feels rejected and asks herself why she cares so much for a man who does not care for her, (“Marie’s Law”).

The next year we see Fiorello in his campaign to reach Congress as he promises to break the politically tyranny of Tammany Hall (“The Name’s LaGuardia!”). He wins the election (“The Bum Won”) and grows closer to Thea. A Year later he proposes to Thea before enlisting in the Air Force as America joins the War in Europe. He bids an emotional farewell to Marie, (“Till Tomorrow”). We see his involvement in the war through a series of projections, and as the war ends he returns “Home Again” where Marie and Thea are both glad to see him. Thea has agreed to marry him and Marie is left alone, comforted only by Morris, the office manager.

Act Two opens in 1929 as LaGuardia runs for Mayor of New York. Thea is now happily married and asks “When Did I Fall in Love?” In Dora’s home a group of competitors meet and plan to overthrow Fiorello, killing him at one of his public appearances. Dora overhears and rushes to tell Marie. Fiorello’s campaign for Mayor is going badly, as Ben is fired and Thea’s health begins to deteriorate. She dies and Marie has to tell Fiorello the news. The race for Mayor is won by rival Jimmy Walker, but Fiorello is inspired by the death of Thea and continues his campaign.

In 1933 Ben is once again playing poker with his friends (“Little Tin Box”). Marie is desperate to get married, and quits her job saying she will marry “The Very Next Man” who asks. She begs Ben to help Fiorello with his upcoming election, and with his help Fiorello manages to win the Mayoral race.

Songs
  • Overture
  • On The Side Of The Angels
  • Politics And Poker
  • Unfair
  • Marie’s Law
  • The Name’s La Guardia
  • The Bum Won
  • I Love A Cop
  • Til Tomorrow
  • Home Again
  • When Did I Fall In Love?
  • Gentleman Jimmy
  • Little Tin Box
  • The Very Next Man
  • Finale
Awards

1960 Tony Awards: Best Musical, Best Performance by a Featured Actor, Best Director

Pulitzer Prize for Drama

Licensing

UK: Josef Weinberger

USA: Musical Theatre International

 

Funny Girl

Funny Girl is a successful stage and film musical that features a score by Jule Styne and Bob Merrill, along with a book by Isolbel Lennart. The musical is semi-autobiographical and is based on the life and career of Fanny Brice, the Broadway star and personality. Her stormy relationship with Nicky Arnstein  is played out through a flashback, which incorporates her rise to fame. The musical is perhaps best known because of the film adaptation starring Barbara Streisand who reprised her role from the stage.

Funny Girl Original Playbill

Jule Styne

Bob Merrill

Isobel Lennart

the life and career of Fanny Brice

Ray Stark in association with Seven Arts Productions

Garson Kanin

Carol Haney

Productions

Original Broadway Production

March 26, 1964 – July 1 1967; Winter Garden Theatre, Majestic Theatre, Broadway Theatre, (1348 performances)

Cast: Barbra Streisand, Sydney Chaplin, Kay Medford, Jean Stapleton, Danny Meehan

Movie Cast Included

Barbra Streisand, Kay Medford, Walter Pidgeon, Anne Francis & Omar Sharif

Original London Production

1966; Prince of Wales Theatre.



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Synopsis

Real-life legend Fanny Brice is the star of the glamorous Ziegfield Follies on Broadway and the toast of New York in the Roaring Twenties. As she awaits her husband’s release from prison, she reflects on her incredible true story in a series of flashbacks.

In 1910, young Fanny is the daughter of Hungarian Jewish immigrants who emigrated to New York City at the turn of the century. She dreams of becoming a Broadway star, but her widowed mother and her friends, led by Mrs. Strokash, insist that “If a Girl Isn’t Pretty” she has no chance of making it in show business. Fanny vows to prove them wrong, singing “I’m the Greatest Star.”

Fanny befriends a Vaudevillian dancer, Eddie, who recognises her talent, but alongside her mother worries that she’ll forget him when she is famous (“Who Taught Her Everything?”). Nonetheless, Eddie secures her a gig singing in his musical revue, and when Fanny turns her ballad “His Love Makes Me Beautiful” into a comic tour de force, it’s clear her star is on the ascent.

When Fanny meets the good-looking gambler Nick Armstein, she promptly falls in love (“People”). The feelings are mutual, and Nick declares his love in “You Are Woman, I Am Man.” Though others worry about his shady past, Fanny decides she will marry him no matter what (“Don’t Rain On My Parade”).

Fanny enjoys life as a married woman in “Sadie, Sadie,” and lands a starring role in the Follies, run by the illustrious Florenz Ziegfield. Meanwhile Mrs. Strokash and Eddie try to convince Fanny’s mother that it’s now time for her to “Find a Man.” Nick hatches a plan to launch a casino and asks Ziegfield to invest, but when he turns Nick down, Fanny decides to front the rest of the money. They lose their fortune when the deal collapses, and Nick chooses to take part in an illegal bond sale, which leads to his arrest for embezzlement. Fanny is heartbroken and feels like she cannot go on without him, singing “The Music That Makes Me Dance.”

Flashing forward to the present, Nick arrives at the theatre after being released from prison, and he decides it would be best for Fanny if they separated. Though devastated, Fanny decides the show must still go on (“Don’t Rain On My Parade, Reprise”).

Songs
  • If A Girl Isn’t Pretty
  • I’m The Greatest Star
  • Cornet Man
  • Who Taught Her Everything
  • His Love Makes Me Beautiful
  • I Want To Be Seen With You Tonight
  • Henry Street
  • People
  • You Are Woman
  • Don’t Rain On My Parade
  • Sadie, Sadie
  • Find Yourself A Man
  • Rat-Tat-Tat-Tat
  • Who Are You Now?
  • The Music That Makes Me Dance
  • Roller Skate Rag
  • The Swan
  • Funny Girl
  • I’d Rather Be Blue Over You
  • My Man
Awards

Tony Awards: Best Musical, Best Composer and Lyricist, Best Actor in a Musical (Sydney Chaplin), Best Actress in a Musical (Barbra Streisand), Best Featured Actor in a Musical (Danny Meehan), Best Featured Actress in a Musical (Kay Medford), Best Choreography (Carol Haney), Best Producer of a Musical (Ray Stark), Grammy Award: Score from Original Cast Album

Oscar: Best Actress Barbara Streisand 1968

Licensing

UK: Music Scope UK

USA: Tams-Witmark

Follies

Stephen Sondheim’s musical Follies is one of his most popular shows. Written in conjunction with James Goldman, the original production directed by Harold Prince achieved legendary status due to its size and scale. The show features an unforgettable score that has been re-written for various productions, and many of the songs have become solid show standards.

Follies

Stephen Sondheim

Stephen Sondheim

James Goldman

Harold Prince

Harold Prince & Michael Bennett

Michael Bennett

Productions
Follies Original Broadway

Follies Original Broadway Production

Winter Garden Theatre - Opened 4 Apr 1971, closed 1 Jul 1972, 522 performances

Cast: Alexis Smith (Phyllis), John McMartin (Ben), Dorothy Collins (Sally), Gene Nelson (Buddy)

Follies Original London

Follies - Original London Production

Shaftesbury Theatre - Opened 21 Jul 1987, closed 4 Feb 1989, 644 performances

Cast: Diana Rigg (Phyllis), Daniel Massey (Ben), Julia McKenzie (Sally), David Healy (Buddy), Lynda Baron, Leonard Sachs, Maria Charles, Pearl Carr & Teddy Johnson

Follies First Broadway Revival

Follies - First Broadway Revival

Belasco - Opened 5 Apr 2001, closed 14 Jul 2001

Follies 2011 Broadway Revival

Follies - Broadway Revival

Kennedy Centre of Performing Arts, Ahmanson Theatre, LA, Marquis Theatre, - Opened 7 May 2011, closed 9 Jun 2012

Cast: Bernadette Peters (Sally), Jan Maxwell (Phyllis), Elaine Paige (Carlotta), Linda Lavin (Hattie), Ron Raines (Ben), Danny Burstein (Buddy).



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Synopsis

A reunion is held on the dusty stage of the Weismann Theatre that is about to be demolished. It was once the home of the Weismann’s Follies, home to the most beautiful Follies girls in New York. Sally Durant Plummer is the first to arrive at the reunion, now aged 49. Phyllis Stone joins her along with her successful husband Ben. Their relationship is clearly tense, and as more chorus girls arrive the party gets under way. Sally’s husband Buddy is a lively salesman who is also disappointed with his marriage.

Mr Weismann enters and welcomes everyone to the stage. The old Master of Ceremonies Roscoe introduces each of the “Beautiful Girls” one by one which includes: Stella Deems now a store owner, Solange la Fitte a vibrant coquette, Hattie Walker, dancers Vincent and Vanessa, Heidi Schiller and Carlotta Campion, a film star. The guests begin to share stories about their time together, especially the couples Ben and Phyllis and Sally and Buddy. Sally and Ben are former lovers and are nervous about seeing each other. Ben and Buddy reminisce about waiting around for the girls upstairs and they are joined by the ghosts of their younger selves. The older crowd perform a medley of songs that climaxes with Hattie’s performance of ‘Broadway Baby’.

Ben wonders if he made all the right choices choosing Phyllis and contemplates over ‘The Road You Didn’t Take’. Sally tries to convince him that she is happy with Buddy, but it seems clear that she still loves Ben, despite being hurt when he chose to marry Phyllis. Phyllis interrupts their moment and verbally attacks Sally, just as the girls line up to perform an old number ‘Who’s That Woman?’ and their younger selves mirror them in a full out tap routine. Carlotta later jokes about how her number was cut once upon a time, but these days it works and she belts out ‘I’m Still Here’.

Ben tells Sally that he loves her and they kiss as Buddy enters. We see a flashback of their younger selves in a similar situation. Ben tells Phyllis that he wants a divorce and she is angry, and begins to consider his request to leave her. The couples begin to argue furiously together and they reach a state of confusion as they become taken over by their follies, and everything turns into a large ‘Loveland’ and their life becomes a production number. The character’s real emotions are displayed through a string of follies style numbers played out onstage. As Loveland dissolves back into reality and we are brought back to the crumbling theatre, the night is over. Sally is escorted home by Buddy, and Phyllis helps Ben find his dignity, as both couples promise to work it out. As they leave we see their younger selves, once so happy.

Songs
  • Prologue
  • Beautiful Girls
  • Don’t Look at Me
  • Waiting for the Girls Upstairs
  • Rain on the Roof
  • Ah, Paree!
  • Broadway Baby
  • The Road You Didn’t Take
  • In Buddy’s Eyes
  • Bolero d’Amour
  • Who’s That Woman?
  • I’m Still Here
  • Too Many Mornings
  • The Right Girl
  • One More Kiss
  • Could I Leave You?
  • Loveland
  • You’re Gonna Love Tomorrow
  • Love Will See Us Through
  • The God-Why-Don’t-You-Love-Me Blues (Buddy’s Blues)
  • Losing My Mind
  • The Story of Lucy and Jessie
  • Live, Laugh, Love

Cut Songs

  • All Things Bright and Beautiful
  • Can That Boy Foxtrot!
  • Uptown Downtown

Add Songs For London Revival

  • Ah, But Underneath
  • Country House
  • Make the Most of Your Music
  • Social Dancing
Awards

Tony Awards Won

  • Best Music and Lyrics Stephen Sondheim
  • Best Director Harold Prince and Michael Bennett
  • Best Actress in a Musical Alexis Smith
  • Best Choreographer Michael Bennett
  • Best Scenic Design Boris Aronson
  • Best Costumes Florence Klotz
  • Best Lighting Tharon Musser

Also the winner of the Drama Critics’ Circle Award, and the Drama Desk Award for Best Composer.

Licensing

UK: Josef Weinberger

USA: Musical Theatre International


Fiddler On the Roof

Fiddler on the Roof features music by Jerry Bock and lyrics by Sheldon Harnick. The show is set in Tsarist Russia in 1905 and is based on the story of Tevye the Milkman by Sholem Aleichem. The story follows father of 5 Tevye as he tries to uphold tradition in an ever changing political and social landscape. During a period of change for Russian Jews, the family learn to cope with the decline of Tsarist Russia and the tough laws enforced on the family and the village of Anatevka. The musical is extremely popular all over the world, and was the first Broadway show to play for over 3000 performances. The original production ran for almost 10 years. Numerous revivals and a film adaptation keep introducing the show to new audiences.

Fiddler on the Roof Original Playbill

Jerry Bock

Sheldon Harnick

Joseph Stein

stories by Sholom Aleichem

Jerome Robbins

Jerome Robbins

Productions
Fiddler on the Roof Imperial 1964

Original Broadway Production

Imperial Theatre, Majestic Theatre, and The Broadway Theatre - Opened 22 Sep 1964, closed 1 Jan 1970, 3242 performances

Cast: Zero Mostel (Tevye) Maria Karnilova (Golde), Beatrice Arthur and later Florence Stanley (Yente) Austin Pendleton (Motel), Bert Convy (Perchik).

Fiddler on the Roof Her Majesty's 1967

Original London Production

Her Majesty's Theatre - Opened 16 Feb 1967, closed 1 Jan 1970, 2030 performances

Cast: Chaim Topol (Tevye), Miriam Karlin (Golde). Alfie Bass, Lex Goudsmit and Barry Martin eventually took over as Tevye.

Fiddler on the Roof Winter Garden 1976

First Broadway Revival

Winter Garden Theatre - Opened 28 Dec 1976, closed 1 Jan 1970, 176 performances

Fiddler on the Roof Gershwin 1990

Second Broadway Revival

George Gershwin Theatre - Opened 18 Nov 1990, closed 1 Jan 1970, 241 performances

Fiddler on the Roof Minskoff 2004

Third Broadway Revival

Minskoff Theatre - Opened 26 Feb 2004, closed 1 Jan 1970, 781 performances

Cast: Alfred Molina, Harvey Fierstein (Tevye), Randy Graff, Andrea Martin and Rosie O’Donnell (Golde) Lea Michele (Sprintze)

Fiddler on the Roof Savoy 2007

London Revival

Savoy Theatre - Opened 19 May 2007, closed 1 Jan 1970

Cast: Henry Goodman, Damian Humbley, Adrian Mastrimone, Beverly Klein, Frances Thoburn, Alexandra Silber, Julie Legrand, Natasha Broomfield



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

Synopsis

During a long Prologue we are introduced to Tevye the milkman who explains about the town they live in, Anatevka, and the role of God in keeping balance in the villagers’ lives. He explains the tradition of the community and the inner circles that operate throughout the changing face of Russia at the turn of the 20th Century.

We are introduced to Tevye’s daughters who all hope for the Matchmaker Yente to help them find the man of their dreams. Yente arrives and tells their mother Golde that she has found Lazar Wolfe, the village butcher, as a link for Tzeitel. Tevye works hard for his family and prays for some more money. Perchik and other villagers enter and tell him about a pogrom in the nearest village. Tevye invites the revolutionary student to join his family for the Sabbath.

During the Sabbath preparations Motel the tailor tries to ask Tevye for Tzeitel’s hand in marriage but he gets too nervous. They all sit down and welcome the Sabbath together. Tevye heads to the local tavern to agree with Lazar Wolfe over the match with his daughter. They celebrate together with the villagers in the tavern. Tevye returns home and tells Tzeitel that he has arranged her marriage to Lazar Wolfe. Golde is happy but Tzeitel tells her father that she wishes to marry Motel instead. He reluctantly agrees.

Tevye is unsure how to tell his wife about this new match, and constructs a wild dream in which he is told that Tzeitel’s marriage with Lazar will end in disaster. Golde is horrified and agrees to her marrying Motel. The villagers gossip about the changes as Chava is taunted by a group of Russians and defended by Fyedka, a Russian youth. He tries to speak to Chava but Motel distracts him, preparing for his wedding. Golde and Tevye reflect on their children growing up as the wedding party gathers and a raucous wedding dance begins. The Constable enters and destroys the wedding, leaving the family to clean up the mess.

Tevye discusses the events with God, as Perchik tells Hodel that he has to leave for Kiev. He proposes to her and she accepts, saying he will send for her as soon as he can. Tevye is confused with his love for Golde and questions if she is still in love with him.

Yente generates gossip throughout the rest of the village as she tells Tzeitel that she has seen Chava with Fyedka. They start distorting the truth and everyone discusses what is happening to the family. Tevye reluctantly takes Hodel to the railway station where she is going to join Perchik in Siberia.

A new sewing machine arrives at Motel’s shop and the village gather round to admire it. Fyedka and Chava are worried about telling Tevye that they are in love as he refuses to listen and forbids her from speaking to him about Fyedka ever again. They get married secretly and Tevye tells her that she is dead to their family.

The Constable tells everyone that everyone has to move out of the village in the next three days. They are all shocked but begin to pack up and bid farewell to Anatevka. Tzeitel and Motel stay in Warsaw before moving to America, leaving Hodel and Perchik alone in Siberia. Chava tries to say goodbye to her father but her refuses, and she leaves with Fyedka. Tevye begins to pull his cart as the villagers slowly leave, their lives now as unsteady as a ‘fiddler on the roof’.

Songs

Act I

  • Prologue – Tradition
  • Matchmaker
  • If I Were a Rich Man
  • Sabbath Prayer
  • To Life
  • Perchik and Hodel Dance
  • Tevye’s Monologue
  • Miracles of Miracles
  • The Dream
  • Sunrise Sunset
  • Wedding Dance

Act II

  • Entr’acte
  • Opening -Act II
  • Now I Have Everything
  • Tevye’s Rebuttal
  • Do You Love Me?
  • The Rumor
  • Far From The Home I Love
  • Chava Sequence
  • Anatevka
  • Curtain — Act II
Awards

Original Broadway Production: 1964 Tony Awards, Nominated for 10 awards, winning 9: Best Musical, Best Score, Best Book, Best Direction, Best Choreography, Best Leading Actor, Best Leading Actress.

1981 Tony Awards: Best Actor Nominee

1991 Tony Awards: Best Revival

Licensing

UK: Josef Weinberger

USA: Musical Theatre International

 

Fame

Fame

Stephen Margoshes

Jacques Levy

David De Silva and José Fernandez

'Fame' the Movie, conceived by David De Silva

Adam Spiegel

Karen Bruce

Karen Bruce

Productions
Fame Original Production

Original Production

Coconut Grove Playhouse - Opened 25 Mar 1989, closed 29 Apr 1989

Cast: Monique Cintron (Carmen Diaz), Joel Malina (Schlomo Metzenbaum), Harold Perrineau Jr. (Tyrone Jackson) Janet Metz (Serena Katz), Tener Brown (Iris Kelly)

Fame Shaftesbury 2007

Original London Production

Cambridge Theatre London - Opened 27 Jun 1995, closed 28 Sep 1996

Fame 1st London Transfer

1st London Transfer

Victoria Palace Theatre - Opened 11 Nov 1997, closed 17 Jan 1998

Fame 2nd London Transfer

2nd London Transfer

Prince of Wales - Opened 15 Oct 1998, closed 16 Jan 1999

Fame 3rd London Transfer

3rd London Transfer

Victoria Palace Theatre - Opened 3 Oct 2000, closed 2 Sep 2001

Fame 4th London Transfer

4th London Transfer

Aldwych Theatre - Opened 20 Sep 2001, closed 31 Oct 2002

Fame Original Off Broadway

Original Off Broadway Production

Little Schubert Theatre - Opened 11 Nov 2003, closed 27 Jun 2004

Fame 5th London Transfer

5th London Transfer

Shaftesbury Theatre - Opened 8 May 2007, closed 1 Sep 2007



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

Synopsis

As the musical opens we meet a variety of students from New York City who are all praying that their application to the prestigious High School of Performing Arts is successful. We begin to see the lives of the major characters as well as their hopes and ambitions, as the teachers enter and tell their respective classes that their own discipline is the hardest in the world. We hear about the ‘hard work’ that everyone has to put in in order to succeed.

During Mr Myers’ drama class we meet Nick Piazza who is a wannabe actor. He is serious about his future prospects and catches the eye of Serena Katz during a scene, but Nick is more interested in impressing his teacher. During dance class Joe tells the group how he finds it hard to ‘keep it down’ when he sees and attractive girl and breaks into a full routine. Tyrone is finding it hard to understand the discipline of classical ballet and is mocked by his partner Iris. He tries hard to show Miss Bell that he has the skills needed to be a dancer and expresses his frustration through a rap. Iris is instantly impressed and kisses him.

In an effort to get Nick to notice her, Serena suggests they rehearse a love scene but he continues to ignore her advances. In music class Carmen interupts Scholmo’s violin playing and suggests lyrics to go along with his music and they enjoy playing together. As the year meet together in the lunch room they dream about seeing their name in lights and living a famous lifestyle. Miss Sherman is angry at Tyrone’s attitude and threatens to throw him out of school if he cannot improve his grades. Miss Bell argues that his dancing is good enough to keep him there, and the teachers argue between themselves. Tyrone overhears them and threatens to walk out.

The second act begins with a fall festival and the students all perform together. An overweight dancer Mabel stresses about her size and body and decides to transfer to acting to stand a better chance. Serena is pleased to get the part of Juliet in their class production of ‘Romeo and Juliet’ but is upset that her Romeo will be played by Joe and not Nick. There is speculation that Nick might by gay, but Serena tells people otherwise. She struggles to contain her emotions and has to think of Meryl Streep in order to feel happy. Schlomo finds out that Carmen is thinking of leaving the school to move to LA and accuses her of taking drugs.

In an English class Miss Sherman humiliates Tyrone by getting him to read aloud. He tells her she is being racist and she slaps him. Tyrone retaliates by telling the class that he will be a dancer and writes ‘I Will Read’ on the chalk board. Miss Sherman is touched and sings about the feelings she has for all of the children under her wing.

During acting rehearsals Joe is not taking his role seriously, and Nick steps in to help, ending in a stage kiss between him and Serena. Tyrone is upset with Iris for ignoring him and reads her Walt Whitman’s ‘Leaves of Grass’ to show that he does have a serious side to him. Miss Bell admits to fiddling Tyrone’s grades to help him graduate and tells him he needs to repeat the year. Carmen arrives showing signs of drug abuse and tells Schlomo about the fun she has had in LA. He makes her promise to quit drugs and sort her life out.

The class prepare to graduate and Nick finally tells Serena that he likes her, and they promise to stay together after school ends. Carmen has died from a drug overdose, and the whole class sing a song in her honour.

Songs

ACT I

  • Pray, Pray, Pay – Students
  • Hard Work – Company
  • I Want to Make Magic – Nick
  • Can’t Keep it Down – Joe and Students
  • Tyrone’s Rap – Tyrone
  • There She Goes! / Fame – Carmen and Students
  • Let’s Play a Love Scene – Serena
  • Bring on Tomorrow – Schlomo and Carmen
  • The Teachers’ Argument – Miss Bell and Miss Sherman
  • Hard Work (Reprise) – Students

ACT II

  • I Want to Make Magic (Reprise) – Nick and Students
  • Mabel’s Prayer – Mabel and the Girls
  • Think of Meryl Streep – Serena
  • Dancin’ on the Sidewalk – Tyrone and Students
  • These are My Children – Miss Sherman
  • The Pas de Deux (dance) – Tyrone and Iris
  • In L.A. – Carmen
  • Let’s Play a Love Scene (Reprise) – Nick and Serena
  • Bring on Tomorrow (Reprise) – Company.
Awards
  • Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Musical
  • Laurence Olivier Award for Best Leading Actor in a Musical (John Jacob as “Schlomo”)
  • Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Choreographer (Lars Bethke)
Licensing

UK: Josef Weinberger

USA: Musical Theatre International