Musicals · aftercurtain

1634 shows

On the Town

Musical · 1944

A trio of dockyard workers mourns the start of a new workday ("I Feel Like I'm Not Out of Bed Yet"). The whistle blows at 6 AM, and three sailors emerge: Ozzie, Chip, and Gabey, excited for 24 hours of shore leave ("New York, New York"). Chip is excited to see all the sights that his father told him about after his trip to New York in 1934, with his decade-old guidebook by his side. Ozzie is interested in finding a date (or several) because Manhattan women are the prettiest in the world. Gabey is looking for one special girl, hopefully one who reminds him of his 7th-grade girlfriend, Minnie Finchley. On the subway, the three spot a poster of Ivy Smith, "Miss Turnstiles" for June. Gabey, overcome with love for the picture, takes it with him. An old lady angrily tells him that she will have him arrested for vandalism and the three run off. Gabey wants to meet Ivy Smith, despite Chip's protests that the city is too big for things like that to happen. Ozzie, recounting an incident where Gabey saved their lives, convinces Chip to help Gabey find her. Chip grudgingly agrees and Ozzie coaches Gabey on what to do once he meets Ivy ("Gabey's Comin'," performed in the 2014 Broadway revival). The three break up, Gabey to Carnegie Hall, Ozzie to the Museum of Modern Art, and Chip to the "subway people." The three imagine what Miss Turnstiles must be like, and a ballet is performed in which Ivy demonstrates all the many different, contradictory, skills she has. The little old lady finds a policeman and the two chase after the sailors. A young woman cabbie named Hildy is found asleep in her cab by her irate boss S. Uperman. He fires her and tells her to return the cab in an hour or he will call the police. Looking for one last fare, she comes across Chip. It is love at first sight, at least for Hildy. She forcefully kisses Chip, but Chip wants nothing more than to find Ivy. Hildy tempts him into taking a tour of the city, but all the places he wants to go to (the Hippodrome, the Forrest Theatre to see Tobacco Road, the New York City Aquarium, and the Woolworth Building) are either no longer in existence or no longer notable. The only place Hildy wants to take Chip is her apartment ("Come Up to My Place"). Uperman joins the lady and the cop in the chase, implying Hildy stole the cab. Ozzie goes to the museum but mistakenly arrives at the Museum of Natural History instead of the Museum of Modern Art. There he meets a budding anthropologist, Claire de Loone. She is amazed at his resemblance to a prehistoric man and asks him for his measurements. He mistakes her scientific interest for romantic interest, but as she explains, she is engaged to be married to the famous Judge Pitkin W. Bridgework. Pitkin has taught her to learn to know men scientifically, but she, like Ozzie, often gets "Carried Away." The two of them accidentally knock over a dinosaur. Waldo Figment, the professor who built the dinosaur, joins Uperman, the cop, and the lady in the chase. Gabey mopes around the city. Without love, New York is nothing but a "Lonely Town." At Carnegie Hall, Ivy Smith is taking lessons from Madame Dilly, a drunk who clearly does not know vocal training. Ivy is not quite as glamorous as the Miss Turnstiles contest has made her out to be. In reality, while she is studying to do all the things they said she was, she is nothing more than a "cooch dancer" at Coney Island. When Madame Dilly leaves to refill her flask, Gabey enters. He asks Ivy to go out with him, and to his surprise, she accepts. Gabey leaves ecstatically. Madame Dilly advises Ivy to break the date as "sex and art don't mix" ("Carnegie Hall Pavane"). Ozzie accompanies Claire back to her apartment, where he meets Claire's fiancé, Pitkin W. Bridgework. They try desperately to explain what they are doing together, but Pitkin does not mind ("I Understand"). He leaves them alone to go to a meeting, reminding Claire that they are to meet at Diamond Eddie's to celebrate their engagement. The two take advantage of their alone time ("Carried Away (reprise)"). Hildy brings Chip and an armful of groceries back to her apartment, promising to cook for him. Chip insists that he must leave to find Ivy. She tells him to call the IRT, but they refuse to give Chip her address or phone number. He decides that he has tried hard enough, and he and Hildy attempt to get physical when her roommate, Lucy Schmeeler, home from work with a cold, intrudes. Hildy finally gets rid of her by convincing her to go to an air-cooled movie. Hildy seduces Chip, bragging about her many talents, not the least of which is her cooking ("I Can Cook Too"). Gabey's attitude has done a full 180, and he feels "Lucky to Be Me." Ivy, about to meet Gabey at Nedick's, runs into Madame Dilly, who reminds her that if she does not do her cooch dance that night, she will be fired, and will not be able to pay Madame Dilly for her lessons. Madame Dilly threatens to smear her reputation, and she is forced to stand Gabey up. Chip and Ozzie both arrive at Nedick's with Hildy and Claire, both dressed as Ivy Smith. Gabey is not fooled and tells them the story of how he met her. Just then, Madame Dilly arrives with a message from Ivy: she will not be coming because she instead elected to go to a fancy party. Gabey is alone and dejected, but Hildy tells him that she can get him a date: Lucy. The five go into a dance demonstrating the nightlife of the city. At Diamond Eddie's, the dancers perform a number ("So Long Baby"). Gabey is still hung up on Miss Turnstiles, and Lucy has not shown up yet. A singer, Diana Dream, performs a very sad song, "I Wish I Was Dead," which causes Gabey to feel even sadder. Lucy calls, having accidentally gone to the Diamond Eddie's in Yonkers. The group decides to go to the Congacabana at the suggestion of Claire, but on their way out, they run into Pitkin. Ozzie and Claire try to explain the situation, but as before, all Pitkin says is "I Understand (reprise)." The gang leaves for the Congacabana while Pitkin stays behind to pay the check. At the Congacabana, Dolores Dolores (the same performer as "Diana Dream") sings the same sad song as before, in Spanish. Hildy interrupts her, saying she had gotten a request to sing. Hildy, as well as Ozzie, Claire, and Chip try to lift Gabey's spirits by reminding him that he can count on them ("Ya Got Me"). As they are about to depart for another nightclub, the Slam Bang Club, Pitkin arrives ("I Understand (reprise)"). Claire tells him once again to pay the check, also to wait for Lucy and come to the Slam Bang later. At the Slam Bang Club, Madame Dilly is in a drunken stupor. Gabey asks her where Ivy is, and she lets it slip that she is at Coney Island. Gabey runs off to find her. Chip and Ozzie, afraid that he will not be able to get back to the ship on time, rush after him. On their way out, they come across Lucy and Pitkin. Claire once again leaves him to go with Ozzie. Pitkin recalls all the times in his life that he "understood" and realizes he has been played the fool by everyone, including Claire ("Pitkin's Song (I Understand)"). He also bonds with Lucy and the two of them join the chase along with the little old lady, the police officers, Figment, and Uperman. Riding the subway, Gabey dreams about Coney Island and Ivy. An extended dance sequence occurs with Ivy and a dream Gabey in a boxing match ("Subway Ride/The Great Lover Displays Himself/The Imaginary Coney Island"). The other four have just missed Gabey and are riding another subway car. They wonder about their future after the men have to go back to the ship ("Some Other Time"). At Coney Island, Ivy, along with several other girls, dances in a show called Rajah Bimmy's Harem Scarem ("The Real Coney Island"). Gabey sees Ivy and accidentally tears her already skimpy outfit off. She is arrested for indecent exposure as the chasers arrive and demand the others be arrested. Claire hopes Pitkin will get her out of the situation, but he no longer trusts her and has the three men brought to the naval authorities. The girls ask Pitkin if he has ever "committed an indiscretion," which he staunchly denies. Just then, he sneezes in the same way as Lucy Schmeeler, casting doubt on his claim. As the clock chimes six, the sailors prepare to get back on the ship. Just then, the girls come running to them, telling them that Pitkin understood. They say a fond farewell as three new sailors leave the ship, eager to have their own adventures in New York City ("New York, New York (reprise)/Finale Act II").

On the Twentieth Century

Musical · 1978

On the Twentieth Century is a musical with book and lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green and music by Cy Coleman. Based partly on the 1932 play Twentieth Century and its 1934 film adaptation, the musical is part operetta, part farce and part screwball comedy.

Once

Musical · 2011

Act I A thirty-something Dublin busker (identified only as "Guy") sings a heartfelt ballad of unrequited love on a Dublin street, accompanying himself on guitar ("Leave"). He then puts his guitar in its case and turns to leave without it but a young Czech woman (identified only as "Girl"), who has been listening to him sing approaches. She asks numerous personal questions about his songs and he replies that he wrote most of them for a girlfriend who broke up with him and moved to New York City. He is giving up on his music because the memories of his failed relationship are too painful so he now works as a vacuum cleaner repairman in his father's shop. Girl responds that she has a vacuum that "does not suck" and asks him to fix it. She offers to pay for the repair by playing piano for him. Over his protests, she snatches the sheet music for a new song from his jacket. Reluctantly, Guy picks up his guitar and they play the song together ("Falling Slowly"). Girl suggests that he could win his old girlfriend back by singing her that song. Guy brushes this off but Girl reminds him that he now owes her a vacuum repair so they head to his father's shop ("The North Strand"). As Guy fixes the vacuum, Girl becomes acquainted with his father, who seems to like her. Once the vacuum is repaired, Guy impulsively invites Girl to his bedroom, above the shop. They are clearly attracted to each other but when he attempts to kiss her she stops him and leaves ("The Moon"). The next day he apologises and they write, rehearse and record songs together. Girl introduces Guy to her family, including her young daughter, Ivanka ("Ej, Pada, Pada, Rosicka"). After Guy leaves, Girl plays one of his songs on the piano, substituting her own lyrics as she thinks of him ("If You Want Me"). The next morning Girl tells Guy that she has arranged a meeting with a banker ("Broken Hearted Hoover Fixer Sucker Guy"). To persuade the bank manager to approve a loan – which would enable Guy to take his music to New York – Guy plays him a song ("Say It to Me Now"). The banker is impressed with his talent, approves the loan and adds that he can play guitar as well. He plays a song for them ("Abandoned in Bandon") and though he is not a very good singer, they invite him to play in the band. The following night at a nightclub, Guy tells Girl that she has convinced him that his musical career is worth pursuing. Good, she replies, because its open mic night at the club and she has signed him up to perform as "The Hoover Man". He is reluctant but eventually takes the stage. As he sings, it seems like he is now singing to Girl, not his ex-girlfriend ("Gold"). Act II During band practice, one of the musicians gets into an argument with the bank manager. He opposes capitalism, he says, despite the fact that he owns the shop where they are rehearsing. Guy and Girl retreat to a hill overlooking the city where the two share a brief, tender moment. Girl tells Guy, in Czech, that she loves him – but when he asks her to translate, she replies, "It looks like rain". Guy realizes that he has fallen in love with Girl and wonders how he will live without her when he moves to New York ("Sleeping"). The next day the band records a demo for a major record label ("When Your Mind's Made Up"). After receiving praise for their performance, the band members take a break. Girl remains at the piano, and thinking she is alone, plays one of her own compositions that reveals the depth of her feelings for Guy ("The Hill"). Guy, who has been listening, compliments her on her song. He suggests that she and Ivanka move to New York with him because they clearly have feelings for each other that they cannot ignore. Girl answers angrily that he cannot feel that way. Incredulous, Guy asks why and Girl replies that her husband – Ivanka's father – is trying to reconcile with her and for the sake of their daughter she must consider it ("It Cannot Be About That"). The following morning the band gathers at the hill to voice their hopes for success with the impending album ("Gold (A Cappella)"). Guy asks Girl to spend his last night in Dublin with him but she demurs, because it would only result in "hanky-panky", which is a "bad idea"; but ultimately she agrees to come to the vacuum shop. Back at the shop, Guy plays the demo for his father. Impressed and moved, he gives Guy money to help him get settled in New York. Then Guy, encouraged by Girl, calls his ex-girlfriend in New York, who is happy about his imminent arrival, and seems willing to give their relationship another try. A few days later Girl comes home to find a piano with a bright red bow on it – a gift from Guy. She sheds a few tears, then sits at the piano and sings; as Guy, in his New York apartment, sings the same song ("Falling Slowly (Reprise)").

Once Around the City

Musical · 2001

Once Around the City is a musical written by brothers Robert (music) and Willie Reale (book and lyrics). The musical is set in 1980s Manhattan, when hostile takeovers of properties was the norm.

Once Upon a Mattress

Musical · 1959

A fictional medieval kingdom in 15th-century Europe is ruled by the devious Queen Aggravain and the mute King Sextimus the Silent. King Sextimus suffers from a curse cast by a witch that can only be reversed "when the mouse devours the hawk." The Minstrel sings of the Princess and the Pea ("Many Moons Ago"), but reveals the story to be fake, though he knows the true tale because he was there when it happened. The princess in the story is not the first princess tested to see if she is worthy of marrying Prince Dauntless the Drab—she is the thirteenth princess. The day the Minstrel arrives at court, the Queen, alongside her confidant, the Wizard, is testing Princess #12 with an unfair quiz. To the Queen's delight, the princess misses the last question: "What was the middle name of the daughter-in-law of the best friend of the blacksmith who forged the sword that killed the Beast?" and is given a rubber chicken by Sir Studley. The populace of the castle complains about an unjust law levied by Queen Aggravain: "Throughout the land no one may wed, 'till Dauntless shares his wedding bed." However, every petitioning princess is sent away after failing unfair tests devised by the Queen. It seems that no one is good enough to marry Prince Dauntless ("An Opening for a Princess"). The crisis escalates when the leading knight of the realm, Sir Harry, discovers that his girlfriend, Lady Larken, is pregnant. Though Lady Larken says that she will run away so he will never have to face embarrassment and the loss of his station, Sir Harry decides that he will set out to find a princess himself ("In a Little While"). He petitions the Queen who immediately refuses, but when Dauntless manages to speak up and beg, she gives in. The Minstrel tells the audience that in the original story, the princess arrived at the castle on a stormy night ("Many Moons Ago - Reprise"), but in the true story, it was not night at all—and the princess only looked as though she went through a storm. Princess Winnifred the Woebegone, a brash and unrefined princess from the Marshlands, was so eager to arrive that she swam the castle moat. She immediately charms Dauntless, Studley, and the knights and most of the kingdom ("Shy"). However, she also earns the utter loathing of the evil Queen, who vows to stop her. The King discovers Larken's pregnancy and pantomimes this to his confidants, the Minstrel and the Jester. He tells them not to say a word, but they both are more worried about the King letting it slip, because even though he is mute, he can still communicate ("The Minstrel, the Jester, and I"). Later, the Queen, assisted by the Wizard, designs a test for Winnifred based on something they are sure she doesn’t have at all—sensitivity. They will place a tiny pea beneath twenty thick downy mattresses. If Winnifred is unable to sleep due to the pea, then she will be sensitive enough to marry Dauntless ("Sensitivity"). Meanwhile, Winnifred tells Dauntless and the ladies in waiting about her home in the swamp ("The Swamps of Home") and meets the King, and they immediately like each other. Then, after spilling a purple vase filled with fresh new baby's breath, Winnifred is caught cleaning the mess by Lady Larken who mistakes her for a chambermaid. Soon Harry gets mad at Larken for her mistake and they get in a fight. Larken vows that she will run far, far away where she will never see him again. The King, the Minstrel and the Jester catch Larken trying to run away, and they try to stop her but in the end decide to help her escape to Normandy ("Normandy"). Later that night, the Queen throws a ball so Winnifred can dance the most exhausting dance in the world: "The Spanish Panic". The Queen hopes that Winnifred will tire herself, but the plan fails. Winnifred is the last one standing as everyone collapses from exhaustion at the dance's climax. She asks Dauntless to try to give her a clue as to what the test might be, but he's not sure. He brings out a huge barbell that one of the princesses was asked to lift, but even he cannot lift it. Winnifred does easily and Dauntless admits that he loves her. Winnifred mentions that her nickname is Fred and Dauntless sings of his love for her as she practices numerous tasks she might have to do for the test, including singing, dancing, wrestling, acting, playing the Minstrel's lute, pantomiming and drinking herself unconscious ("Song of Love"). Later that night, the Queen leads the knights and ladies as they carry the twenty mattresses to Fred's room ("Quiet"), and she catches the Minstrel, the Jester, the King, and Larken (disguised in Dauntless' clothes) running away. The Minstrel tries to protect Larken by saying he was escaping with Larken against her will. The Queen declares that the Minstrel will be banished by daybreak. Fred and Dauntless study for the test, and Fred convinces Larken to fix things with Harry. Larken leaves to find Harry, Dauntless bids Fred goodnight, and now she is left alone. While studying a fairy tale, she complains about how other fairy tale princesses had it easy and how she wants to live happily ever after ("Happily Ever After"). King Sextimus has a man to man talk with Dauntless about the birds and the bees completely in pantomime ("Man to Man Talk"). The Jester and Minstrel trick the Wizard into telling them of the test and the Jester reminisces about his father's dancing days ("Very Soft Shoes"). Sir Harry and Lady Larken run into each other and they confess that their love is stronger than ever ("Yesterday I Loved You"). When Fred is finally ready for bed, the Queen tries to make her even more sleepy by attempting to hypnotize her with a hypnotic mirror, burning poppy and mandragora incense, forcing her to drink a sleeping draught, and finally bringing in the Nightingale of Samarkand to sing her to sleep ("Nightingale Lullaby"), but Winnifred is kept wide awake. It seems that there is some "lump" under the mattresses that is keeping her from relaxing. She starts counting sheep. The next morning, Dauntless dresses in his finest to see Winnifred pass the test, but the Queen tells him to his great disappointment that the test has already happened and what it was. She says that since Winnifred has not yet emerged from her room, she must still be sleeping and therefore has failed. Dauntless is heartbroken until Winnifred drowsily stumbles into the throne room while still counting sheep; she hasn't slept a wink. Everyone is ecstatic that Winnifred has passed but the Queen insists that Dauntless should not throw himself away on Winnifred. Dauntless has had enough of his mother's attempts to control his life and finally yells, "I told you to shut up!". The curse on King Sextimus is lifted (the "mouse", Dauntless, has metaphorically devoured the "hawk", Queen Aggravain). Aggravain discovers that she cannot talk and the King can, so Dauntless and Winnifred are free to be married. The King forces the Queen to hop, skip, and jump around the room to everyone's amusement, and with this, she is forced to step down. Finally the real reason why Winnifred passed the test is revealed: after learning about the test, the King, Minstrel, and Jester stuffed the mattresses full of weapons, jousting equipment, and other sharp items. All the items are removed by the Jester in the finale ("Finale"). After the items are removed, Winnifred still has trouble sleeping until Dauntless takes the pea out from under the mattresses; she then falls asleep almost immediately, proving that she was indeed a true princess. Everyone, in classic fairy-tale tradition, lives happily ever after.

Once on This Island

Musical · 1990

One stormy night in the Antilles archipelago, thunder booms, making a small girl cry in fear. To comfort her, the village storytellers tell her the story of Ti Moune, a peasant girl who falls in love with a grand homme, Daniel Beauxhomme – a story of life, pain, love, grief, faith, and hope. In this story, four gods (consisting of Asaka: Mother of the Earth, Agwé: god of Water, Erzulie: goddess of Love, and Papa Ge: demon of Death) rule an island known as the Jewel of the Antilles where poor peasants worship them (Prologue/"We Dance"). The peasants, "black as night", live on one side of the island, and the grands hommes, lighter-skinned descendants of the original French planters and their slaves, live on the other. One night, Agwe unleashes a terrible storm upon the island, which in turn causes a disastrous flood, wiping out many villages. However, the gods save the life of a little orphan named Ti Moune by placing her in a tree above the flood's waves. She is found and subsequently adopted by the peasants Mama Euralie and Tonton Julian ("One Small Girl"). Years afterwards, a grown-up Ti Moune prays to the gods to let her know her purpose, and to let her be like the fast-driving strangers on the roads near her village - the grands hommes ("Waiting for Life"). Hearing her plea, the gods laugh at her. However, Erzulie suggests that they give her love, because it is stronger than any of the other elements. Offended, Papa Ge proposes a bet to prove which is stronger: love or death. Agwe arranges for the car of Daniel Beauxhomme, a young grand homme, to crash during a storm so that Ti Moune may meet Daniel and restore him to health ("And the Gods Heard Her Prayer/Rain"). Despite the objections of the other peasants including her own parents, Ti Moune helps the intruder recover ("Pray"). Ti Moune falls in love with the stranger and as she cares for the unconscious boy, she imagines he loves her too. When Papa Ge comes to take Daniel's life, Ti Moune offers her life in exchange for Daniel's so that he will not die ("Forever Yours"). Papa Ge is angry but leaves, hinting he will return – sooner or later, as her life now belongs to him. Tonton Julian travels to the other side of the Island to seek Daniel's family at the Hotel Beauxhomme. When he returns, he brings with him some of Daniel's people to take the boy back, as well as the story of Daniel's family: Four generations ago, during the Napoleonic era, a French aristocrat named Armand colonised the island. Although Armand had a wife, he had affairs with several natives, one of which bore him a son, named Beauxhomme. When Beauxhomme grew up, war broke out between the peasant locals and the French. The peasants won the war with Beauxhomme's help, after which he banished Armand back to France. Before leaving, however, Armand cursed Beauxhomme and his descendants saying their "black blood will keep them forever on the island, while their hearts yearn forever for France." To this day the curse causes future Beauxhommes to alienate the peasants for reminding them of their homeland ("The Sad Tale of the Beauxhommes"). Ti Moune is tearfully separated from Daniel and tells her parents that she will go after Daniel to marry him, and though they are reluctant to let her go, they eventually give her their blessing ("Ti Moune"). The goddess Asaka tells Ti Moune not to fear, as the Earth will give her everything she needs on her journey to Daniel ("Mama Will Provide"). Ti Moune travels across the island ("Waiting for Life (Reprise)"), and the storytellers relate the many versions of her difficult journey to the city (including being forced to wear too-tight shoes), through the hotel gates and finding Daniel's room ("Some Say"). Daniel, still ill and unable to walk, does not remember her but believes her after she describes the scar on his chest. As they stay together, Erzulie gives them the gift of love ("Human Heart"). Daniel ignores the townspeople's gossiping ("Pray (Reprise)") over the unlikely relationship between a rich Beauxhomme and a poor peasant. Daniel delights in Ti Moune's differences from the rich girls in his life, noting that "some girls you marry, some you love" ("Some Girls"). At a ball held at the hotel ("The Ball"), Andrea Devereaux, a daughter of Daniel's family friends, cajoles Ti Moune to dance for them (her ulterior motive being to make her look bad in front of the grands hommes). Ti Moune does dance and gains the admiration of the rich society members, inspiring both the peasant servants and the grand homme guests to join her ("Ti Moune's Dance"). Afterwards, Ti Moune learns that Daniel is already engaged to be married to Andrea ("When We Are Wed"). Daniel, reminded of his responsibilities, must go through with the arranged marriage, although he insists they can be lovers forever, leaving Ti Moune crushed. Papa Ge reappears and reminds Ti Moune of her promise to exchange her life for Daniel's – but says she can revoke the bargain if she kills Daniel ("Promises/Forever Yours (Reprise)"). Ti Moune enters Daniel's room with a knife, but she still loves him too much to kill him, proving love is stronger than death. However, Daniel finds Ti Moune with the knife. Appalled at the attempted murder, the Beauxhommes throw her out of the hotel grounds. Barred from the hotel, Ti Moune waits for two weeks to try and meet Daniel at the gate. As Daniel and Andrea are married, they follow an old tradition of throwing coins to the peasants outside the hotel gates. Ti Moune calls to Daniel who gently places a silver coin in Ti Moune's hand, kisses her cheek, and leaves. The storytellers tell of how the gods were moved to tears by Ti Moune's selflessness and love, and chose to bestow a final kindness on her; Erzulie took her by the hand and led her to the ocean, where Agwé allowed her to drown peacefully. Papa Ge received her gently and brought her back to shore where Asaka transformed her into a tree ("A Part of Us"). The tree becomes a celebration of life and love that cracks open the gates of the hotel, allowing those of all social statuses to become one, including a peasant girl and a young grand homme, Daniel's son, as they play in her branches. As the years go by, the story of Ti Moune is told again and again, passed down through generations as proof of the power of love and stories to bring people together. As the musical ends, the little girl who was frightened by the storm begins to retell the story herself ("Why We Tell the Story").

One Day

Musical · 2026

One Day is a musical with music and lyrics by Amanda Sudano and Abner Ramirez (with additional lyrics by Freya Catrin Smith) and a book by David Greig. Based on the 2009 novel of the same name, the musical follows Emma and Dex, whose lives have taken them in different directions, but one day keeps bringing them back together. Directed by Max Webster, the world premiere production of One Day opened in Edinburgh at the Royal Lyceum Theatre in March 2026. It is scheduled to transfer to the Garrick Theatre in London's West End from 17 November 2026.

One Mo' Time

Musical · 1978

One Mo' Time is a musical revue conceived by Vernel Bagneris. It is an evening of 1920s African-American vaudeville, set in the Lyric Theatre of New Orleans in 1926.

One Night Stand

Musical · 1980

One Night Stand is a musical with a book and lyrics by Herb Gardner and music by Jule Styne. Its plot centers on a songwriter who feels he's past his prime. Styne had approached Gardner about adapting his play A Thousand Clowns for the musical stage, but Gardner was more interested in working on an original project. According to producer Joe Kipness, the collaboration was ill-conceived, since the two men could not agree about anything. The Broadway production, directed by John Dexter and choreographed by Peter Gennaro, began previews at the Nederlander Theatre on October 20, 1980. After eight performances, it closed without ever officially opening. The cast included Charles Kimbrough, Catherine Cox, Jack Weston, and Brandon Maggart. A cast album was released by Original Cast Records.

One Touch of Venus

Musical · 1943

One Touch of Venus is a 1943 musical with music written by Kurt Weill, lyrics by Ogden Nash, and book by S. J. Perelman and Nash, based on the 1885 novella The Tinted Venus by Thomas Anstey Guthrie, and very loosely spoofing the Pygmalion myth. The show satirizes contemporary American suburban values, artistic fads and romantic and sexual mores. Weill had been in America for eight years by the time he wrote this musical, and his music, though retaining his early haunting power, had evolved into a very different Broadway style.

One and One

Musical · 1978

One & One is an American 1970s ASCAP award-winning original off-Broadway musical comedy by Dianne Adams (music and lyrics), Fred Bennett (book), and Richard O'Donnell (book, music and lyrics).

Only Fools and Horses

Musical · 2019

The story compresses 22 years and 64 episodes of the show into a two-hour tale in which Rodney and Cassandra are making wedding preparations, Boycie and Marlene are trying to conceive, and Del Boy goes to a dating agency looking for a "sort" and ends up with Raquel.

Onward Victoria

Musical · 1979

Onward Victoria is a musical (1980) with a book and lyrics by Charlotte Anker and Irene Rosenberg, and music by Keith Herrmann. Its subject is Victoria Woodhull, the 19th-century woman who with her sister were the first women to operate a brokerage firm, at which they became millionaires, and started a newspaper.

Opening Night

Musical · 2024

Opening Night is a stage musical with music and lyrics by Rufus Wainwright and conceived and book by Ivo van Hove. It is based on the 1977 film of the same name by John Cassavetes, which van Hove has also previously adapted as a play in 2005.

Operation Mincemeat

Musical · 2019

In 1943, Naval intelligence officer Ewen Montagu welcomes the audience to MI5, where the "elite" of the British military contribute to the World War II effort ("Born to Lead"). Colonel Johnny Bevan informs his subordinates that the British government requires a strategy to convince the Nazis that the Allied Forces are planning to invade Sardinia rather than their actual (and more obvious) target, Sicily; several officers, including Montagu and Ian Fleming, present their ideas, but despite their conviction of their own brilliance ("God That's Brilliant"), Bevan dismisses them all as unrealistic and poorly planned. Sulking after his rejection, Montagu encounters Air Force officer and "amateur naturalist" Charles Cholmondeley, who has formulated a strategy code-named "Operation Mincemeat", but is convinced of its futility after being bullied out of line by Montagu and his colleagues ("Dead in the Water"). Montagu reads his plan, and despite declaring it "insane", recognises its potential and convinces Charles that they should team up to pitch Mincemeat to Bevan, noting his own natural "flair for presentation" will bolster Charles' lack of confidence. Meanwhile, Bevan's secretary Hester Leggatt welcomes new clerk Jean Leslie to her team, who is eager to disrupt the typically side-lined role of women in MI5 and dreams of ranking alongside the male officers ("All the Ladies"). Although Jean tries to stop them while bringing Bevan tea, Montagu and Charles arrive at the last minute to pitch Mincemeat. After Charles fumbles their presentation, Montagu recognises Jean's worthwhile attempts to help and drafts her in to explain the plan: MI5 will obtain a male corpse, dress it as a British soldier who has drowned following a plane crash at sea, plant documents on it "revealing" the Allied plans to invade Sardinia, and place it off the coast of neutral Spain, where Nazi spies will discover it and use the documents as cause to move their troops from Sicily ("The Pitch"). Bevan is highly sceptical, but concedes that it is the one decent idea he has heard and allows the operation to proceed. Jean and Hester are officially drafted in as support, but Bevan covertly assigns Hester to investigate Montagu, who is believed to be in contact with his brother Ivor, a filmmaker who is suspected to be a spy for the Russian government. Together, Montagu, Charles, Jean and Hester create a fake Royal Marines major, "Bill Martin". To ensure his identity is "watertight", Hester falsifies numerous identification papers, Charles designs an airtight canister to ensure the corpse can be transported without rotting and Montagu and Jean source receipts for a week of leisure in London (by literally having a week of leisure in London). Montagu purchases an engagement ring so the receipt can be on Bill's person, along with a photograph of Jean posing as Bill's imagined fiancée ("Making a Man"). Charles notices that Montagu occasionally "misplaces" important files, but suppresses his concerns. A corpse, that of an unnamed transient who ingested rat poison, is obtained with the help of Montagu's morally dubious acquaintance Bernard Spilsbury ("Spilsbury"); the team are concerned about using it without the knowledge and consent of any relatives, let alone knowing his real name, but Montagu is adamant that it is better if the corpse is a "nobody". Bevan is unimpressed by the team's spending spree, but concedes that their creation is believable, suggesting that Bill should be carrying a letter from his fiancée. After dismissing Charles and Jean's questionable efforts at writing one ("Love is a Bird"), Hester indirectly relates her own story of the lover she lost during World War I, and agrees to a deeply moved Jean's request that she write the letter herself ("Dear Bill"). That night, Montagu and Charles arrive in Scotland to load "Bill's" corpse onto the submarine HMS Seraph; its crew are told that the sealed canister contains meteorological equipment ("Sail On, Boys"). Charles is deeply insecure about the result of the operation, but is swayed by Montagu into celebrating its completion in a carefree pub crawl, during which he witnesses a brief meeting between Montagu and his brother Ivor. ("Just For Tonight") Meanwhile, after enduring enemy attacks, the crew of the Seraph are unnerved by the contents of the canister but follow their orders, placing Bill in the sea off the Spanish coast before thanking him for his service. The German army present a display of their apparent dominance, in the form of a high energy boy band performance. ("Das Übermensch"). After reprimanding the audience for "appreciating" the enemy, Bevan relates the progression of Mincemeat and reveals that a problem has arisen ("Bevan's Update"). The team await news from Vice-Consul Francis Haselden in Huelva, but are dismayed to learn that the victim of an aeroplane accident he calls to report is a live American soldier, also named William; they fear it will make Bill's story less believable. Moments later, they learn Bill has also been recovered, but the Spanish government is indeed suspicious and have ordered an autopsy. They instruct Haselden to make sure the briefcase holding the false plans is seized by the Nazi-populated Spanish authorities ("The Ballad of Willie Watkins"). Charles and Jean attempt to keep working through the crises, but Montagu believes they can do no more and simply wants to enjoy himself; he is hurt by Jean reminding him that their London excursions were merely for the operation. Bevan calls the team into his office to alert them to an unexpected complication: Spilsbury's methodology is flawed and he should not have been trusted with the operation ("Spilsbury Reprise"). Montagu insists that Mincemeat is running smoothly despite the setbacks, but Bevan orders the immediate abortion of all plans ("I Call Abort"); however, this fails to reach Haselden, who diligently ensures that the autopsy is rushed and the briefcase reaches the authorities ("Haselden's Got a Good Feeling"). After an animated reprimanding by Bevan for his nonchalance and failure to obtain consent for the use of Bill's body, Montagu takes his frustration out on Jean, fully dismisses her role in Mincemeat and orders her to go back to her role as a clerk and assistant. Furious and humiliated, Jean confesses to Hester that she'd pictured the veneration they'd receive if the operation was a success; Hester gently persuades her that not everyone who works for a cause will be recognised, but that does not make them any less valuable – whether they are spearheading an operation or making tea – and Jean thanks her for helping her to "grow" ("Useful"). Hester is inspired to recruit Jean into the investigation of Montagu's brother, asking her to continue dining with Montagu and encouraging him to talk about himself. Jean agrees to swallow her pride and investigate. Montagu orders Haselden to drop hints that the British desperately want Bill's briefcase back in the hopes of alerting German spies. After stroking Haselden's ego to get him to cooperate, Montagu describes tactics for getting people to trust him, upsetting Charles, who has grown increasingly suspicious of seeing Montagu take files out of the office. Haseldon succeeds in his efforts: Bill's briefcase is taken to Berlin, but there is no sign the Germans plan on moving their troops ("Act as If"). Eventually, Montagu discovers Charles, Jean and Hester going through his possessions. Despite his protests, they read his files, learn that he is actually writing a film script about Mincemeat depicting himself as a hero. He was secreting files so that he could archive them for personal use, being careful not to let them into the wrong hands, and he was talking to Ivor – a filmmaker – to get his opinion on a rough, censored draft of the script. While appalled that he intends to sensationalise their story, Charles, Jean, and Hester conclude that Montagu is innocent of treason. An update from Bevan then confirms that Haselden's whisper campaign has worked, and Adolf Hitler himself has ordered the transfer of German troops from Sicily to Sardinia. The Allies subsequently invade Sicily with little-to-no bloodshed. Bevan informs an ecstatic Montagu, Charles, Jean and Hester that Operation Mincemeat is officially a success, and that Montagu and Charles will receive the highest level of commendation in the British Army ("Did We Do It?"). As the team celebrate, Charles observes that the unfortunate moral of their story is that as long as you're in charge, you can do whatever you like. To counteract this, they relate a summary of everything that occurred following the success of Mincemeat: the Second World War is won by the Allies with help from the US Army (who recruit a number of Nazis in the aftermath); Ian Fleming goes on to create James Bond; Haselden and his assistant Steve remain in Spain; Hester initiates a romance with Bevan; Jean looks ahead to the progress of feminism during and after the war; Montagu eventually makes (and acts in) his film about Operation Mincemeat; and Charles goes on to do classified work for MI5. As Bevan finishes relating the events of the operation to his superiors, they wonder who the man known as Bill Martin really was; the cast address the audience to inform them that thanks to Montagu's archives, he was eventually identified as a gardener named Glyndwr Michael, and that there is now an inscription in Huelva acknowledging that he served in the Second World War as Major William Martin ("A Glitzy Finale").

Orange Blossoms

Musical · 1922

Setting: Lawyer's Office, Paris and Kitty's Villa at Cannes. Baron Roger Belmont's aunt has recently died, leaving him her inheritance if he marries within a year of her death. He is in love with Helene de Vasquez, but is unable to marry her as his aunt's will specifies he cannot marry a divorcee. His lawyer, Tillie Jones, suggests Belmont enter into a marriage of convenience with her niece Kitty, allowing him to receive his full inheritance before divorcing Kitty and marrying Helene. However, Belmont and Kitty do end up falling in love.

Our House

Musical · 2002

This synopsis is based on the 2008 UK Tour version. Camden lad Joe Casey arrives to his house, later joined by his best friends Emmo and Lewis, his girlfriend Sarah, and her best friends Billie and Angie, where a party has been organised by his mother, Kath, for his sixteenth birthday ("Our House"). After the party, wanting to impress Sarah, Joe breaks into a building site to show her his street, Casey Street, from above. When the police arrive, Joe convinces Sarah to run away and is left with the decision of whether to run away or give himself up. The story splits into two paths revealed by the ghost of Joe's dead criminal dad: the right path where Joe gives himself up, and the wrong path where he runs away ("Simple Equation"). On the wrong path, Joe escapes the police but is berated by Sarah, and looked down upon by Dad. Joe, Emmo and Lewis drown their sorrows at the pub ("My Girl"). When Joe wakes up, he encounters Reecey, the school hardman, who offers Joe an opportunity to leave school and get involved with a "business idea" he has ("Baggy Trousers"). On the right path, the judge sentences Joe to go to a young offender institution. Joe is subsequently branded an embarrassment by neighbours and family members. Upon his release, Joe tries to get a job, but all of his interviews fail when he reveals that he is a young offender ("Embarrassment"). On the wrong path, Joe accepts Reecey's offer to work for him and they run a scam alarm company. Emmo and Lewis disapprove of Joe and Reecey's business, but are eventually convinced the business is a good idea when they experience some of the perks of Joe's lavish lifestyle ("Embarrassment – Reprise (Encouragement Version)"). On the right path, Joe has gotten a humiliating job wearing a sign pointing to a golf shop. Reecey offers to let Joe borrow one of his stolen cars, which Joe declines but it also gives him an idea; he rents a low quality car which Billie and Angie laugh at but Sarah loves ("Driving in my Car"). Sarah thanks Joe and invites him to a charity ball and offers to pay for a dinner jacket. He declines and Sarah is devastated ("My Girl - Reprise (Ballad Version)"). On the wrong path, Joe has started a building business, as well as a limousine business for Emmo and Lewis. Joe, Emmo and Lewis go out for drinks, and their waiter is Sarah, who they have not seen since school. Sarah criticises Joe's selfishness and his decision to run away from the building site when he asks about the charity ball, but confirms that he can come if he wants to. On the right path, Reecey approaches Joe as he walks home from work and convinces him to attempt to burgle a house ("Simple Equation - Reprise"). On the wrong path, Billie, Angie, Sarah, and her new friend Callum are at the charity ball. Joe arrives at the ball with a large donation, and he and Sarah dance ("The Return of the Los Palmas 7"). On the right path, Joe and Reecey are caught by the police, and each blames the other for the crime ("Shut Up"). Emmo and Lewis call Sarah, who arrives with Callum. The situation escalates, with Joe eventually punching Callum and a policeman. Joe says he wishes he had never met Sarah, causing her to storm off. Joe is sent back to prison. Meanwhile, on the wrong path, Joe and Sarah share a kiss, having rekindled their relationship ("Tomorrow's (Just Another Day)/The Sun and the Rain"). On the wrong path, Joe and Sarah are on a gondola, on their way to get married in Las Vegas ("Night Boat To Cairo"). While there, Joe encounters Mr Pressman, who gives Joe his business card. Joe and Sarah get married and a paradise wedding party ensues ("Wings of a Dove"). On the right path, Joe is released from prison, but doesn't go home. Kath is worried for him, as she now has two family members who went to prison and never came home ("One Better Day"). Mr Pressman meets with Kath to try and convince her to move out of 25 Casey Street so he can build it up; she refuses. Joe overhears Pressman's plans to get rid of number 25, and is now determined to track down Mr Pressman with a new mission: save 25 Casey Street ("Rise and Fall"). On both paths, Joe arrives at Mr Pressman's office ("House of Fun"). On the wrong path, Mr Pressman explains to Joe his plan to vacate and build up 25 Casey Street. Joe agrees to get Kath out of the house. On the right path, Joe enters Mr Pressman's office to argue against his plans, but Pressman doesn't pay attention to Joe. On the wrong path, while at dinner, Joe reveals his plans to move Kath out of Casey Street and rebuild it as Casey Boulevard. Lewis disagrees with Joe and leaves dinner. Joe looks to Sarah for support, but she also disagrees with him. Joe angrily leaves and Sarah laments on her feelings about Joe, remembering the night he ran away from the police. Meanwhile, Joe tells Mr Pressman he doesn't want to work on Casey Street anymore ("NW5"). On the right path, Joe looks for a lawyer, revealed to be Sarah, now engaged to Callum ("Embarrassment - Reprise (Law Firm)"). Joe decides he should find a different lawyer and leaves. Sarah realises she misses him and wants him back. On the wrong path, Joe is waiting for Mr Pressman's demolition expert, who is revealed to be Reecey. Joe tells Reecey to break into 25 Casey Street while Kath is out ("Simple Equation – Reprise"). On the right path, Sarah finds Joe sleeping in the now disheveled Morris Minor and they discuss Joe's while thinking about how much they miss each other. She reveals that 25 Casey Street was gifted to the Casey family. Joe praises her investigative skills and they hug, more in love than ever ("It Must Be Love"). Sarah also reveals she didn't get married. Secretly elated, Joe decides to go home to his mother. On the wrong path, Emmo and Lewis tell Joe that Kath didn't get in the limousine because she wanted to wait for Joe. Realising she'll still be home when Reecey breaks in, Joe runs home ("The Sun and the Rain"). On both paths, Reecey sets fire to 25 Casey Street, and both Joes arrive as the house is burning down. On the right path, Kath is safe, much to the relief of Joe. On the wrong path, Kath dies in the fire. At her funeral, Lewis blames Joe for her death and one by one, the others leave. Joe is charged with arson and manslaughter after Reecey names him as an accomplice. On the right path, Joe and Sarah get married. Joe talks with Kath, where he says he now understands his dad's situation better. He says he wishes he'd done things differently, to which his dad says that as long as he's with the people he loves, he's done the right thing. For a brief moment, Joe and Dad can finally hear each other. They share a touching moment as Dad leaves. Joe returns to the group for the wedding photo and the party ensues. Suddenly, Joe is thrust back to the night of the party and eventual break in. However, instead of breaking into the building site, he kisses Sarah before taking her out dancing ("Our House – Reprise").

Our Island Home

Musical · 1870

After a theatrical company is stranded on an island, the domineering Mrs. Reed divides the land and Mr. Cecil claims the fertile quarter. A cask of anchovy paste prompts a bargain, and Cecil’s new land proves to be solid gold. Captain Bang arrives, bound by pirate indentures to execute them, but Thomas German Reed recognizes him as his long-lost son. Bang has just turned twenty-one, ending his indenture, and agrees to take everyone home.

Our Little Secret poster featuring Noam Tomaschoff and puzzle pieces, edited to remove dates.

Our Little Secret: A True New Musical

Musical · 2023

After a family revelation turns his understanding of his life upside down, Noam Tomaschoff sets out to make sense of his unexpectedly large family. Based on his true story, this solo musical explores identity, parenthood and the people who make us who we are.

Our Man Crichton

Musical · 1964

Our Man Crichton is a musical play based on The Admirable Crichton by J. M. Barrie, with book and lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer and music by David Lee. It opened in Manchester and then London at the end of 1964.

Our Miss Gibbs

Musical · 1909

Our Miss Gibbs is an Edwardian musical comedy in two acts by 'Cryptos' and James T. Tanner, with lyrics by Adrian Ross and Percy Greenbank, music by Ivan Caryll and Lionel Monckton.

Out of This World

Musical · 1950

The Roman gods Mercury and Jupiter are in search of some entertainment of the human kind. The focus of their attention is a young bride, Helen, and her husband, Art. Mercury joins the two on their trip to Athens, intending to put himself between the blushing newlyweds. While the men are busy chasing Helen, the goddess Juno (Jupiter's wife) is playing games of her own, with inept gangster Nikki as her reluctant sidekick.

Over Here!

Musical · 1974

Over Here! is a musical with a score by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman and book by Will Holt. The original Broadway production was directed by Tom Moore and choreographed by Patricia Birch, with scenic design by Douglas W. Schmidt and costumes by Carrie F. Robbins. Over Here! was a follow-up to the Sherman brothers' World War II musical Victory Canteen, an off-Broadway production that featured 1940s icon Patty Andrews. The setting is a cross-country train trip in the United States during World War II (hence the name of the play, in contrast to the popular patriotic war anthem entitled Over There). The show begins as a nostalgic look at 1940s America (where fashion, music, big bands and swing dance dominates) but, quickly evolves into a social commentary about the fear of dying in battle, prejudice, and discrimination.

Pacific 1860

Musical · 1946

Act 1 A large family of British plantation owners on the Pacific island of Samolo, the Stirlings, are hosting a party. The father refuses to extend an invitation to a visitor to the island, the young opera singer Elena Salvador, but one of the sons, romantic-minded Kerry, finds this unreasonable, believing that she has been the target of malicious gossip. A carriage accident happens near the Stirlings' home, and Elena is the victim. She and Kerry become acquainted, and he invites her to the party, as they express affection for each other. Act 2 At the party, the six Stirling daughters and their boyfriends who work at Government House are poking fun at the Governor. The Stirlings withdraw their objections to Elena's presence when they learn that she is a friend of the Governor's wife. Elena and Kerry entertain the guests with a native song, but when she kisses Kerry, in front of the guests, they are scandalised. A week later, at Elena's house her chaperone warns Elena not to fall seriously in love. Sadly, financial considerations force Elena to leave Samolo to resume her career, and both Kerry and Elena are heartbroken. Act 3 Elena returns a year later to find that it is the wedding day of young Mr. Stirling; she is despondent. But it turns out that it is not Kerry who is getting married, but his practical brother, Rollo; Kerry is the best man. When Kerry finally sees Elena, they fall into each other's arms at once.

Pacific Overtures

Musical · 1975

Act I Conceived as a Japanese playwright's version of an American musical about American influences on Japan, Pacific Overtures opens in July 1853. As traditional Japanese music plays, the Reciter is revealed on stage. Since foreigners were expelled from the island empire two hundred and fifty years previously, explains the Reciter, elsewhere wars are fought and machines are rumbling, but in Nippon they paint screens, plant rice, exchange bows, and enjoy peace and serenity, and there has been nothing to threaten the changeless cycle of their days ("The Advantages of Floating in the Middle of the Sea"). However, unknown to the Nipponese, President Millard Fillmore, determined to open up trade with Japan, has sent Commodore Matthew C. Perry and a fleet of four warships across the Pacific. To the consternation of Lord Abe and the Shogun's other Councillors, the stirrings of trouble begin with the appearance of Manjiro, a fisherman who had been lost at sea and rescued by Americans. He has returned to Japan and now attempts to warn the authorities of the approaching warships, but is instead arrested for consorting with foreigners. A minor samurai, Kayama Yezaemon, is appointed Prefect of Police at Uraga to drive the Americans away - news which leaves his wife Tamate grief-stricken, since Kayama will certainly fail and both will then have to commit seppuku. As he leaves, she expresses her feelings in dance as two Observers describe the scene and sing her thoughts and words ("There Is No Other Way"). As a Fisherman, a Thief, and other locals relate the sight of the "Four Black Dragons" roaring through the sea, an extravagant Oriental caricature of the USS Powhatan pulls into harbor. Kayama is sent out in a boat to meet with the Americans but he is laughed at and rejected as not being important enough. He enlists the aid of Manjiro, the only man in Japan who has dealt with Americans; disguised as a great lord and speaking arrogantly, Manjiro is able to get an answer from them: Commodore Perry must meet the Shogun within six days or else he will shell the city. Facing this ultimatum, the Shogun refuses to commit himself to an answer and takes to his bed. Exasperated by his indecision and continued procrastination, his Mother, with elaborate courtesy, slowly poisons him. ("Chrysanthemum Tea"). Kayama devises a plan by which the Americans can be received without technically setting foot on Japanese soil, thanks to a covering of tatami mats and a raised Treaty House in a small cove in Kanagawa, for which he is made Governor of Uraga. He and Manjiro set off for Uraga, forging a bond of friendship through the exchange of "Poems". Kayama has saved Japan, but it is too late to save Tamate: when Kayama arrives at his home, he finds that she is dead, having committed seppuku after having received no news of Kayama for many days. Already events are moving beyond the control of the old order: the two men pass a Madam instructing her inexperienced Oiran girls in the art of seduction as they prepare for the arrival of the foreign devils ("Welcome to Kanagawa"). Commodore Perry and his men disembark and, on their "March to the Treaty House", demonstrate their goodwill by offering such gifts as two bags of Irish potatoes and a copy of Owen's "Geology of Minnesota", gifts that make the Nipponese reciprocal gifts seem insignificant. The negotiations themselves are observed through the memories of three who were there: a warrior hidden beneath the floor of the Treaty House who could hear the debates, a young boy who could see the action from his perch in the tree outside, and the boy as an old man recalling that without "Someone In a Tree", a silent watcher, history is incomplete. Initially, it seems as if Kayama and the Nipponese have won; the Americans depart in peace. But the barbarian figure of Commodore Perry leaps out to perform a traditional Kabuki "Lion Dance", which ends as a strutting, triumphalist, all-American cakewalk. Act II The child emperor (portrayed by a puppet manipulated by his advisors) reacts with pleasure to the departure of the Americans, promoting Lord Abe to Shogun, confirming Kayama as Governor of Uraga and raising Manjiro to the rank of Samurai. The crisis appears to have passed, but to the displeasure of Lord Abe the Americans return to request formal trading arrangements. To the tune of a Sousa march, an American ambassador bids "Please Hello" to Japan and is followed by a Gilbertian British ambassador, a clog-dancing Dutchman, a gloomy Russian (quipping, "Don't touch the coat"), and a dandified Frenchman all vying for access to Japan's markets. With the appearance of this new group of westerners, the faction of the Lords of the South grow restless. They send a politically charged gift to the Emperor, a storyteller who tells a vivid, allegorical tale of a brave young emperor who frees himself from his cowardly Shogun. Fifteen years pass as Kayama and Manjiro dress themselves for tea. As Manjiro continues to dress in traditional robes for the tea ceremony, Kayama gradually adopts the manners, culture and dress of the newcomers, proudly displaying a new pocket watch, cutaway coat and "A Bowler Hat". Although Kayama, as stated in his reports to the Shogun, manages to reach an "understanding" with the Western merchants and diplomats, tensions abound between the Japanese and the "barbarians". Three British sailors on shore leave mistake the daughter of a samurai for a geisha and climb over the garden wall to speak to her. Though their approach is initially gentle ("Pretty Lady"), they grow more persistent to the point where they offer her money; the girl cries for help and her father kills one of the confused sailors while the others flee. Kayama and Abe travel to the Emperor's court discussing the situation and its political repercussions. While on the road, their party is attacked by cloaked assassins sent by the Lords of the South and Abe is assassinated. Most of the assassins are cut down by Abe's bodyguard, but he himself is killed by the sole remaining assassin. Kayama is horrified to discover that the remaining assassin is his former friend Manjiro; they fight and Kayama is killed. In the ensuing turmoil, the puppet Emperor seizes real power and vows that Japan will modernize itself. As the country moves from one innovation to the "Next!", the Imperial robes are removed layer by layer to show the Reciter in 19th century Western military dress. Contemporary Japan - the country of Toyota, Seiko, air and water pollution and market domination - assembles itself around him and its accomplishments are extolled. "Nippon. The Floating Kingdom. There was a time when foreigners were not welcome here. But that was long ago..." says the Reciter, now in modern dress: "Welcome to Japan."

Paddington The Musical

Musical · 2025

A young bear from Peru arrives in London looking for a home and finds one with the Brown family. His attempts to settle into city life lead to mishaps and an adventure that tests the bonds of his new family. The musical draws on Michael Bond’s stories and the Paddington films.

Paint Your Wagon

Musical · 1951

Act I In the California Wilderness in May 1853, a crusty old miner, Ben Rumson, is conducting a makeshift funeral for a friend. Meanwhile, his 16-year-old daughter Jennifer discovers gold dust. Ben claims the land, and prospectors start flocking to the brand new town of Rumson ("I'm On My Way"). Two months later Rumson has a population of 400, all of whom are men except for Jennifer. Prospector Jake Whippany is waiting to save enough money to send for Cherry and her Fandango girls ("Rumson"), while Jennifer senses the tension building in town ("What's Going On Here?"). Julio Valveras, a handsome young miner forced to live and work outside of town because he is Mexican, comes to town with dirty laundry and runs into Jennifer, who volunteers to do his laundry. They also talk to each other ("I Talk to the Trees"). Steve Bulmarck and the other men ponder the lonely nomadic life they lead in the song "They Call the Wind Maria". Two months later the men want Ben to send Jennifer away, and he wishes her mother was still alive to help him ("I Still See Elisa"). Jennifer is in love with Julio ("How Can I Wait?"), and when Ben sees Jennifer dancing with Julio's clothes, he decides to send her East on the next stage. Jacob Woodling, a Mormon man with two wives, Sarah and Elizabeth, arrives in Rumson where the men demand Jacob sell one of his wives. To his surprise, Ben finds himself wooing Elizabeth ("In Between") and wins her for $800 ("Whoop-Ti-Yay"). Jennifer is disgusted by her father's actions and runs away, telling Julio that she will be reunited with him in a year's time ("Cariño Mío”). Cherry and her Fandango girls arrive ("There's a Coach Comin' In"). Julio learns his claim is running dry which means he has to move on to make a living and that he will not be there to greet Jennifer when she returns. Act II A year later in October, the miners celebrate the high times in Rumson now that the Fandango girls are around ("Hand Me Down That Can o' Beans"). Edgar Crocker, a miner who has saved his money, falls for Elizabeth and she responds, although Ben does not notice since he thinks Raymond Janney is in love with her (he is). Another miner, Mike Mooney, tells Julio about a lake that has gold dust on the bottom and he considers looking for it ("Another Autumn"). Jennifer returns in December, having learned civilized ways back East ("All for Him"). Ben tells his daughter that he will soon be moving on since he was not meant to stay in one place for long ("Wand'rin' Star"). The next day as Cherry and the girls are packing to leave they tell her about Julio leaving to find the lake with a bottom of gold. Raymond Janney offers to buy Elizabeth from Ben for $3,000, but she runs off with Edgar Crocker. Word comes of another strike 40 miles south of Rumson and the rest of the town packs up to leave except for Jennifer, who is waiting for Julio to return, and Ben, who suddenly realizes that Rumson is indeed his town. Late in April, Julio appears, a broken man. Ben welcomes him and Julio is amazed to see Jennifer is there. As they move toward each other, the wagons filled with people move on.

Pal Joey

Musical · 1940

Based on original 1940 book Act I In Chicago in the late 1930s, singer/dancer Joey Evans, a charming "heel" with big plans, schemes to get his own nightclub. He auditions for an emcee job at a second-rate nightclub ("You Mustn't Kick It Around"). Joey gets the job and begins rehearsals with the chorus girls and club singer Gladys Bumps. Joey meets young and naïve Linda English outside a pet shop, and he impresses her with grandiose lies about his career. Linda innocently falls for Joey's line ("I Could Write a Book"). As the chorus girls are doing a song-and-dance number at the club that night ("Chicago"), Linda arrives with a date. Wealthy married socialite Vera Simpson arrives at the club and shows a definite interest in Joey. Joey plays hard-to-get and insults Vera, who walks out. Mike, the club owner, fires Joey, but Joey, believing Vera will be back, strikes a deal: if Vera doesn't come back within the next few days, Joey will leave without pay. The chorus girls continue with the show ("That Terrific Rainbow"); Linda, having witnessed Joey's caddish behavior, has left the club. Vera doesn't return, so Joey is fired. When Linda refuses to answer his calls, Joey calls Vera ("What is a Man"). After Joey's last night as emcee, Vera picks him up from the club and they start an affair ("Happy Hunting Horn"). Vera is glowing in the romance and sets Joey up with an apartment and expensive clothes ("Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered"). While shopping for clothes for Joey, he and Vera run into Linda, leaving Vera jealous and Linda distraught. Vera gives Joey his own nightclub, "Chez Joey", and Joey looks forward to rising to the top ("Pal Joey"/"Joey Looks to the Future" ballet). Act II The chorus girls and singers from the old club have relocated to "Chez Joey", where they rehearse for the opening performance ("The Flower Garden of My Heart"). Melba, an ambitious reporter, interviews Joey, recalling her interviews with various celebrities—including Gypsy Rose Lee ("Zip"), especially notable since the original actor playing Gladys, June Havoc, was Lee's real-life sister. Ludlow Lowell, Gladys' old flame, introduces himself as an agent with papers that Joey unthinkingly signs as the rehearsal continues ("Plant You Now, Dig You Later"). In Joey's apartment the next morning, Joey and Vera reflect on the pleasures of their affair ("In Our Little Den"). Linda overhears Gladys and Lowell plotting to use the papers Joey signed to blackmail Vera. Linda calls Vera, who initially distrusts Linda; Vera confronts Joey, asking what his relationship is with Linda, and Joey responds defensively ("Do It the Hard Way"). Linda comes to the apartment to convince Vera, and Vera, seeing Linda's sincerity, now believes her. Vera and Linda agree that Joey is not worth the trouble ("Take Him"). Vera calls her friend the police commissioner, who arrests Gladys and Lowell. Vera throws Joey out and closes "Chez Joey" ("Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered" reprise). Joey, now penniless, runs into Linda again outside the pet shop, and she invites him to dinner with her family. He joins for a meal and then they part as friends, with him claiming to have been cast in a nonexistent show in New York.

Palmer Cox's Brownies

Musical · 1894

Prince Florimel is the adopted son of King Stanislaus who rules the Brownie band. Florimel is betrothed to Titania, Queen of the Fairies. Their wedding is attended by the fae and the Brownies who genuinely wish the couple happiness. The wedding is also attended by the evil head demon Dragonfel and his lesser demon companions who are in disguise and secretly plot against the Florimel and his bride. Titania and her ladies in waiting are kidnapped by the demons, and are taken to Dragonfel's castle on a far off enchanted island. The Brownies build a boat and pursue, but are caught in a terrible storm. They are saved by the goddess Euphrosyne who summons Neptune to calm the seas. The Brownies finish their journey to the island on an airship, but upon arriving at the castle in the night time they are confronted by a fire breathing dragon. The Brownies defeat the dragon and enter the castle, managing to hide from the armed guards. King Stanislaus and his men disguise themselves to gain admittance into Dragonfel's court. They attack Dragongel, but just as he is about to be defeated, he summons Vulcan who brings forth an earthquake that brings the castle down upon everyone and causes a volcano to rise up out of the earth. Erupting lava that threatens to destroy the Brownies, while Dragonfel escapes to his mines with Titania still his captive. Florimel prays to Euphrosyne and she saves the Brownies once again. The Brownies give thanksgiving for the rescue. The coming of the sun weakens the Brownies, as their magic is only powerful at night. In their weakened state, they are captured by the demons and enslaved to work in Dragonfel's mines. The Russian Brownie has a hidden stick dynamite, and he uses it to explode rock down upon Dragonfel. Meanwhile Euphrosyne aids in rescuing Titania and her fae maidens, and brings a humbled Dragonfel to a place of repentance. Florimel and Titania are reunited and all return happily to Brownie-land.

Panama Hattie

Musical · 1940

Act I Hattie Maloney owns a night club in the Panama Canal Zone where she also performs. Three sailors from the S.S. Idaho, Skat Briggs, Windy Deegan and Woozy Hoga, ask her to sing at a party they are organizing ("Join It Right Away"). Nick Bullet, Hattie's fiancé, is a wealthy Navy officer. They are about to meet his eight-year-old daughter Geraldine (Jerry), off the boat from Philadelphia. He tells Hattie, "My Mother Would Love You". Hattie, eager to make a good impression on her prospective stepdaughter, spends three weeks' wages on her elaborately frilly outfit. But when she arrives, Jerry makes fun of Hattie's clothing and way of speaking. Feeling that her marriage is off, Hattie gets drunk on rum ("I’ve still Got my Health"). Kitty-Belle, the daughter of Admiral Whitney Randolph, wants to marry Nick, and she schemes to end his romance with Hattie. Florrie, a singer in the night club, develops a crush on Nick's very proper butler Vivian Budd ("Fresh as a Daisy"). Nick's efforts to persuade Jerry and Hattie to get along with each other finally succeed, with Jerry making the still hungover Hattie cut the bows off her dress and shoes ("Let’s Be Buddies"). Jerry gives Hattie advice on how to behave like a lady at a party where she is to be presented to Nick's boss, the Admiral ("I’m Throwing a Ball Tonight"). Admiral Randolph is to be presented with a cup, and his daughter Leila suggests that Hattie might present it filled with goldenrod. This gives Whitney hay fever; Hattie is blamed, and Nick is ordered not to marry Hattie. Act II The sailors from the S. S. Idaho uncover a spy plot involving saboteurs. Hattie swears off rum ("Make It Another Old Fashioned Please"). Hattie has it out with Leila, whose boyfriend keeps being called in whenever Hattie is on the verge of hitting her. Meanwhile, Florrie continues to try to attract the romantic attention of Budd ("All I’ve Got to Get Now is My Man"). Hattie, two of the sailors and Budd meet regarding these various threads ("You Said It"). Mildred Hunter, Leila's best friend, turns out to be a terrorist. She gives Jerry a secret package to put in Nick's desk. Hattie overhears the plot to blow up the Panama Canal control room, finds the bomb and throws it out, saving the day. The grateful Admiral Whitney retracts his order and the sailors praise Hattie ("God Bless the Woman").

Panjandrum

Musical · 1893

Panjandrum is a musical with music by Woolson Morse and words by J. Cheever Goodwin, written for and produced by the DeWolf Hopper Opera Company. It opened on May 1, 1893, at the Broadway Theatre (on 41st Street, now demolished) in New York and closed at the end of September 1893. Described as an "olla podrida" in two acts, Panjandrum is set in the Philippines. It starred Hopper as Pedro and Della Fox as Paquita; Fox was replaced by Hopper's new wife, Edna Wallace, but Fox eventually rejoined the cast. The plot centers around a toreador trying to regain his sweetheart. The two of them and her friend are all captured by a savage tribe, and Pedro is disguised as the king of the tribe.

Panurge

Musical · 1913

Panurge claims his wife Colombe has died, but she appears and reveals she faked her death to escape his drunken abuse. He flees with Pantagruel to the Abbey of Thélème, where he pursues Ribaude and pretends not to recognize Colombe. Colombe follows and disguises herself as a monk and later a Bacchic oracle. She tells Panurge he will find her if he drinks less and stops beating her. He rejoins her, and the company celebrates.

Parade

Musical · 1998

In Marietta, Georgia, during the American Civil War, the sounds of drums herald the appearance of a young Confederate soldier who bids farewell to his sweetheart as he goes to fight for his homeland. The years pass, and it is 1913. The soldier has become an old one-legged veteran preparing to march in the annual Confederate Memorial Day parade ("The Old Red Hills of Home"). As the parade begins ("The Dream of Atlanta"), Leo Frank, a Jewish man from Brooklyn, New York, is deeply uncomfortable living here due to his religion, college education and the cultural differences between the North and South ("How Can I Call This Home?"). His discomfort spills into his relationship with his wife Lucille, a more assimilated Jewish Georgian, who has planned an outdoor meal spoiled by Leo's decision to go in to work on a holiday. Meanwhile, two local teens, Frankie Epps and Mary Phagan, ride a trolley car and flirt. Frankie wants Mary to go to the movies with him, but Mary playfully resists, insisting her mother will not let her ("The Picture Show"). Mary, who has recently been laid off, leaves to collect her final paycheck from the pencil factory managed by Leo. Lucille bemoans the state of her marriage, feeling unappreciated by a man so wrapped up in himself and unfulfilled in life; she wonders whether Leo was the right match for her ("Leo at Work" / "What Am I Waiting For?"). Mary arrives in Leo's office to collect her paycheck. That night, police Detective Starnes and Officer Ivey rouse Leo from his sleep, and without telling him why, demand he accompany them to the factory, where Mary has been found raped and murdered in the basement. The police immediately suspect Newt Lee, the African-American night watchman who discovered the body ("Interrogation"). Lee, under interrogation, maintains his innocence, but he inadvertently directs Starnes' suspicion upon Leo, who did not answer his telephone when Lee called him to report the incident. Leo is arrested, but not charged. Mrs. Phagan, Mary's mother, becomes aware of Mary's death. Reporter Britt Craig sees in Mary's murder the possibility of a career-making story ("Big News"). Craig attends Mary's funeral, where the townspeople of Marietta are angry, mournful, and baffled by the shattering tragedy ("There is a Fountain" / "It Don't Make Sense"). Frankie and Tom Watson, editor of The Jeffersonian, an extremist right-wing newspaper, swear revenge on Mary's killer ("Tom Watson's Lullaby"). Governor John Slaton pressures the local prosecutor Hugh Dorsey to get to the bottom of the crime. Dorsey, an ambitious politician with a "lousy conviction record", together with Starnes and Ivey, interrogate Newt Lee, learning nothing. Dorsey releases Newt, reasoning that "hanging another Nigra ain't enough this time. We gotta do better." He blames Leo and sends Starnes and a reluctant Ivey to find eyewitnesses ("Something Ain't Right"). Craig eagerly begins an effective campaign vilifying Leo ("Real Big News"). Leo meets with his lawyer Luther Z. Rosser, who vows to win the case. Meanwhile, Dorsey makes a deal with factory janitor and ex-convict Jim Conley to testify against Leo in exchange for immunity for a previous escape from prison. Lucille, hounded by reporters, collapses from the strain and rebukes Craig when he attempts to obtain an interview ("You Don't Know This Man"). She tells Leo that she cannot bear to see his trial, but he begs her to stay in the courtroom, as her absence would make him look guilty. Leo's trial begins, presided over by Judge Roan. A hysterical crowd gathers outside the courtroom, as Watson spews invective ("Hammer of Justice") and Dorsey begins his prosecution ("Twenty Miles from Marietta"). He produces a series of witnesses, most of whom give trumped evidence fed to them by Dorsey. Frankie testifies, falsely, that Mary said Leo "looks at her funny", a sentiment echoed verbatim by three of Mary's teenage co-workers, Iola, Essie and Monteen ("The Factory Girls"). In a fantasy sequence, Leo becomes the lecherous seducer they describe ("Come Up to My Office"). Mary's mother testifies ("My Child Will Forgive Me"), and the Franks' housekeeper Minnie McKnight claims Leo came home in an agitated state the night of the murder and that his marriage to Lucille was abusive. The prosecution's star witness, Jim Conley, claims that he witnessed the murder and helped Leo conceal the crime ("That's What He Said"). Leo is desperate. As Dorsey whips the courtroom into a frenzy, Leo delivers a heartfelt statement, pleading to be believed ("It's Hard to Speak My Heart"), but it is not enough. He is found guilty and sentenced to hang. The crowd breaks out into a jubilant cakewalk as Lucille and Leo watch, terrified ("Summation and Cakewalk"). It's now 1915, as Leo appeals the case. The northern press strongly disapproves of the way the trial was conducted, as African-American domestics wonder if the reaction would have been as strong if the victim had been Black ("A Rumblin' and a Rollin'"). Lucille tries to help Leo with his appeal but reveals crucial information to Craig, leading to an argument between herself and Leo ("Do it Alone"). She finds Governor Slaton at a party ("Pretty Music") to advocate for Leo, accusing Slaton of being a fool or a coward if he accepts the verdict. Meanwhile, Watson tells Dorsey that he will support his bid for governor if he makes one. Dorsey and Judge Roan go on a fishing trip, where they discuss the political climate and the upcoming election ("The Glory"). The governor re-opens the case, and Leo and Lucille rejoice ("This Is Not Over Yet"). Slaton visits the factory girls, who admit to their exaggeration (“Factory Girls" (reprise)), and Minnie, who says Dorsey intimidated her and made her sign a statement (“Minnie McKnight's Reprise”). Slaton also visits Jim Conley, who is in jail as an accessory to the murder. Conley sticks to his story despite its noticeable inconsistencies with the evidence, and along with his Chain Gang, refuses to give Slaton any information ("Blues: Feel the Rain Fall"). A year later, after deliberation, Slaton commutes Leo's sentence to life in prison in Milledgeville, Georgia, a move that ends his political career. The citizens of Marietta, led by Dorsey and Watson, are enraged and riot ("Where Will You Stand When the Flood Comes?"). Leo is at a prison work-farm. Lucille visits, and he realizes his deep love for his wife and how much he has underestimated her ("All the Wasted Time"). Later, a party of masked men (including Starnes, Ivey, Frankie, and the Old Confederate Soldier) arrive and kidnap Leo. They take him to Marietta and demand he confess to the murder on pain of death. Leo refuses, and although Ivey is convinced of his innocence, the group prepares to kill him. As his last request, Leo has a sack tied around his waist, since he is wearing only his nightshirt, and asks Ivey to give his wedding ring to Lucille. The group hangs him from an oak tree ("Sh'ma"). Eight months later, on Confederate Memorial Day 1916, a remorseful Britt Craig gives Leo's ring, which has been delivered to him anonymously, to Lucille. He is surprised that she has no plans to leave Georgia, now governed by Dorsey, but she refuses to let Leo's ordeal be for nothing. Alone, she gives in to her grief, but takes comfort in believing that Leo is with God and free from his ordeal. Outside, the annual Memorial Day Parade begins ("Finale").

Paradise Lost: Shadows and Wings

Musical · 2003

Before a battle with the forces of darkness, angels leave their children behind a wall, promising to return with wings. Seventeen years later, the children remain abandoned. Logos and Ignis train the tribe for a war Logos believes lies beyond the wall, while Exstasis remembers the night the parents left and questions whether the tribe should remain imprisoned. She sets out in search of the hidden wings. As the tribe debates whether to break through the barrier, they ultimately pass through it together in a musical victory.

Paradise Square

Musical · 2019

Paradise Square is a stage musical, with music by Jason Howland, lyrics by Masi Asare and Nathan Tysen, and a book by Christina Anderson, Larry Kirwan and Craig Lucas. Set in New York City during the Civil War and the New York City draft riots, the musical follows conflict between Irish Americans and Black Americans. The production is directed by Moisés Kaufman and choreographed by Bill T. Jones, with intimacy direction by Gaby Labotka. The musical opened on Broadway at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre on April 3, 2022. The show received mixed reviews from critics, and earned 10 nominations at the 75th Tony Awards, including Best Musical, with Joaquina Kalukango winning Best Actress.

Pardon My English

Musical · 1932

Pardon My English is a musical with a book by Herbert Fields and Morrie Ryskind, lyrics by Ira Gershwin, and music by George Gershwin. Set in 1933 Dresden, the farcical plot satirizes the Prohibition era.

Paris

Musical · 1928

Mrs. Cora Sabot is a domineering and haughty society matriarch who lives in Massachusetts. Her son Andrew plans on marrying the famous French stage actress Vivienne Rolland. Mrs. Sabot goes to Paris and decides that the actress is not of the caliber she wishes for her son, and therefore intends to stop the marriage. There she feigns drunkenness and fakes falling under the romantic influence of Guy Pennel, Vivienne's stage partner. However, she actually does become drunk and is comically transformed into a passionate woman. Mrs. Sabot's scheme works, and Vivienne realizes that she and Guy are meant to be romantic partners in life as well as on the stage. Andrew meanwhile understands that Brenda Kaley, as slow and obtuse as she is, will make the perfect wife.

Park Avenue

Musical · 1946

Park Avenue is a musical with a book by George S. Kaufman and Nunnally Johnson, music by Arthur Schwartz and lyrics by Ira Gershwin. It was produced by Max Gordon with costumes by Tina Leser. The plot focused on the many divorces and marriages of the rich and "black tie" set. The production performed poorly and was Gershwin's last work for Broadway.

Passing Strange

Musical · 2006

Passing Strange is a comedy-drama rock musical about a young African American's journey of self-discovery as an artist, while combining strong existentialist and meta-fictional elements (especially self-referential humor). The musical's lyrics and book are by Stew with music and orchestrations by Heidi Rodewald and Stew. It was created in collaboration with director Annie Dorsen. The musical was developed at the Sundance Institute Theatre Lab in 2004 and 2005, one of the few works to be invited back for a second round of development. It had productions in Berkeley, California and Off-Broadway before opening on Broadway in 2008, garnering strong reviews and several awards. Spike Lee filmed the musical on Broadway in July 2008, premiering the film in 2009.

Passion

Musical · 1994

The musical is usually presented in one act. An intermission was added only for the London production. In Milan in 1863, two lovers are at the height of ecstasy ("Happiness"). The handsome captain, Giorgio, breaks their reverie by telling Clara that he is being transferred to a provincial military outpost. In the next scene, Giorgio is in the mess hall at the army camp with Colonel Ricci, the unit's commanding officer, and Dr. Tambourri, its physician. He thinks longingly of Clara ("First Letter") and she thinks longingly of him ("Second Letter"). Giorgio's thoughts are interrupted by a bloodcurdling scream. The Colonel tells him not to worry; it's just Fosca, his sick cousin. Giorgio offers to lend her some of his books. As he begins to adjust to the tedium of life at the outpost, the sensitive Giorgio feels increasingly out of place amongst the other men ("Third Letter"). He starts becoming friendly with the Doctor, who says Fosca has a nervous disorder. She frequently collapses into seizures, exposing her suffering and need for connection. Fosca arrives after dinner to thank Giorgio for the books. When he suggests she keep a novel longer to meditate over it, she explains that she does not read to think or search for truth, but to live vicariously through the characters. She then darkly muses on her life ("I Read"). Giorgio awkwardly changes the subject, but when he observes a hearse pulling up, Fosca has a hysterical convulsion. Giorgio is stunned and appalled ("Transition"). The next afternoon, the Colonel, the Doctor, Giorgio, and Fosca go for a walk together. As they stroll through a castle's neglected garden, Giorgio politely engages Fosca in conversation while mentally narrating a letter to Clara. When Fosca confesses that she feels no hope in her life, he tells her that "the only happiness that we can be certain of is love." Fosca is hurt and embarrassed, but recognizes that Giorgio, like herself, is different from others, and asks for his friendship ("Garden Sequence"). Giorgio and Clara exchange letters about Fosca. Clara urges him to avoid her whenever possible. When Giorgio is preparing to take a five-day leave, Fosca shows up unexpectedly, begging him to return soon. Fosca is next seen reading, stone-faced, from a letter Giorgio has sent rejecting her feelings as he and Clara make love ("Trio"). Upon Giorgio's return, Fosca reproaches him. She demands to know about his affair and learns that Clara is married. In a sharp exchange, they agree to sever all ties. Weeks go by with no contact between them, but just as he is beginning to think he is finally free of Fosca, Giorgio is informed by the Doctor that she is dying. His rejection of her love has exacerbated her illness. Giorgio, whose job as a soldier is to save lives, must visit her sickbed. He reluctantly agrees. Giorgio enters Fosca's chamber, and she implores him to lie beside her while she sleeps. At daybreak, Fosca asks him to write her a letter acknowledging the impact that she has made on his soul ("I Wish I Could Forget You"). She then tries to kiss him. She is seized by another convulsive attack, and he hastens from the room. The soldiers gossip about Giorgio and Fosca while playing pool ("Soldiers' Gossip"). The Colonel thanks Giorgio for the kindness he has shown Fosca and explains her history. As a child, Fosca's parents doted on her, and she once had illusions about her looks. When she was 17, the Colonel introduced her to an Austrian count, Ludovic. Fosca was taken with him, though she had her reservations. Once they were married, Ludovic took all her family's money. Fosca eventually discovered that he had another wife and a child. When confronted, he admitted his deception and vanished. It was then that Fosca first became ill. After her parents died, she went to live with the Colonel, who felt responsible for her circumstances ("Flashback"). Meanwhile, Clara has written Giorgio a letter ("Sunrise Letter") in which she describes her fear of losing love when she is old and no longer beautiful. Giorgio makes his way to a desolate mountain and is in the midst of reading when Fosca appears. After Giorgio lashes out at her in anger ("Is This What You Call Love?"), she crumples and faints. He picks her up and carries her back in the rain. The rain, the ordeal of getting Fosca back to camp, and perhaps exposure to her contagious emotions conspire to give Giorgio a fever. He falls into slumber and dreams that Fosca is dragging him down into the grave ("Nightmare"). The Doctor sends him to Milan on sick leave ("Forty Days"). As he boards the train, he is followed once again by Fosca. She apologizes for everything and promises to keep her distance for good. Giorgio pleads with her to give him up. She explains that her love is not a choice: it is who she is, and she would gladly die for him ("Loving You"). Giorgio is finally moved by the force of her emotion. He takes her back to the outpost ("Transition"). The Doctor warns Giorgio that he must stop seeing Fosca because she threatens his mental and physical health. Giorgio requests to forgo his leave; he feels it his duty to stay and help her as much as he can. In Milan, Clara questions him jealously about Fosca. Giorgio asks Clara to leave her husband and start a new life with him, but she says she cannot because of her son. At Christmas, Giorgio is told that he has been transferred to military headquarters. Later, he reads Clara's newest letter, in which she asks him to wait until her son is grown before planning a more serious commitment ("Farewell Letter"). Giorgio finds he no longer desires the carefully arranged, convenient affair they shared ("Just Another Love Story"). Having discovered the letter Fosca dictated, the Colonel accuses Giorgio of leading her on and demands a duel. Giorgio insists the letter is sincere. The Doctor attempts to mediate between them, but Giorgio insists on seeing her again. He realizes that he loves Fosca, for no one has ever truly loved him but her. That evening, he returns to Fosca's room, knowing that the physical act might very well kill her ("No One Has Ever Loved Me"). They embrace, their passion consummated at last. The duel takes place the following morning behind the castle. Giorgio shoots the Colonel and lets out a shrill howl eerily reminiscent of Fosca's earlier outbursts. Months later, Giorgio is in a hospital, dazed, recovering from a nervous breakdown. He is told that Fosca died shortly after their night together; the Colonel recovered from the wound. Dreamlike, the other characters in the story reappear as Giorgio begins reading Fosca's last letter. Gradually her voice joins his, and together they look back on their revelations ("Finale"). The company walks off, Fosca last, leaving Giorgio alone at his table.

Peggy

Musical · 1911

Peggy is a musical comedy in two acts, written by British composer Leslie Stuart, with a book by George Grossmith, Jr. and lyrics by C. H. Bovill, based on Xanroff and Guérin's L'Amorçage.

Peggy Sue Got Married

Musical · 2001

Peggy Sue Got Married is a 2001 musical adapted from the 1986 film directed by Francis Ford Coppola. The musical shares the same storyline as the movie, following a 42-year-old woman as she travels back in time to relive certain high school experiences. The book was written by Arlene Sarner and Jerry Leichtling, with music composed by Bob Gaudio, and lyrics by Jerry Leichtling. The musical opened in the West End theatres of London in August 2001, with Ruthie Henshall starring as Peggy Sue; other actors included Tim Howar, Gavin Lee, and Andrew Kennedy. Ruthie Henshall received an Olivier Award nomination for Best Actress in a Musical in the role of Peggy Sue. The production runs for two hours and thirty minutes, with one intermission.

Peggy-Ann

Musical · 1926

Peggy-Ann is a musical comedy with music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Lorenz Hart and book by Herbert Fields, based on the 1910 musical Tillie’s Nightmare by Edgar Smith. The plot of the musical takes place in Glens Falls, New York; New York City, and Havana, Cuba.

People Are Wrong!

Musical · 2002

People Are Wrong! is a 2004 Off-Broadway musical written by Robin Goldwasser and Julia Greenberg, and stars John Flansburgh, Robin Goldwasser's husband, of the band They Might Be Giants. It played Off-Broadway at the Vineyard Theatre from October 22, 2004 until December 11, 2004. The production starred John Flansburgh, Erin Hill, David Driver, Robin Goldwasser, Chris Anderson and Maggie Moore. The show tells the story of a young New York couple who move to the country upstate and are tormented by Xanthus, a cult leader posing as a gardener/landscape artist. The story is told entirely in music, making this musical a rock opera.

Perchance to Dream

Musical · 1945

Perchance to Dream is a musical romance with book, lyrics and music by Ivor Novello. It was the only musical for which Novello wrote lyrics. The title is a quotation from William Shakespeare's play Hamlet.

Perfect Harmony

Musical · 2006

The first day of the school year begins, with the singing of the "Alma Mater" by the school's two a cappella groups: the world-famous, all male, Acafellas and their perennially overshadowed classmates, the all female, Ladies in Red. Applauding them as he addresses the assembly, Dr. Mergh, the high school psychologist, cautions that while he feels the community should recognize the tremendous accomplishments of these champion boy singers—and that "the girls try hard too, of course"—he is concerned about the pressure of tight harmony singing and worries that a cappella is a cult that this year will finally be "claiming its victims". The Acafellas (Philip, Lassiter, Jasper, and JB) sing "Get Ready" to demonstrate to all the auditioning freshmen exactly how it is done. In the audience, Simon Depardieu is fighting nervousness since he is a bit of a late bloomer, even for a freshman. His nerves only get worse when he hears that Lassiter, the Acafellas' pitch, is looking for a talented musician who knows how to blend, JB is hoping for a cool dude, and Philip wants a guy who will not screw up their championship vibe. Simon knows he does not exactly check those boxes. He gives a powerful but highly unorthodox audition with "Three Times A Lady". Meanwhile, the Ladies in Red (Melody, Meghan, Mickey, Valerie, and their student manager Kerri) are already in a crisis. Valerie apologizes for abandoning the group at nationals the previous year by locking herself in the janitor's closet so she would not have to be looked at, and promises she will be there this year. Meghan challenges Melody's decision to keep singing the same old songs, especially "My Life Flows On In Endless Song, How Can I Keep From Singing?." Melody co-opts the insubordination, for now, by making Meghan their new soloist, and changing the name of the group to Lady Treble. On Tap Day, the Acafellas arrive to induct Simon into the group, although he is confused by their song, "Mony Mony". But as the Acafellas' singing progresses, he understands and then joyfully joins in. The group is complete. However, the plans for both groups are thrown awry when they learn that this year's nationals will be held at their high school and will be televised live on MTV 3. Meghan and Mickey decide that the MTV 3 exposure necessitates new choreography and demonstrate "What I Like About You", but Melody worries that it is perhaps a little "loose" and she performs a more ladylike version. Lassiter worries that the announcement "...is a setback... All anyone can think about is what color cummerbunds they should wear when they hoist the trophy on MTV 3..." He resolves to teach the guys to stop focusing on winning and start focusing on musical truth. He teaches the group a new song, "Back on the Chain Gang", and wants them to "...forget about the words... just sing from your inside; what you'd say if you were on a chain gang..." But the Acafellas are resistant to his methods. A standoff ensues that is only resolved when Philip admits that the guys are nervous that they'll embarrass themselves. Lassiter promises that the Acafellas will win nationals and Philip promises that the group will follow Lassiter. On a quiet corner on campus, Meghan tries to help Valerie learn to be looked at. Valerie suggests that Meghan date Jasper but Meghan objects vehemently saying "...No, he's Melody's boyfriend. We can't even talk about talking about that..." She then suggests that Valerie and Simon could get together and practice their perfect pitch. At the Christmas Concert the Acafellas suffer a humiliatingly disastrous performance, and so the boys vote to abandon Lassiter's new method. In a huff, Lassiter relinquishes the pitchpipe, stunning the group and walking away from his best friend, Philip. The girls sound great behind their new soloist, Meghan. They are all delighted that Melody's new plan is working, but mentions that Meghan has some room for improvement—specifically, her dancing is a distraction. Determined to do better, Meghan tries to practice singing without dancing with "My Life Flows On In Endless Song", but it is no use; she sounds better when she moves. Frustrated, she cheers herself up by singing her favorite song, "Do You Love Me (Now That I Can Dance)". Walking past the room, Jasper overhears and joins her. Initially startled, Meghan sings back and they duet—until Melody overhears and catches them. She grabs Jaspers hand, insults Meghan, and leaves her alone to ponder what she has done. A month later, the Acafellas are trying to adjust to life without Lassiter. JB has convinced them to let him sing a solo, "Easy", only JB has turned it into a star turn slow jam. Watching JB sing, Kiki Tune, an unscrupulous talent agent, convinces JB to quit school and become a professional a cappella superstar. And so the Acafellas are forced to soldier on with only three singers. They try to sing "I Think We're Alone Now", but it is no use—Philip cannot hit the high notes and lashes out when Simon suggests they invite Lassiter to return. Lassiter tries his hand at composing but cannot find inspiration. Philip continues to practice his new part by himself. Simon, having just lost his idol JB, sings the duet they learned in happier times, "I Think I Love You." As he sings, his voice drifts through the vents to Lassiter in the library and Philip in the music room. Hypnotically they join in and all three trio on the song. Still unable to sing high enough and with only a week left before regional finals, Philip visits the legendary voice whisperer, Toby McClintoch. She explains that his problem is not singing high enough, it is singing "inside enough". Philip is baffled until she counsels that nothing can cure his voice in a week, as "...only two things work instantly in this world: love and drugs". At regionals Philip announces to the audience that the three remaining Acafellas are about to perform an arrangement normally sung by five voices. They sing "I Think We're Alone Now" and nail all five parts! Backstage, Meghan tries to apologize to Melody and explain that nothing happened with Jasper. Melody cuts her off and says that she would never let personal feelings interfere with Lady Treble. But when the girls go out on stage to perform and Meghan steps forward for her solo, Melody steals the spotlight and starts singing the solo instead. The two battle for control in "Goodbye to You." Regional is over and the Acafellas have won first place, again. But when the Acafellas' collective urine sample tests positives for banned substances, the boys are forced to give back the winning trophy. Philip blames Simon and is about to kick him out of the group when JB returns. JB dismisses the drug test results saying, "...false positives happen all the time..." and announces that he left the professional a cappella world because he knew his friends were hurting and needed him to help get the group back together. He, Jasper, and Simon force Lassiter and Philip to finally confront each other and tell each other how they truly feel. Later that afternoon, Valerie confides to Simon how nervous she is about being looked at by the audiences at nationals and on MTV 3. Simon suggests she find something that covers her, like a wet suit. The Acafellas strut on stage singing The Jackson Five's "I Want You Back". They sound fantastic, but Philip stops the song and confesses publicly that he is actually the reason that the boys failed their drug test at regionals; he used his stepmother's home botox kit to help him hit the high notes. He apologizes to Lassiter, Simon, and all the guys and walks off stage saying they can still win without him. Just as he is about to exit the auditorium, Simon calls out to him and begins singing "I Want You Back". Going into the audience, Simon brings Philip back to the group and the boys insist he sing with them. Acknowledging finally that "...it's not about winning", Philip jumps back on stage and joins them. Now complete, the Acafellas sound amazing. Meanwhile, backstage, Valerie has disappeared again despite her promises. In a panic, Melody insists that their student manager Kerri sing Valerie's part, commanding her to "...not let this be a disaster." As the applause for the boys dies down, Lady Treble enters the stage and they sing their old standby, "My Life Flows On In Endless Song." Valerie finally enters, but something goes terribly awry, and she knocks down all the girls except Kerri. She is terrified, but refuses to let it be a disaster, and slowly starts singing. Gathering strength with every note, she unleashes a powerful and passionate voice that blows the roof off! Moved by the force of Kerri's performance, the girls of Lady Treble get up and join her, and they have never sounded better. As the two groups recover from performances at nationals that were nothing like they expected, Valerie and Simon compose a new arrangement to commemorate the year, a song about joy—the joy of being in the sound. The two groups join to sing Pat Benatar's "We Belong" and everyone takes a solo line. 'For worse or for better, they belong, they belong together.'

Peter Pan

Musical · 1954

The Darling nursery As Mr. and Mrs. Darling prepare for an evening out, two of their children, Wendy and John, play at being their parents. When Mrs. Darling notices Michael is left out, she gets him into the game and joins in with all of them watched by the dog Nana, their nursemaid. When Mr. Darling comes in to have his tie tied, he questions having a dog as a nursemaid, but Mrs. Darling defends her. The previous week, while the children slept, Nana saw a boy in the room who flew out of the window before she could catch him, leaving behind his shadow, which Mrs. Darling has put away in a drawer. In spite of this, Mr. Darling still insists on Nana spending the night downstairs tied up. Mrs. Darling and the children sing a lullaby ("Tender Shepherd"). The children fall asleep. A fairy, Tinker Bell, and Peter Pan fly in through the window to look for his shadow. Wendy is awakened by the boy's cries when he is unable to re-attach his shadow and helps him by sewing it back on. Peter is thrilled when his shadow is re-attached ("I've Gotta Crow") and tells her that he lives in Neverland ("Never Never Land") with the Lost Boys. Peter gives her a "kiss" (a button) that Wendy puts around her neck after giving him a "kiss" (a thimble). Wendy wakes her brothers up, and Peter invites them all to Neverland, and promises to teach them to fly. Peter happily launches himself into the air ("I'm Flying"). Peter sprinkles the children with fairy dust and tells them to "think lovely thoughts" ("I'm Flying – Reprise"). The children follow Peter, but Michael goes back when the maid, Liza, comes into the room, giving her some of his fairy dust and inviting her to come to Neverland with them. In later Broadway revivals, the Liza scene is replaced with Peter and the Darling children flying over London on their way to Neverland. Neverland In Neverland, Peter's "Lost Boys" are standing outside their underground lair, wondering when he will return, when they hear Captain Hook and his pirates ("Pirate March"). The boys hide. Hook tells Smee, his right-hand man, that he wants to kill Peter, because he cut off his hand and threw it to a crocodile, which has since then developed a taste for Hook and follows him around. He had to replace his hand with a hook. Luckily for Hook, the crocodile has swallowed a clock that ticks and alerts Hook to its presence. Hook accidentally stumbles upon the entrance to the hideout, and summons Smee and his men to provide background music while he plans the Boys' demise ("Hook's Tango"), a rich cake with poisonous icing. Hook suddenly hears a loud tick-tock; the crocodile appears but Hook escapes. The pirates flee, and the Boys reappear, thinking they are safe. Suddenly, a group of "Indians" appears, led by Tiger Lily ("Indians"). They leave the Boys alone, and go on hunting the pirates. The Lost Boys suddenly spot Wendy in the sky and thinking she is a bird, one of them shoots an arrow. Peter, Michael and John land and think the arrow lodged in her heart, but instead find it stuck in the button Peter gave her and she is not dead. The Lost Boys build a house around her, hoping that she will become their mother ("Wendy"), to which, when she wakes up, she agrees. Hook plants the cake, but Wendy doesn't let the children eat it as she knows it wouldn't be good for them; instead, she tells the Boys stories, including Cinderella. Hook is infuriated that the Boys have found a mother. He plots to kidnap Wendy and the Boys, while Smee and the pirates play another song "Hook's Tarantella". After the pirates leave for their ship, Liza arrives and dances with the animals of Neverland while Peter keeps watch outside the house. A few days pass with everyone having adventures. One day in the forest, after Peter leads the Boys in their anthem ("I Won't Grow Up"), they almost run into the pirates, who have captured Tiger Lily and tie her to a tree. Peter hides and mimics Hook's voice, ordering the men to release her. When Hook arrives, he is enraged and demands that the "spirit of the forest" speak to him. Peter tricks them all into thinking he is Hook, and that the real Hook is a codfish. Hook asks the "spirit" to reveal its true identity. Peter obliges, pretending to be a "beautiful lady" ("Oh, My Mysterious Lady") and Hook and his pirates try to ambush Peter, but they are chased away by Tiger Lily and her tribe of Native Americans. Back at the hideout, Tiger Lily and her tribe are almost shot by the Boys, until Peter reveals the truce between them. They smoke a peace pipe and vow eternal friendship ("Ugg-a-Wugg"). Tiger Lily and her Indians leave to stand guard around the house above. Wendy asks Peter to sing the Boys a lullaby ("Distant Melody") based on the classic fairy tale Cinderella. Michael and John want to return home, and Wendy admits to being homesick, too. The Boys wish they had parents, and Wendy offers hers to all of them. Everyone is excited about being adopted, except Peter, who says he will not go because he knows he will grow up if he does. Wendy tells him she will come back once a year to do his spring cleaning. The pirates attack and subdue the Indians. They give Peter a fake all-clear signal, so Peter sadly sends Wendy, her brothers, and the Lost Boys on their way. Before she leaves, Wendy sets out Peter's "medicine" (a drop of water) for him to take before bed. After she tearfully leaves, Peter, who pretended not to care, throws himself on a bed and cries himself to sleep. As they leave the underground house, Wendy and the boys are captured by the pirates. Hook then sneaks into the lair and poisons Peter's "medicine". Tinker Bell awakens Peter, tells him of the ambush, and warns him about the poison, but he waves her off as he prepares for a rescue. Desperate, she drinks the poison herself. Dying, she tells Peter that if every boy and girl who believes in fairies would clap their hands, she would live. Peter asks the audience to believe and clap their hands. They do, and Tinker Bell is saved. Peter grabs his dagger and heads off to rescue Wendy and the Boys. The Jolly Roger Hook revels in his success ("Hook's Waltz"). As the plank is prepared, Hook hears the tick-tock of the crocodile and panics. It is actually Peter with a clock, and while Hook cowers Peter and the Boys help the Indians, the animals and Liza onto the ship and hide. Peter hides in a closet and kills two pirates Hook sends in. A third pirate, Starkey, refuses to obey Hook's order to go in and jumps overboard. The pirates then carry the Boys in, and the Boys pretend to be afraid as they are carried in. Peter disguises himself as a pirate, and the pirates think the "doodle-doo" (named so because Peter still crows after killing the pirates) killed all the Boys. Hook believes the ship is now cursed, and everyone thinks Wendy is the source. The pirates push Wendy to the plank. Peter ditches his disguise and the Indians and animals attack, as well as the Boys who are alive and armed. The pirates are all defeated, and Peter challenges Hook to a duel and defeats him. Hook threatens to blow up the ship with a bomb, but runs into the real crocodile (whom Peter also brought on the ship). Peter catches the dropped bomb and tosses it in the sea after Hook slides down the plank (which is shaped like a slide) with the crocodile chasing behind him. As Peter puts his fingers in his ears, the bomb explodes and Hook is eaten by the crocodile. Everyone sings Peter's praises ("Finale: I've Gotta Crow" [reprise]). Before the Darling children and the Lost Boys go to London, Liza asks Peter to teach her to crow ("Finale: I've Gotta Crow" [2nd reprise]). Back home, the Darlings sit by the nursery window night after night, hoping for the return of their children. The children silently reappear and sing to their mother ("Tender Shepherd" [reprise]). The Darlings happily agree to adopt the Lost Boys ("Finale: We Will Grow Up"). Wendy promises to wait for Peter, hoping that one day he will return for her. Years pass, and Peter returns to the nursery, surprising a much older Wendy, who no longer expected him. He has come to take her to Neverland for Spring cleaning, but she declines as she is now grown up; married with a daughter of her own, Jane. Peter starts to cry, and Wendy leaves the room at the sound of her husband's offstage voice. Jane awakes and, like her mother before her, asks, "Boy, why are you crying?" Peter introduces himself, but Jane knows all about him from her mother's stories. She has been waiting for him to come take her to Neverland and to learn to fly. Peter, now happy again, throws fairy dust on her, but as they are about to leave, Wendy tries to stop them, saying, "Oh, if only I could go with you!" In the most poignant moment of the show, Peter answers with a sad but understanding smile, "You can't. You see, Wendy... you're too grown up" and so Wendy reluctantly lets Jane go, "just for Spring cleaning." Her daughter and the "boy who wouldn't grow up" fly off into the night as Wendy watches from the window. ("Finale: Never Never Land [Reprise]")

Peter’s Final Flight

Musical · 2022

Peter Pan and Captain Hook return in a holiday pantomime filled with familiar pop songs, comic detours, and audience participation. The adventure brings the characters of Neverland into a contemporary theatrical celebration.

Phantom of the Opera

Musical · 1976

The story begins ("Introduction") with Richard, new manager of the Paris Opera House (previously president of Northern Railways and a member of the Stock Exchange Choir), greeted by the artists and staff ("Welcome Sir, I'm So Delighted"). The previous managers of the Paris Opera did not last very long, due to problems with the legend of the Opera Ghost, who demands 20,000 francs a month and his own private box. These requests are defied by the adamant and foolish Richard, little knowing the mayhem that will take place if he refuses to accept the Ghost's demands. Madame Giry, the box keeper, warns Richard that he may have upset the "Ghost". She is horrified when Richard demands use of Box Five (the Ghost's box). She knows the "Ghost" will not stand idly by while Richard refuses to accept his demands. She warns Richard to expect a run of horrific events. The evening performance begins ("Accursed All Base Pursuit of Earthly Pleasure"). The ghost provides his first warning in the form of the murder of Mephistopheles. After the performance, Richard's handsome (if somewhat dim) son Raoul, who is madly in love with the chorus girl Christine Daae, goes to her dressing room, only to hear her speak with another man. Jealous, Raoul enters the room to find it empty. This "ghost" seems very real, as is his love for Christine and woe betide anyone who gets in his way ("How Dare She"). A Groom comes to talk to Richard in his office about the disappearance of a horse named Caesar ("Late Last Night I'm In The Cellars"). Richard decides that the man is an idiot and promptly fires him. Raoul, feeling betrayed, meets with Christine at a local graveyard ("All Of My Dreams Faded Suddenly"). He is then introduced to the angelic voice of the Angel Of Music ("While Floating High Above"). Christine leaves and the Phantom attempts to throttle Raoul, but is disturbed by a Grave Digger, and runs off. Back at the Opera House, the unfortunate Richard has had to stand by while his son pursues the chorus girl Christine Daae and now must convince his diva Carlotta, who feels she is too ill to perform, to sing at the performance later that evening, with the help of his staff ("She Says She's Got The Nodules"). An agreement is made that Christine Daae will sing the role, while Carlotta mimes the act. This was not what the Phantom had in mind. He'll not cease causing "accidents" and will do all in his power to disrupt the proceedings, including rubbing out the lead singer. At the evening performance, Carlotta mimes the act incorrectly and very clearly out of sync with Christine ("What Do I See"). Christine faints before the end of the performance and Carlotta starts to croak like a frog, causing her to stop the performance. Laughing madly, the Phantom declares to the whole stage that Carlotta is bringing down the chandelier. But then, he finds the chandelier is the wrong one and switches it to a candelabra, dropping it on Carlotta. After the performance, Christine and Raoul meet on the rooftop of the Opera House to discuss running away from the Opera House and the Phantom together. But the Phantom isn't very far away at all. He appears from behind the statue of Apollo and towers above them ("To Pain My Heart Selfishly Dooms Me"). Christine and Raoul leave the roof, leaving the Phantom alone. An old man enters, throwing bird-seed down for the pigeons on the Opera House's roof. The Phantom's hurt turns to anger, and he throws the unfortunate man off the building. He screams that Christine will be his and the first act ends. A performance of Faust begins with Christine singing the lead role of Marguerite ("Ah! Do I Hear My Lover's Voice?"). However, during the song there's an unscheduled blackout and when the lights come back up, Christine has disappeared. The show quickly adjourns and the rest of the cast search high and low for her all over the Opera House, taking their lanterns into the audience ("No Sign! I See No Sign!"). But to no avail. The scene switches to the Phantom's underground domain, where he has kidnapped Christine in his boat and ties her to a post at his mist-shrouded dock before rowing slowly back into the darkness, leaving Christine behind ("Somewhere Above The Sun Shines Bright"). Meanwhile, the search party above ground migrates to the boiler room and the Persian reveals his true identity and fills us in on the Phantom's history ("Born with a Monstrous Countenance"). Raoul searches for a way down to the cellars below the Opera House ("In the Shadows, Dim and Dreay"). He succeeds and slips through a manhole with the rest of the group, into a boiler room. However things quickly heat up, literally, as the Phantom traps them inside. It looks like the end for the motley group, and they break into a chorus of ("What an Awful Way to Perish"). The final scene takes place in the Phantom's Chapel, with his organ and its unkempt riot of sheet music as a center-piece. He seems determined to wed Christine and expresses his love for her ("Ne'er Forsake Me, Here Remain"). As the song ends, Christine tears off his mask and the Phantom screams in anger and shame, hiding his face from Christine. His sobs fade, and he turns back, with a determined and violent look in his eyes, and produces a priest and chorus girl to bear witness to the forced marriage between him and Christine. But just in time, Raoul, the Persian and the rest of the group burst in, having escaped the Boiler Room and come through The Phantom's traps. The Phantom, suddenly finding himself in a tight spot, produces a knife and pulls Christine in front of him. In act of love to Christine, the Phantom stabs himself with his own dagger and dies in Christine's arms ("Ne'er Forsake me, Here Remain"). Christine remarks that the Phantom was always the angel of music ("He Will Not Go Without A Friend").

Philemon

Musical · 1975

Philemon is a 1975 Off-Broadway musical by Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt. The show was produced on Hollywood Television Theatre in 1976 with the original cast and directed by Norman Lloyd. It had a brief Off-Broadway revival in 1991.

Piaf/Dietrich

Musical · 2013

Édith Piaf and Marlene Dietrich form an unlikely friendship across contrasting careers and public identities. Their lives intersect through love, professional pressures, and private struggles, with songs from their repertoires framing the bond between them.

Pickwick

Musical · 1963

Set in England in 1828, the story centres on wealthy Samuel Pickwick and his valet Sam Weller, who are in a debtors' prison where they recall the misadventures that led to their imprisonment. On the previous Christmas Eve, Pickwick introduced his friend Wardle, Wardle's daughters, Emily and Isabella, and their Aunt Rachael to Nathaniel Winkle, Augustus Snodgrass, and Tracy Tupman, three members of the Pickwick Club. They were soon joined by Alfred Jingle, who tricked Tupman into paying for his ticket to a ball that evening. Upon learning Rachael is an heiress, Jingle set out to win her hand and eventually succeeded. Pickwick engages Sam Weller as his valet and, through a series of misunderstandings, he inadvertently leads his landlady, Mrs. Bardell, to believe he has proposed marriage to her. Pickwick is charged with breach of promise and hauled into court, where he is found guilty as charged and sentenced to prison when he stubbornly refuses to pay her compensation.

Piece of My Heart: The Bert Berns Story

Musical · 2014

Piece of My Heart: The Bert Berns Story is a jukebox musical with a book by Daniel Goldfarb and music and lyrics by Bert Berns. Based on the life and music of songwriter and record producer Bert Berns, the musical made its world premiere Off Broadway at the Pershing Square Signature Center on July 21, 2014.

Piff! Paff!! Pouf!!!

Musical · 1904

Piff! Paff!! Pouf!!! is a musical in two acts with music by Jean Schwartz, lyrics by William Jerome, and a book by Stanislaus Stange. It is considered the best musical created by the writing team of Schwartz and Jerome. A hit with audiences, it was the longest running musical of the 1903-1904 Broadway season. Set on the Atlantic City Boardwalk and at a mansion along the banks of the Hudson River in the Hudson River Valley in the state of New York, the musical follows a recently widowed man whose deceased wife, an heiress, left him her fortune in her will on the condition that he marry off all four of their daughters in the order of their birth prior to receiving any of her money.

Pipe Dream

Musical · 1955

The action of the play is in the mid-1950s, and takes place on Cannery Row in Monterey, California. In the Steinbeck book which forms the basis for the musical, the Bear Flag is a bordello and Suzy a prostitute. This is alluded to in the musical, but never expressed outright. In the early morning hours, marine biologist Doc is already at work in his one-man Western Biological Laboratory, getting an order of starfish ready to be shipped to a university. His unintelligent friend Hazel (a man) comes in to chat with him ("All Kinds of People"). Millicent, a wealthy young lady, enters from the next room, where she has been spending (part of) the night with Doc. Mac, another friend of Doc, brings in Suzy, who has injured her hand breaking a window to steal some donuts. Doc, whose lack of a medical degree does not stop the denizens of Cannery Row from seeking him out for treatment, bandages her hand, as the irritated Millicent leaves. Suzy, new in town, is curious about Doc's work ("The Tide Pool") and tells about her journey from San Francisco ("Everybody's Got a Home but Me"). Fauna, who runs the nearby Bear Flag Café—an establishment open even at this hour—had heard that a new girl in town had injured herself, and has come to talk to Suzy. Fauna is initially reluctant to invite Suzy into the Bear Flag, but when Jim, the local plainclothes cop gives Suzy a hard time, Fauna takes Suzy in. Suzy is fully aware of what kind of a place it is. The Palace Flophouse, where Mac, Hazel, and other locals reside, is a storage shed behind the Chinese store now owned by Joe the Mexican, and the Flophouse residents muse on their awkward path through life ("A Lopsided Bus"). Fauna comes by briefly to tell Hazel that she has run his "horror scope" and that he will one day be President. The Flophouse boys have a problem: Joe the Mexican acts unaware that he owns the shed; he has not appeared to either demand rent or to kick them out. They would like to know whether Joe is aware of his ownership, without tipping him off. The boys come up with the idea of raffling off their shed, with the raffle rigged so that Doc, who would not kick them out, will be the winner. The prize money will allow Doc to buy the microscope he needs for his scientific work. They sound out Joe about the scheme; he offers to sell tickets in his store and displays no awareness that he owns the shed. Suzy and Doc are attracted to each other; she has in fact been quietly tidying his rooms while he is down at the tide pool catching specimens ("The Man I Used to Be"). Fauna tries to persuade Doc, who is very successful with the ladies, to woo Suzy. When Doc is dismissive, Fauna explains that she wants to get Suzy out of the Bear Flag when it is taken over for the night by a private party. Doc agrees to take Suzy out and treat her like a lady. Fauna goes back to the Bear Flag ("Sweet Thursday"), and works to give Suzy confidence ("Suzy is a Good Thing"). Doc and Suzy's date is the source of great interest to the people of Cannery Row. Both are nervous; Doc wears an unaccustomed necktie, while Suzy tries to act like a lady, but her polish wears thin at times. ("All At Once You Love Her"). At the end of the meal, they decide to continue the evening on a secluded sand dune. The next morning, the girls of the Bear Flag are exhausted; the members of the private party wore them out. They wonder how Suzy's date with Doc went. Although it is only July, Fauna is busy ordering the Bear Flag's Christmas cards ("The Happiest House on the Block"). Suzy comes in and tells Fauna of the date; that Doc made no pass at her, and that Doc confided how lonely he is. She is convinced Doc "don't need nobody like me"; he needs a wife. Fauna is encouraging, but Suzy believes that Doc, knowing what he does of her history and work, will not want her. The Flophouse is to host a fancy dress party the following night, at which the raffle is to take place—Fauna proposes that at the party, Suzy sing "Will You Marry Me?" to Doc. Suzy is still nervous; Fauna reminds her that the previous night, Doc did not treat her like a tramp, and she did not act like one. As word spreads of the celebration, the community becomes enthusiastic about the get-together ("The Party That We're Gonna Have Tomorrow Night") At the Flophouse, a wild celebration takes place. Fauna, at first in the costume of a witch, seems to transform her costume into that of a Fairy Godmother. After some sleight of hand with the tickets, Doc wins the raffle, to the surprise of some. When Suzy comes out in a white bride's dress and sings her lines, Doc is unimpressed, and Suzy is humiliated. As both stalk off in opposite directions, the party disintegrates into a brawl. Suzy gets a job at a burger joint, and moves into an abandoned boiler, with entry through the attached pipe. Doc is unhappy, and Hazel decides something has to be done ("Thinkin' "). He is unable to come up with an answer, and eventually forgets the question. Some weeks pass, and Joe the Mexican woos Suzy. He has no success, and his attempts irritate Doc. The next day, Doc himself approaches the pipe with flowers in hand ("How Long?"), still uncertain as to why he is seeking a girl like Suzy. Suzy lets him in the boiler, which she has fitted up in a homelike manner. She is doing well at the burger joint, but is grateful to Fauna for giving her confidence. She is confident enough, indeed, to reject Doc, who is unhappy, but philosophical ("The Next Time It Happens"). Hazel sees Doc even more dispirited than before, and asks Suzy for an explanation. Suzy says that she is not willing to go over and be with Doc, but "if he was sick or if he bust his leg or an arm or something", she would go to him and bring him soup. The wheels in Hazel's head begin unaccustomed turnings, and sometime later when Mac passes Hazel on the street, Mac is surprised to see his friend carrying a baseball bat. When the scene returns to Doc's lab, he is receiving treatment from a real doctor and trying to puzzle out how he broke his arm. Suzy comes in, and makes soup for him as Hazel and Mac take turns watching at the keyhole. Doc admits that he needs and loves Suzy, and they embrace. As Fauna and the girls arrive, so do the other Flophouse boys, and Mac gives Doc what was bought with the raffle money—the largest (tele)scope in the catalog. ("Finale")

Pippin

Musical · 1972

A traveling performance troupe of Players led by a Leading Player invites the audience to witness their show, promising a spectacular experience ("Magic to Do"). They begin telling the story of Pippin (his actor is described as a new Player making his stage debut), the first son of Frankish King Charlemagne. After a brief overview of his life from birth to young adulthood, Pippin, a recent university graduate, sings of his search for his purpose in life ("Corner of the Sky"). Pippin returns home to his father's castle and estate, where Charlemagne and Pippin's reunion is constantly interrupted by nobles, soldiers, and courtiers vying for Charlemagne's attention ("Welcome Home"). Pippin also meets with his ambitious stepmother Fastrada, and her strong but dim-witted son Lewis. Charlemagne and Lewis are going to battle against the Visigoths soon, and Pippin begs his father to take him along as a soldier to prove himself. Charlemagne reluctantly agrees and explains the battle plan to his men ("War is a Science"), interrupted repeatedly by an over-enthusiastic Pippin. The Players express the battle through song and dance, with the Leading Player and two lead dancers in the middle (performing Bob Fosse's famous "Manson Trio") and the actual violence in the background ("Glory"). Charlemagne declares victory and leads his army off to the next battle. A disillusioned Pippin has a cynical discussion with an enemy soldier's severed head, recognizing the futility of war. He flees to the countryside as the Leading Player sings of the pleasures of a free and easy life ("Simple Joys"), then meets with Berthe, his paternal grandmother, exiled by Fastrada. She tells Pippin to stop worrying about his future and enjoy the pleasures and comforts of the present ("No Time at All"). Pippin takes this advice to heart and searches for more lighthearted pastimes. He enjoys many sexual encounters but soon becomes overwhelmed by their meaninglessness and forces all the women away ("With You"). The Leading Player suggests to Pippin that fulfillment can be found in fighting against Charlemagne's tyrannical ways, and Pippin plots a revolution against his father. Fastrada learns of Pippin's plan and devises one of her own: if Pippin either successfully kills Charlemagne, or fails and is arrested for treason, Lewis will be next in line for the throne either way. She manipulates Charlemagne into going to his annual prayer early, and she tells Pippin that he will be at the chapel unarmed ("Spread a Little Sunshine"). At the royal chapel at Arles, Pippin confronts his father, who justifies his cruelty and tyranny as necessary to achieve peace and prosperity for the realm. He then resigns to his fate, and after Pippin assassinates him, the people rejoice and bow to their new king ("Morning Glow"). The Leading Player informs the audience that the actors will break for now, but assures them they will enjoy the finale. As king, Pippin brings peace to the land by giving to the poor, eradicating taxes, ending the military, and peacefully settling foreign disputes. However, this soon falls apart, as Pippin is forced to go back on many of his promises, reverting to Charlemagne's ways. At Pippin's request, the Leading Player revives Charlemagne, who takes the throne back, and Pippin is left discouraged, as his life is still unfulfilled. The Leading Player counsels him to keep going down his life's path ("On the Right Track"), but after experimenting with art and religion, Pippin falls into monumental despair and collapses on the floor. Widowed farm-owner Catherine finds him on the street, and is genuinely attracted to him ("And There He Was"), to the Leading Player's concern. Introducing herself ("Kind of Woman"), she has Pippin help as a farmhand on her estate. Pippin thinks himself above such things ("Extraordinary"), but after comforting her son, Theo, on the sickness and eventual death of his pet duck ("Prayer for a Duck"), he falls in love with Catherine ("Love Song"). As time goes by, Pippin grows too comfortable in monotony and leaves the estate to continue searching for his true purpose. Catherine is heartbroken and reflects on him, spontaneously beginning a song that was not initially in the script, to the Leading Player's anger and surprise ("I Guess I'll Miss the Man"). The Leading Player and the troupe find Pippin alone and tell him that the only fulfilling thing is their planned finale, in which Pippin will commit suicide by lighting himself on fire for one burst of glory. At the last moment, he realizes that there must be something more to life and chooses not to follow through. Catherine and Theo enter, defying the script, and stand beside Pippin. He realizes that his purpose was never to achieve greatness or glory, but rather to live an ordinary life ("Finale"/"Magic Shows and Miracles"). The furious Leading Player calls off the show and tells the rest of the Players and the orchestra to pack up, abandoning Pippin, Catherine, and Theo on a truly empty stage. Pippin is left devoid of anything extraordinary but finally feels fulfilled. The "Theo ending" was originally conceived in 1998 by Mitch Sebastian, and is included in all newer productions of Pippin, including the 2013 Broadway revival. After the Players shun Pippin for not performing the grand finale, and he avers his contentment with a simple life with Catherine, Theo remains alone on stage and sings a verse of "Corner of the Sky", after which the Leading Player and the Players return, backed by the "Magic to Do" melody, implying that the existential crisis at the heart of the play is part of a cycle and will now continue, but with Theo as the Players' replacement for Pippin. Current productions vary between the two possible endings, though Schwartz himself has expressed his preference for the newer ending. This is also the ending used in most licensed versions of the musical. Notes

Plain and Fancy

Musical · 1954

Plain and Fancy is a musical comedy with a book by Joseph Stein and Will Glickman, lyrics by Arnold B. Horwitt, and music by Albert Hague. One of the first depictions of an Amish community in American popular culture, it includes a traditional barn raising and an old-fashioned country wedding. The musical ran on Broadway in 1955–56, and has been produced yearly at the Round Barn Theatre in Nappanee, Indiana since 1986.

Platinum

Musical · 1977

Platinum is a stage musical with a book by Will Holt and Bruce Vilanch, music by Gary William Friedman, and lyrics by Holt. Set in a Hollywood recording studio, it centers on Lila Halliday, a star of 1940s and 1950s movie musicals who is attempting a comeback. In the process, she falls for a young rock star named Dan Danger.

Play On!

Musical · 1996

Vy comes to swinging 1940s Harlem to write songs for the Duke, Harlem's greatest band leader. To overcome the sexist barriers of the time against women songwriters, she disguises herself as a man, Vy-man. She finds the Duke in tears over his loss of Lady Liv, Harlem's "queen of the blues". The Duke likes Vy-man's music, so he instructs the songwriter to go to the Cotton Club and present one of her songs as if it were a new song written by the Duke for Lady Liv. Once Lady Liv finds Vy-man to be quite charming, a series of mistaken pairings ensue. Meanwhile, Jester and several other Cotton Club performers are rebelling against the overly serious and tyrannical club manager, Rev. Since Rev has a crush on Lady Liv, the performers persuade him that he should woo her by learning to swing and scat, giving up his old fashioned ballads. More confusion results before the truth is revealed, and the couples are appropriately united.

Pokémon Live!

Musical · 2000

The following synopsis is based on videos of the show as provided by the production manager, Chris Mitchell, and the script he provided to pocketmonsters.net. The story begins with a shadowed Giovanni releasing a commercial challenging all Pokémon Trainers to win the one-of-a-kind Diamond Badge by defeating him and his Pokémon in a battle. Ash declines to join his mother Delia, and Professor Oak to a lecture on sleep disorders among Snorlax, because he has decided to accept the mysterious Gym Leader's challenge. As he prepares for the journey, Misty chastises him for not taking her to the movies for her birthday as promised three weeks ago. Ash promises to make it up to her somehow, but adds that Pokémon are his friends too ("You and Me and Pokémon"). Together with Brock, Ash and Misty head off for the Gym using a map downloaded from the Diamond Badge website. Meanwhile, Jessie, James, and Meowth get a call from Giovanni ordering them to go to his headquarters. When they arrive, he gloats about his ultimate creation, MechaMew2. The mechanical monster—based on the powerful Mewtwo he had late in the anime's first season and Pokémon: The First Movie—will soon be unstoppable ("It Will All Be Mine"). He orders Team Rocket to capture Ash's Pikachu, because it has Thundershock and Thunder Attack, two techniques that MechaMew2 doesn't have. They promise to do as he says after he promises them a good pay. Soon, several trainers face off against MechaMew2, which copies the attack of its challengers and uses it against them to defeat them. Among the moves it learns is Self Destruct, which it is not ordered to return as doing so would destroy it. Giovanni praises his mechanical Pokémon and gloats that as soon as it learns every Pokémon's attack, nothing will stand in his way ("It Will All Be Mine (Reprise)"). In the forest, Brock chases cute girls and Misty laments that Ash is ignoring her in favor of his Pokémon. Ash tells his friends that he wants them to travel together forever ("My Best Friends"). Jessie, James and Meowth dig a pitfall trap for Ash and his friends to fall into, but the heroes walk right over it without incident because the Rockets forgot to remove the supports. To their misfortune, Jessie and James only realize the cause when they pull out the supports and fall into their own trap, leaving a frustrated Meowth to run off for a rope to pull them out. In the meantime, Delia and Professor Oak approach the old, run-down building where the Snorlax lecture is supposed to be held. After Delia confesses that she feels that she is losing touch with her son, the Professor reassures her by saying that things never stay the same for long ("Everything Changes"). Suddenly, several Rocket Grunts rush out of the shadows and surround them, and Giovanni says that the lecture was a trap to lure Professor Oak to them. When the Boss also recognizes Delia, she insists that anything between them was in the past, to which he says that some things don't have to change. Giovanni orders the Rocket Grunts to take Delia and Oak to an (offstage) helicopter and to his headquarters, where they'll witness something that will change the world forever ("Everything Changes (Reprise 1)"). Back in the forest, the heroes are lost and alone after Brock earlier threw the map in the river while asking a female trainer for directions. They try getting help from a deaf trainer with Brock interpreting his signs, who agrees to share his map on the condition that he and the "guy with the goofy smile" have a battle first. Offended, Ash agrees to this, but the deaf trainer sends out Jigglypuff, who instantly starts singing, which makes everyone fall asleep, after which Jigglypuff draws on their faces. Some time later, Misty wakes up and wipes Jigglypuff's drawings off Ash's face, singing about her unrequited love for him as she does so ("Misty's Song"). Ash and Brock wake up as well, with the former wondering aloud who was singing just now. Misty claims the song was Jigglypuff's, and the heroes notice that the deaf trainer kept his end of the deal and left his map for them. The group continues on to the next part of the path, this time with Misty carrying the map. Meanwhile, Meowth gets Jessie and James, who have also danced to Jigglypuff's song, out of the pit while complaining about their incompetence. Realizing that Meowth is right, Jessie and James lament their status as failures. Meowth cheers them up by telling them that being failures is something at which they're successful ("The Best at Being the Worst"). With that, the Rockets set out to find Pikachu again. Using their Magikarp submarine, they manage to catch up with the trainers at Cerulean Blue Lagoon, where Ash declares that he's going to use Pikachu against the gym leader ("Pikachu (I Choose You)"). While the kids get caught up in the song, Team Rocket captures Pikachu when he dances near them. By the time Ash realizes Pikachu is missing, Team Rocket is long gone. After an intermission segment in which Ash's Pokédex Dexter explains his important contribution to Ash's continuing success and gathers data from the audience ("What Kind of Pokémon Are You?"), the heroes return to the forest. Ash is positive that his favorite Pokémon has once again been kidnapped by Team Rocket. Misty, still upset about being ignored on her birthday, suggests that maybe Pikachu has just left Ash of his own will because of the trainer's new habit of ignoring his friends. She runs after Brock, leaving Ash to ponder her words and worry that Pikachu did leave on his own. Ash bids an emotional farewell to Pikachu ("The Time Has Come"). At the Gym, Delia and Professor Oak are in the battle arena and locked inside giant cages. Oak asks Delia why the Boss recognized her. She explains that Giovanni is an old boyfriend from when she was a teenager and used to hang out with a bad crowd, which she put behind her when she met Ash's father. She never told this to Ash, fearing that he would not understand. Delia came to hate Giovanni, which he arrives just in time to hear. Realizing Delia has changed, Giovanni tells them that they're here to witness the final battle, as the only attacks left to be learned are Pikachu's electric moves ("You and Me and Pokémon (Reprise)"). Immediately after, the Rockets arrive with the captured Pikachu ("Double Trouble"). Giovanni orders them to battle MechaMew2 using Pikachu. They attempt to command Pikachu, but Pikachu shocks the Rockets instead, knocking them into the cages and allowing Oak and Delia to escape. Giovanni is unconcerned with his prisoners' escape. He realizes that Pikachu's trainer is necessary to make it battle, so he orders Jessie, James, and Meowth to bring Ash to him. They agree and set off to capture Ash ("Double Trouble (Reprise)"). Meanwhile, as she and Brock search fruitlessly for Pikachu, Misty admits that she just wanted Ash to realize that he's alienating his friends—specifically, her. Brock realizes Misty really likes Ash, and Misty denies it by saying Brock wouldn't know anything about liking someone—after all, he's always chasing Nurse Joy and Officer Jenny ("Two Perfect Girls"). Not far away, Delia and Professor Oak continue their discussion about her past and conflict over whether or not to tell it to Ash. Meanwhile, Misty continues to lament over her feelings for Ash. Elsewhere, Ash tells himself that he may have to go on without Pikachu, even if it hurts ("I've Got a Secret"). Soon, all five of them converge in the forest. Delia tells Ash that Giovanni has Pikachu in his hideout and that Team Rocket kidnapped him. Ash is furious, determined to get his Pokémon back and win the Diamond Badge. Before he can leave, Delia tells Ash of her past with Giovanni. Ash is shocked by the news and is in a hurry to leave. Suddenly, Jessie and James appear on scooters, ordering Ash to come with them. The team is utterly shocked when Ash agrees to join them without a fight. The others try to follow, but Meowth says that Ash was the only Pokémon trainer Giovanni wanted. As Ash and Team Rocket leave, Delia laments that she gave Ash even more of a reason to confront Giovanni. ("Everything Changes (Reprise 2)"). At his headquarters, Giovanni tells MechaMew2 that soon, their conquest of the world will begin. Ash runs in and demands that his Pikachu be returned. When Giovanni hears his surname and realizes he's Delia's son, Ash is angered and tells him to leave his mother out of this. Jessie and James enter announcing their capture of Ash, missing that he had already entered the arena, and celebrate having done two things correctly in one day. The Boss grows annoyed with them and orders them to leave, and they crash their scooters upon exiting. Joyfully reunited with Pikachu, Ash prepares to battle Giovanni and is shocked when he reveals himself to be the Gym Leader from the commercial. Giovanni mockingly gives Ash the Diamond Badge, saying he'll retrieve it after Ash loses. Ash orders Pikachu to Thundershock, then Thunder MechaMew2, but the attacks do not affect it. MechaMew2 then returns the attacks, rendering Pikachu unable to battle. With that, Giovanni proclaims his victory because his Pokémon has now learned every single attack. Undaunted, Ash engages the Boss in a fistfight ("You Just Can't Win"). Tiring of the scuffle, Giovanni orders MechaMew2 to attack Ash with Hyper Beam, but Mewtwo appears to save Ash with a forcefield. He then attacks MechaMew2 with a collection of Ash's happy memories, like his love for Pokémon and Misty. MechaMew2 speaks for the first time and rebels against Giovanni, revealing that it learned about love and goodness from Ash. Recognizing that Giovanni is evil, MechaMew2 feels it must stop his plans no matter the cost. MechaMew2 puts Giovanni in a headlock and prepares to Selfdestruct, telling Mewtwo to take an unconscious Ash somewhere safe.

Polnische Hochzeit

Musical · 1937

A German-language operetta by Joseph Beer, Fritz Löhner-Beda, and Alfred Grünwald, premiered in Zürich in 1937 and subsequently performed across Europe.

Poor Little Ritz Girl

Musical · 1920

Poor Little Ritz Girl is a musical comedy in two acts, with book by George Campbell and Lew Fields. The show had some songs with lyrics by Alex Gerber and music by Sigmund Romberg and other songs with lyrics by Lorenz Hart and music by Richard Rodgers.

Poppy

Musical · 1923

Poppy is a musical comedy in three acts with music by Stephen Jones and Arthur Samuels (additional music by John Egan), and lyrics and book by Dorothy Donnelly, with contributions from Howard Dietz, W. C. Fields and Irving Caesar.

Poppy

Musical · 1982

Poppy is a 1982 musical comedy play set during the First Opium War. The play takes the form of a pantomime, complete with Dick Whittington (played as a principal boy), a pantomime dame, and two pantomime horses. The book and lyrics were written by Peter Nichols; the composer was Monty Norman. Though there are dark and savage undertones to this fairy tale, in the end, most of the British live happily ever after, and it is the Chinese who learn to know their place.

Portofino

Musical · 1958

Portofino is a musical with a book by Richard Ney (who also served as producer), lyrics by Ney and Sheldon Harnick, and music by Louis Bellson and Will Irwin. In his book on Broadway, The Season, William Goldman described its growing pains similarly to Buttrio Square and Breakfast at Tiffany's. Set in a piazza in the Italian resort town of Portofino, the plot involves auto-racing duke Nicky; his Texan rival Kitty; his granddaughter Angela, a practicing witch; the local padre; and his look-alike Guido, an emissary from the devil. When critics crucified the show during its Philadelphia tryout, Ney, the producer, left it to the cast to decide if they should continue to New York City, they voted to continue.

Preludes

Musical · 2015

Preludes is a musical fantasia set in the mind of Sergei Rachmaninoff, written and composed by Dave Malloy. The music is a combination of compositions by Rachmaninoff, Malloy, hybrids of the two, as well as music and lyrics from other related compositions.

Present Arms

Musical · 1928

Present Arms is a Broadway musical comedy that opened April 26, 1928, with music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Lorenz Hart, and the book by Herbert Fields. It was produced by Lew Fields, with musical numbers staged by Busby Berkeley. It ran for 155 performances at the Lew Fields' Mansfield Theatre, which is known as the Lena Horne Theatre today. Present Arms was filmed in 1930 with Irene Dunne, with its title changed to Leathernecking. The film is presumed lost.

Pretty Filthy

Musical · 2015

Described as a "porn docu-musical," the show follows several vignettes of adult film stars, focusing extensively on Becky, a young woman just beginning in the industry. She moves to Los Angeles, where she gets a manager and changes her name to Taylor St. Ives. Throughout her experience, she brings along her boyfriend Bobby, who himself becomes an adult film star, and meets veteran star Georgina Congress, exploring the challenges of the industry in forming relationships, gender parity and the evolution since its inception.

Pretty Polly

Musical · 1900

A shy Charlie Brown brings a talking parrot to Polly Grey, hoping it will voice his proposal for him. Polly discovers his plan and pretends the bird came from his rival Percy Green, until Brown admits the truth and learns Polly returns his feelings.

Pretty Woman

Musical · 2018

Pretty Woman is a musical with music and lyrics by Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance, and a book by Garry Marshall and J. F. Lawton. The musical is based on the 1990 film of the same name written by Lawton and directed by Marshall. It centers on the relationship that develops between Vivian Ward, a free-spirited Hollywood prostitute, and Edward Lewis, a wealthy businessman who hires her for a week to be his escort for several business and social functions. The original production of Pretty Woman premiered at the Oriental Theatre, Chicago in March 2018, with direction and choreography by Jerry Mitchell, and starring Samantha Barks and Steve Kazee, as Vivian and Edward. It made its Broadway debut at the David T. Nederlander Theatre on August 16, 2018, and closed one year later on August 18, 2019.

Primrose

Musical · 1924

Primrose is a musical in three acts with a book by Guy Bolton and George Grossmith Jr., lyrics by Desmond Carter and Ira Gershwin, and music by George Gershwin. It centres on a writer whose story-within-a-story forms the basis of the plot.

Prince Ananias

Musical · 1894

Arriving at the court of King Boniface, a touring troupe of players finds that the king has lost his ability to laugh. They are tasked with finding his sense of humor; the penalty for failure is death. They produce a work, Prince Ananias, that is not well-received, except that the title character is so inept that the king bursts out laughing. Thus, the players have a happy ending, as do the several pairs of lovers who overcome various romantic and backstage complications.

Prince of Central Park

Musical · 1988

Prince of Central Park is a 1989 Broadway musical with music by Don Sebesky, lyrics by Gloria Nissenson and a book by Evan H. Rhodes. It is based on Rhodes' 1974 novel The Prince of Central Park and its 1977 television movie adaptation which starred Ruth Gordon and Brooke Shields. The musical was a notorious flop, losing nearly $2 million and closing after only four performances. Today, it is best remembered for a humorously negative review by Frank Rich in The New York Times.

Princess Caprice

Musical · 1912

Princess Caprice is a musical theatre work described as a "comedy with music", in three acts, with music by Leo Fall. The book was adapted by Alexander M. Thompson from Fall's operetta Der liebe Augustin by Rudolf Bernauer and Ernst Welisch. The lyrics were by A. Scott-Craven, Harry Beswick and Percy Greenbank. Much of the music was from Der liebe Augustin, but Fall composed four new numbers, with lyrics by Scott-Craven, for the new piece. The story involves mistaken identities and farcical financial dealings at a European palace, following which the proper romantic partners are paired happily. The original production opened at the Shaftesbury Theatre, London, on 11 May 1912, running for 265 performances until January 1913. It was produced by Robert Courtneidge. The piece then toured.

Princess Charming (operetta)

Musical · 1925

Princess Charming is an operetta with music composed by Albert Szirmai. The English libretto by Arthur Wimperis and Lauri Wylie is based on the Hungarian libretto by Franz Martos. The operetta is set in the Palace of the Elyrian Embassy in the fictional European country of Novia and the Sigman Castle adjoining the Royal Palace. The story concerns a young princess who accepts a proposal of marriage from the elderly king of a neighboring country as protection against an uprising by her own subjects. Captain Torrelli, a military officer sent by the king, fears imminent danger to the princess and marries her himself. The officer then escorts her to his king for an annulment, but the couple fall in love and elope. The operetta was first presented in Hungarian in 1925 in Budapest as Alexandra. Its English-language premier was in London in 1926, and it was revived on Broadway and elsewhere. A 1934 film adaptation was made, starring Evelyn Laye.

Princess Flavia

Musical · 1925

Princess Flavia is a 1925 operetta in three acts based on Anthony Hope's novel The Prisoner of Zenda, with book and lyrics by Harry B. Smith and music by Sigmund Romberg. It is set in the fictional European country of Zenda.

Princess Toto

Musical · 1876

Absent-minded Princess Toto is due to marry Prince Caramel, but her earlier betrothed Doro returns after being shipwrecked. Confusion follows when Caramel disguises himself as the brigand Barberini, and Toto runs off with him shortly after marrying Doro. She later joins her father’s court disguised as American Indians, while Doro and Caramel each pursue her. After more mistaken identities, Toto recognizes Doro as her husband and agrees to marry him again; Caramel proposes to Toto’s nurse, Jelly.

Prinz Methusalem

Musical · 1877

An operetta by Johann Strauss II with a libretto by Karl Treumann, after Victor Wilder and Alfred Delacour.

Prinzessin Nofretete

Musical · 1936

Two-act German-language operetta by Nico Dostal to a libretto by Rudolf Köller and the composer.

Priscilla, Queen of the Desert

Musical · 2006

The drag queen Mitzi Mitosis – stage name of Anthony "Tick" Belrose – is performing at a club ("Downtown" [Australia and London]/"I've Never Been to Me"; "It's Raining Men" [Broadway]) when his estranged wife Marion, calls in for a favour. While Tick is offstage, fellow drag queen Miss Understanding performs her own number ("What's Love Got to Do With It?"). From the phone in Tick's dressing room, Marion reveals that she needs an act for a few weeks at her business in distant Alice Springs, Australia. Tick is at first reluctant, but Marion informs him that part of the reason she's asking is because their now eight-year-old son Benji wants to meet his father ("I Say A Little Prayer"). Tick confides in another fellow drag queen Farrah, before deciding he will leave for Alice Springs. Tick then calls a friend, a transgender woman named Bernadette to join him but Bernadette's husband has just died. The pair meet at the funeral ("Don't Leave Me This Way"), where Bernadette agrees to join him. Tick also asks a friend Felicia – stage name of Adam Whitely – to come with them ("Venus"/"Material Girl"), with Bernadette taking an immediate dislike to his show-off performance style. Nonetheless, the newly formed trio buy a "budget Barbie campervan" they nickname "Priscilla, Queen of the Desert" ("Go West"). Tick informs them that the trip is a favour to his wife, but does not tell them it is also to meet his son who wants to see him ("I Say A Little Prayer (Reprise)"). As the journey to Alice Springs begins, Adam angers Bernadette after making transphobic jokes about her life before transitioning. Later the group arrives at a bar in Broken Hill, in full drag, and start a bar dance party ("I Love the Nightlife"), but when they return to the bus learn that the townspeople wrote hateful statements on the bus in spray paint. Tick is very upset, but Adam and Bernadette comfort him ("Both Sides, Now"/"True Colors"). While on the road, Adam practices his lip-syncing as Felicia sitting in the giant high heel on the roof of the van ("Follie! Delirio vano è questo! Sempre libera (from La traviata)"). The next morning, Priscilla breaks down and Adam buys lavender paint to erase the vandalism ("Colour My World"). They manage to get the locals of another town on their side and meet Bob, a mechanic from a small town nearby who agrees to help fix Priscilla. The group celebrates that they've found people that accept them ("I Will Survive"). The second act opens with a group of bogans singing ("Thank God I'm A Country Boy"). Bernadette talks with Bob and learns that when he was in Sydney, he saw her when she was a young "Les Girl" ("A Fine Romance"). The two begin to grow feelings for each other. Later in a bar ("Thank God I'm A Country Boy Reprise"), the trio is about to perform ("Shake Your Groove Thing") when Cynthia, Bob's wife, interrupts their act by "popping" ping-pong balls ("Pop Muzik"). After this, the trio leaves, leaving Bob to wonder about his feelings for Bernadette ("A Fine Romance (Reprise)"). All of a sudden, Bernadette asks if he wants a free ride back to his real home, in which he agrees ("Girls Just Wanna Have Fun"). Later when they arrive, Adam dresses up like a woman to try to meet men ("Hot Stuff"), but ends up getting chased and nearly becomes the victim of a hate crime until Bernadette rescues him by kicking one of his attackers. Later as they arrive in Alice Springs, Tick reflects on the trip after someone literally leaves the cake out in the rain ("MacArthur Park"). As another act performs first ("Boogie Wonderland"), the trio gets ready to perform a variety of songs that they sang or lip-synced on their journey ("The Floor Show"). Afterwards, Tick finally meets his son, Benji, who accepts his father's sexuality and lifestyle ("Always on My Mind/I Say a Little Prayer") and Adam gets to perform his own solo Madonna hit, ("Like A Prayer" [Broadway]; "Confide in Me/Kylie Medley" [Australia and West End]), his favorite singer. Afterwards the gang talks about their plans after Alice Springs, and realize they can't leave each other ("We Belong"). They go off stage together and the company performs a medley of songs to close the show ("Finally (Finale)").

Prisoner Cell Block H: The Musical

Musical · 1995

Prisoner Cell Block H: The Musical is a stage musical based on the Australian television series Prisoner (also known as Prisoner Cell Block H) created by Reg Watson. The concept, music and lyrics where devised by Don Battye and Peter Pinne. After previews from 23 October 1995, the musical opened on 30 October 1995 at the Sondheim Theatre (formerly The Queens Theatre) in London's West End. It closed on 13 January 1996. The cast featured Lily Savage and Maggie Kirkpatrick.

Prodigal

Musical · 2000

As the OVERTURE fades, we meet Luke Flannery and his family; father Harry, mother Celia and brother Kane, who live in Eden, Australia ((PICTURE POSTCARD PLACE). Luke is 18 and about to join the Flannery fishing business, but isn't so sure that he wants to spend another eighteen years playing (HAPPY FAMILIES). Harry gives him a car for his birthday, to use for business (much to Kane's disgust). Luke announces he has been offered a place at Sydney University, and wants to go. Celia tries to keep the mood light (PICTURE POSTCARD PLACE - REPRISE). Against Harry's wishes, Luke runs away to Sydney (RUN WITH THE TIDE). He moves into a warehouse apartment with Maddy, a performance artist, who encourages him to shift his perspective and see the world with BRAND NEW EYES0. They quickly become best friends, but when Maddy tells Luke she loves him, he is forced to introduce his boyfriend from University, Zach. A few weeks later, Zach moves into the apartment, and the three get better acquainted sharing childhood memories (WHEN I WAS A KID). Luke realizes he has shut his family out of his life, so calls home to tell his parents his news, who don't react as he hoped (MY BOY). Luke responds by going out, experimenting with drugs, letting all responsibility slide (OUT OF MYSELF). Maddy throws him out after one late night party too many, and eventually Zach dumps him too (SET ME FREE). Luke decides to return home and mend the bridges he burned (EPIPHANY). The homecoming doesn't go as planned, as neither Luke nor Harry can bring themselves to admit they could be wrong, and Luke is thrown out of the house. When Harry stops Celia from going after him, she pushes him aside (LOVE THEM AND LEAVE THEM ALONE). Harry takes his frustration out on Kane, and goes down to the pub. Celia tracks Luke down at the local pub, and asks him to be a little more understanding of Harry, but Luke won't back down in his beliefs (WHERE DOES IT GET YOU). She leaves him for the night, and Luke receives a phone call, telling him to meet Kane at the shipyard. At the docks he is attacked and badly injured. Maddy performs the piece she developed through meeting Luke and opening up to her own dad (MADDY'S PIECE). Kane comes home the next day to find out from Harry that Luke is in the hospital. Kane admits responsibility, but before walking out points out Harry isn't blameless himself. Harry goes to the hospital and relieves Celia of her watch over Luke (LULLABY). Months later. Luke has healed, but won't leave the family home, even with Celia and Harry's encouragement. They spring a surprise on him; they've invited Maddy down. She reminds Luke of why he left Eden originally and helps him to reimagine the life he went searching for. He decides to return to Sydney, and try again (FINALE). Luke heads out to show Maddy around his home town, leaving Harry and Celia in the family kitchen.

Promenade

Musical · 1965

Promenade is an experimental musical comedy with book and lyrics by María Irene Fornés and music by Rev. Al Carmines. In a review in The New York Times for a 1983 New York revival, Stephen Holden linked the production to the Theatre of the Absurd: "This work, which suggests a mixture of Candide and Samuel Beckett viewed through Lewis Carroll's looking glass, is a little too avant-garde and absurdist to appeal to mainstream tastes. But in its odd way it's an exquisite piece of musical theater."

Promises, Promises

Musical · 1968

Chuck Baxter is an ambitious bachelor and junior executive for a large insurance company, Consolidated Life, who expresses his frustrations and hopes for career advancement ("Half as Big as Life"). To curry favor with higher-ups in the company, he allows his apartment to be used for their romantic trysts in return for promises of promotion ("Upstairs"). Chuck has his own eye set on Fran Kubelik, a waitress in the company cafeteria whom he's always admired from a distance. While talking together she wonders if she will ever find someone to share her life with. Chuck hopes that she might notice him ("You'll Think of Someone"). J.D. Sheldrake, the company's powerful personnel director, notices the glowing reviews written by Chuck's superiors and deduces the reason for them. He requests sole use of the apartment for his affairs in exchange for Chuck's long-awaited promotion and tickets to a basketball game ("Our Little Secret"). (In the 2010 revival, the song "I Say a Little Prayer For You" was added for a scene in which Fran tells female workmates about flowers she has received from a new "mystery individual".) Chuck asks Fran to attend the basketball game with him, and she agrees to meet him there after first having a drink with her soon-to-be ex-lover ("She Likes Basketball"). Fran's lover turns out to be the married Sheldrake. Fran wants to end the relationship, but Sheldrake talks her into spending the evening with him ("Knowing When to Leave"). Though Fran stands him up, Chuck forgives her. When he informs the other executives that his apartment is no longer available for their use, they express dismay ("Where Can You Take a Girl?"). Meanwhile, Sheldrake wonders why he is drawn to affairs ("Wanting Things"). The scene shifts to the company Christmas party, where everyone is enjoying themselves ("Turkey Lurkey Time"). Miss Olsen, Sheldrake's secretary, reveals to Fran that she is simply the latest in a long line of Sheldrake's mistresses. The first-act curtain falls as Fran is driven to misery ("A House is Not a Home" in the 2010 revival), and Chuck discovers that Fran is the one Sheldrake has been taking to his apartment. A despondent Chuck spends Christmas Eve trying to drink away his troubles at a bar, where he meets another tipsy lonelyheart, Marge MacDougall, who agrees to come back to his apartment ("A Fact Can Be a Beautiful Thing"). In the meantime, at Chuck's apartment, Fran confronts Mr. Sheldrake about his earlier affairs. While he admits to the affairs, he declares his love for Fran, but tells her that he must leave in order to catch his train home to spend Christmas Eve with his family. A despairing Fran discovers Chuck's sleeping pills and takes the whole bottle ("Whoever You Are"). When Chuck arrives with Marge, he discovers Fran on his bed. After quickly disposing of Marge, a frantic Chuck gets his neighbor, Dr. Dreyfuss, to come over and together they save her life. The next morning Chuck calls Sheldrake to let him know what happened. Sheldrake says he can't leave for the city without his wife knowing and asks Chuck to take care of Fran ("Christmas Day"). Over the next few days Chuck and Dreyfuss try to keep Fran's spirits up to prevent a relapse into suicidal behavior ("A Young Pretty Girl Like You"). Chuck and Fran play gin rummy and discuss their problems, growing closer ("I'll Never Fall In Love Again"). Mr. Kirkeby, one of Chuck's former 'clients', discovers that Fran has been staying at Chuck's apartment, so as revenge for cutting him and the others off from using the apartment he tells Fran's overly protective brother where she has been staying. Karl Kubelik then comes to the apartment to collect her, and believing that Chuck is the cause of her current state he punches Chuck. Miss Olsen soon discovers that Sheldrake's actions led to Fran almost killing herself. She quits her job and tells Mrs. Sheldrake all about her husband's affairs. She leaves him, resulting in his desperation to woo Fran back. Sheldrake asks for the keys to Chuck's apartment again on New Year's Eve to take Fran there. Chuck refuses and quits his job rather than allow Sheldrake to take Fran to his apartment ever again ("Promises, Promises"). Deciding that he has to get away, Chuck begins packing to move elsewhere when Fran comes to see him. Sheldrake had told her that Chuck had refused him access and quit, and she realizes that Chuck is the one who really loves her. As they resume their earlier game of gin, he declares his love for her, to which she replies, "Shut up and deal".

Pump Boys and Dinettes

Musical · 1982

The story takes place on an unspecified "Highway 57" on the outskirts of Frog Level, a rural community somewhere in the southeastern United States ("in Grand Ole Opry country" according to the official summary), at two adjacent locations: the Pump Boys service station and general store co-owned by Jim and L.M., and the Double Cupp, a diner operated by sisters Prudie and Rhetta Cupp ("Highway 57"). Jim's Uncle Bob calls the gas station to inquire about when his Winnebago will be fixed, and Jim stalls him by saying it takes time and extra care to do the job right ("Takin' It Slow"). Jim talks about the ladies that swing through the area, noting that his employee Jackson chases them, Eddie (a friend of the pump boys who hangs out at the station while his Edsel is being fixed) once lured a wealthy actress, but L.M., the station bookkeeper, draws the most attention, which L.M. doesn't even want ("Serve Yourself"). At the Double Cupp, Rhetta advertises the diner's menu ("Menu Song"). Prudie talks about how the male-to-female ratio in the area plays in her favor, and that although Eddie comes close to her ideal, his being from the nearby "inbred" town of Smyrna is a deal-breaker, and her real soulmate is in the audience ("Best Man"). Jim talks about how he forgot he had promised to take Rhetta to a minor league baseball game when he chose to go fishing instead ("Fisherman's Prayer"/"Catfish"). Jim recalls his late grandmother ("Mamaw"). Jim takes one of the catfish from his fishing trip to Rhetta to cook, but Rhetta is still jilted and tells him off ("Be Good or Be Gone"), to which Jim tries to make good by offering her a silk artificial rose and to clean up his truck if she accepts another date at a nearby bar ("Drinkin' Shoes"). After intermission, the Pump Boys advertise their gas station's services and goods ("Pump Boys"). Jackson talks about what he does on the weekends, when he goes into town, where he has a crush on a cashier at Woolworth's ("Mona"). Jim and Jackson recall an exceptionally dry and troublesome summer the previous year, when anything that could go wrong did, which segues into a story about how L.M. met Dolly Parton backstage after a concert and had a brief fling before he cut off the affair due to extenuating circumstances ("The Night Dolly Parton Was Almost Mine"). At the Double Cupp, Rhetta and Prudie sing about wanting tips from their customers ("Tips") before reflecting on their childhood under an absent single mother, lamenting the emotional distance between each other ("Sisters"), then decide to shut down the diner for a time and take a trip ("I Need a Vacation"). The pump boys and Cupp sisters all head on a road trip to Florida in Bob's miraculously fixed Winnebago ("No Holds Barred"), where L.M. now relishes in the attention of the ogling "brown" onlookers ("Farmer Tan"). Bob calls the group, and Jim assures him that they will be returning soon ("Highway 57 (Reprise)"). Upon returning, they close the diner and gas station ("Closing Time").

Purlie

Musical · 1970

Purlie is a musical with a book by Ossie Davis, Philip Rose, and Peter Udell, lyrics by Udell and music by Gary Geld. It is based on Davis's 1961 play Purlie Victorious.

Purple Rain

Musical · 2025

In the Minneapolis music scene, a young performer known as the Kid struggles to build a career while facing a troubled home life, competition from another band and a new romance. Prince’s songs drive this stage adaptation of the film about finding an artistic voice.

Queen of the Mist

Musical · 2011

In the early 1900s, in western New York State, at Niagara Falls, Anna Edson Taylor is a 63-year-old teacher. Needing money, she decides to become the first woman to go over Niagara Falls, and designs her own barrel. She is helped by her manager, Frank Russell. "Navigating both the treacherous Falls and a fickle public with a ravenous appetite for sensationalism, this unconventional heroine vies for her legacy in a world clamoring with swindling managers, assassins, revolutionaries, moralizing family, anarchists, and activists. Convinced that there is greatness in her and determined not to live as ordinary, she sets out to battle her fear and tempt her fate." The score incorporates turn-of-the-century themes. Anna attempts to take advantage of her fame on the lecture circuit, but that does not last. Anna dies in a nursing home at age 82, a pauper.

Quilters

Musical · 1982

In the American West, Sarah, a pioneer woman, and six women, who are called her daughters, face frontier life. Rather than a straightforward story, the musical is presented as a series of short tales and tableau matched with musical numbers, each presenting an aspect of frontier life or womanhood. The patches or blocks show "girlhood, marriage, childbirth, spinsterhood, twisters, fire, illness and death." The patches ultimately are put together to form one dramatic tableau.

Quite an Adventure

Musical · 1880

Mrs. Wallaby, fearful of burglars, takes in Mr. Fraser, a stranger who once helped her and accidentally dropped his latchkey down her dress. Her husband returns and mistakes Fraser for a burglar. The two frightened men are confronted by a policeman, but Mrs. Wallaby explains the misunderstanding and invites Fraser to stay the night.

Rachael Lily Rosenbloom (And Don't You Ever Forget It)

Musical · 1973

Rachael Lily Rosenbloom (And Don't You Ever Forget It) is a musical with a book by Paul Jabara and Tom Eyen, and music and lyrics by Jabara (with some songs having additional lyrics by David Debin and Paul Issa).

Radiant Baby

Musical · 2003

Radiant Baby is a musical about Keith Haring, who was an artist and social activist in New York City. The music was composed by Debra Barsha, with lyrics by Ira Gasman, Stuart Ross, and Debra Barsha. It was based on Keith Haring: The Authorized Biography (1991) by John Gruen. Radiant Baby was partially developed at the 1998 O'Neil Music Theater Conference in Waterford, Connecticut. It had its New York premiere at The Public Theater in a 2003 production directed by George C. Wolfe with Daniel Reichard in the title role. Kate Jennings Grant and Billy Porter also appeared in the New York production.

Raggedy Ann

Musical · 1986

The story, in the Broadway production, was as follows: Young Marcella is suffering from psychological trauma. Her mother ran away with another man, which drove her father to drink. Her dog tried to eat her pet bird, which killed them both ("Gingham and Yarn"). In Marcella's bedroom, a trio of doctors give differing but equally dire warnings regarding the youngster's ailments until Poppa throws them out. Lightening the mood, Poppa presents her with a doll that he created, which he names Raggedy Ann. Marcella complains that she has no heart, so Poppa pulls a candy heart from a box and stitches it onto the doll. He sings his daughter a lullaby, claiming that her toys spring to life when she's asleep ("Carry On"). Marcella's bed whirls around, and out from the covers pops Raggedy Ann. The girl says she's dying, and the trio of doctors emerge from beneath the mattress to corroborate her story ("Diagnosis"). Raggedy Ann shouts them off and urges Marcella to get out of bed, revealing that this is a dream, so she can do anything she wants. The rag dolly calls for help from her friends: Raggedy Andy, Baby, and Panda, who emerge from the toy box one by one ("The Light"). Andy is curious as to what's behind the closet door, so he opens it despite Marcella's pleas. General D. emerges with his cronies, the sexy Bat and the roguish Wolf. He says that he's enlisting recruits for his Army of the Dead and thinks Raggedy Ann is the one he's looking for, but she argues that she's only "Make Believe". The General learns that Marcella is dying, so he declares that he'll be back to collect her at 6 a.m. Suddenly, Marcella and the toys find themselves at the Miami shipyard, where old toys go to die. The doctors appear and drop the Camel behind a chain-link fence ("Diagnosis (Reprise)"). The animal tells the toys that he's all alone and "Blue". Raggedy Ann suggests that they should head to Los Angeles to visit the Doll Doctor. Andy leads them in transforming the bed into a boat, and they set sail ("Make Believe Reprise"). A giant hand sporting a thumb ring attempts to drag the boat down to Davy Jones' Locker, so the toys begin flapping the bed's blankets like wings and rise into the heavens ("Something in the Air"/"So Beautiful"). Along the way, Marcella reunites with her pet bird ("A Heavenly Chorus") and her parents ("The Shooting Star"). The Rat in the Rolls-Royce, representing the man her mother ran away with, jumps out to steal Mommy away, so Poppa punches him out, and the couple agree to remarry ("The Wedding"). Marcella says that she's tired of pointless stories and walks off, which fills Raggedy Ann with self-doubt, though the rag doll refuses to give up ("Rag Dolly"). Bat gnaws through the rope tethering them to the clouds, and the boat plunges from the sky. Marcella and the dolls land on the roof of a meatpacking plant in Omaha and have only four hours left to get to the Doll Doctor. Bat talks Raggedy Andy into handing over the map ("You'll Love It"). General D. arrives and commands Marcella to look at his opal thumb ring. He states his intention to make Marcella his queen. The toys lull the General and his cronies to sleep ("Would You Like a Little Music?") and steal the ring. The melody fills the Camel with such spirit that he's able to soar on the wings of the song, so everyone grabs on, and they float away. The General awakens and orders Bat to follow them, but Bat refuses, so the General throws her down a chimney and sends Wolf to find the dolls instead. The toys find themselves separated in the Grisley Woods National Park and frantically search for one another through a maze of trees littered with skeletons with glowing red eyes ("Gone"). They meet the Witch, dressed like a 1920s flapper ("Why Not?"). The Witch pulls a bundle of clothesline from her bag and tries to fashion a noose. Raggedy Ann tells the Witch that it's a terrible idea to kill herself, and the Witch reflects on the life that she gave up ("What Did I Lose"/"Somewhere"). The Witch reveals that she had a daughter named Marcella and comes to realize that the young lady standing before her is her child. They have a tearful reunion, which is interrupted by the arrival of Wolf. Bitter toward his master for killing Bat, he allows Marcella to escape but pursues the Witch into the woods. The toys arrive at the Doll Hospital ("Welcome to L.A."), but the doctors are revealed to be the same "quacks" as before ("Diagnosis (Reprise)") and tell them the Doll Doctor is dead. Panda suggests looking into the ring, where they see the head doctor alive and chained up. General D. emerges from the cellar and declares that this is his field hospital for the terminally wounded ("I Come Riding"). He becomes curious about the heart on Raggedy Ann's apron, but upon touching it, he collapses, crying that he's been poisoned by love. They tie up the General, swipe his keys, and head downstairs. He vows that he'll get loose. In the dungeon, the Doll Doctor examines Marcella, declaring that the "chick" has a broken heart. Upon hearing her father's pet name for her, Marcella realizes that the Doll Doctor is actually Poppa. Poppa says that a heart transplant is the only thing that can save her, but those haven't been invented yet, so he suggests a candy heart. Just as the General bursts in to collect Marcella, Raggedy Ann sacrifices her own candy heart, which she coerces the girl to eat ("The Light (Reprise)"). Raggedy Ann then leaves with the General, who is satisfied he was right all along. Back in her bedroom, a now-healthy Marcella tells Poppa of her adventure, and he offers to sew a new heart on Raggedy Ann's chest ("Gingham and Yarn Reprise").

Rags

Musical · 1986

Rags is a musical with a book by Joseph Stein (with revisions by David Thompson), lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, and music by Charles Strouse.

Ragtime

Musical · 2023

Narration by J. P. Morgan, Henry Ford, Booker T. Washington, Emma Goldman, Harry Houdini, and Evelyn Nesbit connects three families: an upper-class White family from New Rochelle – Little Boy (Edgar), his Father (who runs a fireworks factory), Mother, Mother's Younger Brother, and Grandfather; a Black couple from Harlem in New York City – Sarah, who adores the pianist Coalhouse Walker Jr.; and Jewish immigrants from Europe on the Lower East Side – Latvian artist Tateh and his young daughter (“Prologue: Ragtime”). As Father leaves on Robert Peary's 1909 expedition to the North Pole, he asks Mother to oversee his affairs and assures her that nothing will change in his absence, but Mother feels adrift without her husband to guide her (“Goodbye, My Love”). A "rag ship" arrives, carrying a hopeful Tateh and his Little Girl to America, while Mother wishes Father safe passage (“Journey On”). Meanwhile, Mother's Younger Brother, an intense and awkward young man yearning for purpose who works at Father's fireworks factory, attends the vaudeville act of Evelyn Nesbit, a young woman who became famous after her wealthy lover Stanford White was killed by her millionaire husband Harry K. Thaw (“Crime of the Century”). After her show ends, Younger Brother confesses his love to Evelyn. She kisses him, but only for the benefit of a press photographer, then cheerfully rejects him afterward. At home in New Rochelle, Mother discovers a still-living newborn Black baby, partly buried alive in her garden. The police arrive with Sarah, the baby's mother. Pitying her, Mother takes responsibility for Sarah and her child. Brother thanks her. Surprised at herself, she remarks that her husband would never have allowed her to make such a decision (“What Kind of Woman”). At Ellis Island, the immigrants arrive (“A Shtetl Iz Amereke”). Tateh eagerly begins his new life, drawing silhouettes and selling them on the street. He and Little Girl quickly descend into poverty. Emma attempts to get him to join the Socialist movement, but he refuses. A wealthy man even offers to purchase Little Girl, whom Tateh now keeps on a leash for safety. Inspired by immigrant magician Harry Houdini, Tateh resolves to begin again somewhere else (“Success”). In Harlem, Coalhouse, a popular pianist, informs his audience that he's finally found his lost love, Sarah, and is going to win her back (“His Name Was Coalhouse”/“Gettin' Ready Rag”). He then purchases a Model T while Henry Ford and his workers glorify industry (“Henry Ford”). Tateh and Little Girl leave for Boston; en route, they meet Mother and Edgar in New Rochelle and politely make conversation (“Nothing Like the City”). At Mother's home, Sarah explains her desperate actions to her baby (“Your Daddy's Son”). Also en route to New Rochelle, Coalhouse is harassed by a racist fire squad led by Chief Willie Conklin, who taunt him for driving his own car. He arrives at Mother's house, where he has heard a Black woman is living. He is stunned to learn of the baby's existence, and when Sarah refuses to see him, he returns weekly (“The Courtship”) until Mother invites him inside. Grandfather asks Coalhouse to play a minstrel song on the parlor piano; instead, Coalhouse plays a ragtime song. Father returns home while Coalhouse is playing, and is stunned by the changes to his family's life, while Mother and Younger Brother are proud of her choices. Eventually, Sarah reconciles with Coalhouse (“New Music”). The two go on an idyllic picnic where, inspired by the words of Booker T. Washington, he dreams of a just, future America that their son will grow up in (“Wheels of a Dream”). At a worker's hall, Younger Brother hears Emma speak passionately about a textile mills strike in Lawrence, Massachusetts, where Tateh and his daughter are among those targeted by federal troops and strikebreakers. Younger Brother imagines that Emma is speaking directly to him (“The Night That Goldman Spoke at Union Square”). Emma is arrested, prompting a riot that mirrors the chaos in Lawrence, where Tateh is beaten by a policeman. He and Little Girl escape Lawrence on a train; he gives his daughter a flip book of moving silhouettes to calm her. The train conductor offers to buy the book, and Tateh, hurriedly dubbing it a "movie-book", sells it for a dollar. Tateh realizes that "movie-books" may be a route out of poverty (“Gliding”). Returning to New Rochelle, Coalhouse and Sarah are stopped by Conklin and the fire squad, who demand a fictitious toll; Coalhouse refuses. A lecture by Washington on patience and dignity is juxtaposed against the white firemen's destruction of Coalhouse's new Model T (“The Trashing of the Car”). Coalhouse vows legal action (“Justice”), postponing his marriage to Sarah until he gets justice. Sarah goes to a campaign rally nearby to ask for help from the vice-presidential candidate; as she approaches, J. P. Morgan shouts, "She's got a gun!" and Sarah is beaten to death by the Secret Service (“President”). At her funeral, Black mourners demand an end to such injustice and pray for true equality. Mother, Father, Younger Brother, Tateh and Emma look on as Coalhouse weeps at Sarah's grave (“Till We Reach That Day”). Edgar wakes up screaming from a nightmare in which Houdini attempts a daring escape after being locked in a dynamite-laden box by Willie Conklin ("Harry Houdini, Master Escapist"). This dream proves prophetic: news arrives that a volunteer firehouse has been bombed. Coalhouse has vowed to get justice on his own terms (“Coalhouse's Soliloquy”) and now terrorizes New Rochelle while demanding his car be restored to him and that Conklin be delivered to him. Washington condemns Coalhouse's actions (“Coalhouse Demands”). In the chaos, Mother retains custody of Sarah and Coalhouse's baby. Father blames her for bringing this turmoil into their lives, but Younger Brother lambastes him for his blindness and storms out of the house. Mother grows increasingly offended by her husband's ignorant outlook. Father, to distract Edgar from the unrest, takes his son to a baseball game, but feels alienated from the raucous, working-class crowd, and begins to realize that his genteel way of life is passing (“What a Game”). Coalhouse's campaign continues (“Fire in the City”), and so Father decides to temporarily move the family to Atlantic City. In Atlantic City, Evelyn's career is on the downslide and Houdini has become intrigued by the supernatural and the afterlife following the death of his mother (“Atlantic City”). Edgar cryptically shouts "Warn the Duke!" to Houdini. Mother encounters Tateh again, not recognizing him from their brief meeting months ago; now a wealthy filmmaker, he has re-invented himself as "the Baron Ashkenazy" and is directing a silent movie in Atlantic City (“Buffalo Nickel Photoplay, Inc.”). Edgar and Little Girl soon become fast friends, prompting Mother and Tateh to become friends as well; eventually, Tateh reveals who he is, and they grow even closer (“Our Children”). Back in Harlem, Younger Brother seeks out Coalhouse but is repeatedly turned away until Coalhouse is convinced that he can be trusted. Coalhouse has banished music from his life but watches a carefree young couple ("Harlem Nightclub") and recalls meeting Sarah (“Sarah Brown Eyes”). Younger Brother meets with him but is inarticulate and nervous: his profound thoughts, narrated to the audience by Emma, stand in contrast to the only phrase he can muster: "I know how to blow things up." (“He Wanted to Say”). With Younger Brother's help, Coalhouse and his men take over Morgan's magnificent library in the heart of New York City, threatening to blow it up. Father is summoned to help reason with Coalhouse. Before he goes, he assures Mother that everything will soon return to the way it was, but Mother knows such hopes are naive (“Back to Before”). Meeting with the police, Father devises a mediation strategy involving Washington, whom Coalhouse allows to enter the library. Washington, invoking the violent legacy Coalhouse is leaving his son, works out a deal with Coalhouse. Younger Brother is enraged at Coalhouse's abandonment of their cause (“Look What You've Done”). Washington leaves and Father enters the library as a hostage. There, he finally realizes the profundity of society's troubles while seeing Coalhouse convince Younger Brother and his men that violence cannot solve injustice. Coalhouse exhorts them to fight through the power of their words (“Make Them Hear You”). Coalhouse's sacrifice and oratory convince Younger Brother and the men to leave while Father tells Coalhouse about his son. Coalhouse thanks Father for his kindness. Once he leaves the library, Coalhouse is shot dead by the police. Edgar appears to introduce the Epilogue. Younger Brother departs for Mexico to fight for Emiliano Zapata. Emma is arrested and deported. Washington establishes the Tuskegee Institute, while Evelyn fades into obscurity. Houdini realizes upon the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand that Edgar's shout of "Warn the Duke!" was a true mystical experience. Father dies aboard the RMS Lusitania; after a year of mourning, Mother marries Tateh, adopts Coalhouse and Sarah's son, and moves to California. Tateh is struck by an idea for a film series centering on a diverse group of children banding together. The ghosts of Coalhouse and Sarah watch their son grow up (“Epilogue: Ragtime/Wheels of a Dream: Reprise”).

Rain or Shine

Musical · 1928

Rain or Shine is a musical in two acts with music by Milton Ager and Owen Murphy, lyrics by Jack Yellen, and a book by James Gleason and Maurice Marks. Set in Higginstown, Rhode Island, the musical takes place within a circus and features a variety of circus acts in addition to the typical song and dance numbers from a musical of its time period. It was one of several hit Broadway musicals in 1928.

Rainbow

Musical · 1928

Rainbow is a musical in two acts with music by Vincent Youmans, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, and a book co-authored by Laurence Stallings and Hammerstein. After flopping on Broadway in 1928, it was adapted by Warner Bros. into the 1930 Western musical film Song of the West.

Rainbow Square

Musical · 1951

Rainbow Square is a musical with book and lyrics by Guy Bolton and Harold Purcell and music by Robert Stolz. It is set in occupied Vienna in a square bordering the American and Russian zones. Rainbow Square played 146 performances at the Stoll Theatre in London following its 21 September 1951 premiere. Its cast included Martha King, Gloria Lane, Vera Pearce and Sonnie Hale.

Raisin

Musical · 1973

In Chicago in 1951, an African-American family – Ruth Younger, her husband Walter Lee Younger, their son Travis, and Walter's mother Mama Lena – are living in a cramped apartment. Walter is a chauffeur but thinks that his father's life insurance policy proceeds will buy a way to a better life. He plans on buying a liquor store, but his mother is against the selling of liquor. Tensions arise as Walter tries to convince Mama Lena to forget her dream of buying the family its own small house ("A Whole Lotta Sunlight"). Walter decides to make the deal for the liquor store and signs the papers with his partners Bobo Jones and Willie Harris. Beneatha, Walter's sister, is in college and is romantically involved with an African exchange student, Asagai. When Walter comes home drunk he joins Beneatha in a celebratory dance, picturing himself as a chieftain ("African Dance"). Ruth and Walter fight about their future but they reconcile ("Sweet Time"). Mama arrives to announce that she has bought a house in the white neighborhood of Clybourne Park, and Walter leaves in anger ("You Done Right"). Walter has not returned home and Mama finds him in a bar. She apologizes and gives him an envelope filled with money. She asks him to deposit $3,000 for Beneatha's college education, and tells him the rest is for him. As the family packs to move, a representative of Clybourne Park, Karl Lindner, arrives and offers to buy back the house. Walter, Ruth and Beneatha mockingly tell Mama of the enlightened attitude of their new neighbors. Just then Bobo arrives to tell the family the bad news that Willie has run off with the money. This forces Walter to contact Lindner and accept the offer to buy back the house. Although Beneatha berates her brother for not standing up for principles, Mama shows compassion and understanding ("Measure the Valleys"). When Lindner arrives, Walter announces that the family will, after all, move to the new house.

Rap Master Ronnie

Musical · 1984

Rap Master Ronnie is the name of several musical comedies developed by Garry Trudeau and Elizabeth Swados throughout the 1980s, including a 1984 off-Broadway "partisan revue," a music video, and a made for TV movie starring The Smothers Brothers, Carol Kane, and Jon Cryer. The shows all share the same basic structure of a faux campaign ad for Ronald Reagan, satirizing his social policies, particularly those regarding drugs and minorities. The shows received largely mixed reviews.

Re-Animator the Musical

Musical · 2011

Medical student Herbert West develops a glowing green serum that brings the dead back to life to catastrophic results. After the mysterious death of his mentor Dr. Gruber in Switzerland, West transfers to Miskatonic University in Arkham, Mass. to continue his studies. West enlists his friend Dan Cain to help him with his experiments, much to the chagrin of Dan's fiancée Megan Halsey, daughter of the dean of the medical school. Dr. Carl Hill tries to steal the re-agent and West beheads him and then brings him back to life.

Real Women Have Curves

Musical · 2023

In Boyle Heights, Los Angeles, in 1987, recent high school graduate Ana García is accepted to Columbia University. Ana struggles to balance her dream of going to college with family duty and a tough economic situation. Ana conceals the news from her father Raúl and her mother Carmen. Initially, Carmen resists the idea in favor of Ana helping her sister Estela, who oversees a textile factory and needs to manufacture 200 dresses in three weeks. The factory experiences several challenges including an immigration raid next door and the deportation of Itzel, one of their employees. Ana wants to both keep her family together and resolve their precarious finances. Ana accepts an internship at a newspaper, where she meets another intern named Henry. The two interns form a romance, with Henry disregarding Ana's self-deprecation. Ana juggles the newspaper internship with her factory job; in the end, she ultimately decides to go to Columbia University.

Red Hot and Blue

Musical · 1936

Nails O'Reilly Duquesne is a newly wealthy young widow. Loud and brassy, Nails is a former manicurist. She organizes a benefit for her favorite cause, the rehabilitation of ex-convicts. Together with her sidekick (an "ex-con" himself), Policy Pinkle, and her "square" boyfriend, lawyer Bob Hale, she embarks on a nationwide search for Bob's old girlfriend, which is really the reason for the enterprise. The girlfriend, 18 years earlier, had sat upon a hot waffle iron and so had a unique "imprint". However, the national lottery that Nails starts gets the attention of the Finance Committee, and they wind up in Washington DC in an even more complicated situation. The Supreme Court declares the lottery unconstitutional, because it would benefit the people.

Red Pepper

Musical · 1921

At a racetrack in Havana, Cuba, Juniper Berry and Jimpson Weed conspire to get rich quick by influencing the outcome of an impending horse race. They bet against the favored winner, the thoroughbred horse Red Pepper, with the intent of drugging the horse to prevent it from winning the race. Their plans get sidetracked and several side adventures occur. The pair follow the horse to Arizona and then Georgia in the hopes of successfully implementing their scheme.

Redhead

Musical · 1958

Redhead is a musical with music composed by Albert Hague and lyrics by Dorothy Fields, who with her brother, Herbert, along with Sidney Sheldon and David Shaw wrote the book/libretto. Set in London in the 1880s, around the time of Jack the Ripper, the musical is a murder mystery in the setting of a wax museum.

Reefer Madness

Musical · 1998

This synopsis reflects the current version of the show as licensed. For information about other versions of the show, and cut songs, see below. The year is 1936. As the play opens, the Lecturer, a stern, conservative authority figure, informs a group of parents (the audience) of the new drug menace, "marihuana", which threatens the American way of life. (His warnings are reinforced by the Placard Girl, who throughout the play holds up large signs that clearly state scenes' moral lessons.) From his podium, the Lecturer warns the audience that action must be taken immediately before the children of America succumb to the Demon Weed ("Reefer Madness"). The Lecturer illustrates his point by re-enacting "the Harper Affair", which he claims is a true and horrific scandal. He begins by introducing us to Jimmy Harper and Mary Lane, a lovable pair of wholesome teens who hold hands, sip hot cocoa, and think pure thoughts while studying Shakespeare for English class ("Romeo and Juliet"). The Lecturer then shows us the seamier side of life at the Reefer Den, populated by drug-addled denizens. We meet Mae, the Reefer Den hostess, who is abused by her slick, pusher boyfriend Jack. She'd leave him, but Jack keeps her supplied with the marijuana she craves ("The Stuff"), despite his physical and sexual abuse. The Lecturer brings us now to the five and dime, a local teen hangout where wholesome kids indulge in the risqué rhythms of swing-jazz music, as performed by Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie, and other "ginger-colored agents of evil" ("Down at the Ol' Five and Dime"). The Lecturer assumes the guise of kindly Mr. Poppy, the singing and dancing proprietor. Jack, trawling for youthful victims, arrives at the five and dime, where he meets Jimmy and lures him back to the Reefer Den under the pretense of offering him swing dancing lessons. There, Jimmy encounters Ralph, a psychotic ex-college student who communicates primarily with cackling, maniacal laughter. He also meets Sally, a marijuana-addicted prostitute who works to support herself and her baby. Jimmy is pressured into taking his first hit of marijuana ("Jimmy Takes a Hit") and tastes the forbidden fruits of sensual abandon in a wild hallucinatory dance sequence featuring weird sex, belly dancers, fire eaters, and Goat-Man, a frightening satyr played by the Lecturer ("The Orgy"). Over the next few weeks, we watch Jimmy make a terrifying transition from "good egg" to "bad apple". He mouths off to his parents, brutalizes a puppy, and even attempts to tongue-kiss a shocked Mary, sending her running off in tears. Alone in church, Mary prays that her sweetheart will regain his senses and return to her ("Lonely Pew"). Later, Jimmy and Ralph break into the church to steal from the poor box. While Ralph goes off to smoke some frankincense, Jimmy receives a vision of Jesus Christ! Jesus (played by Jack) warns Jimmy (in a Tom Jones-style production number) to kick his reefer habit or suffer eternal damnation ("Listen to Jesus, Jimmy"), but Jimmy ultimately refuses to heed Jesus's warning. Back at the Reefer Den, Jimmy is completely out of control. A desperate Mae warns Jimmy to avoid her own mistakes – he must escape the Reefer Den while he is still able. The drug-addled Jimmy won't listen. Even the revelation that Sally has sold her baby for drug money fails to snap him out of it. Sally's baby (played by Ralph) appears and sings a plaintive solo ("Lullaby"). Jimmy's misbehavior culminates with his stealing Mary's Packard and taking it for a reckless, marijuana-induced joyride with Sally. His joy, however, proves short-lived – Sally, who is driving, runs over a helpless old man crossing the street, killing him. Finally regaining his senses, Jimmy returns the stolen Packard to Mary's house and apologizes to her, pledging his love ("Mary Jane/Mary Lane".) Before he can give her his school ring as a token of his undying love, a siren sounds in the distance. Jimmy, now wanted for a hit-and-run, realizes that he must get far away from Mary lest he bring her down with him. He runs off into the night with no explanation. Mary doesn't know the exact nature of Jimmy's demons, but she vows he will not face them alone. She drives her Packard into the night in search of "her poor lost Romeo". Meanwhile, back at the Reefer Den, Jack and Mae hear a radio broadcast announcing the hit-and-run accident. Police are looking for a young man in a late-model Packard. Jack, fearing Jimmy will be arrested and lead the cops back to him, grabs a pistol and ominously vows to bring Jimmy back to the Reefer Den "one way or another" ("Act I Finale"). As the act begins, hallucinatory visions of Ralph, Sally and Mae appear as Jazz Trio Backup Girls ("Jimmy on the Lam"). The Lecturer brings us up to date – Jimmy's on the lam and Mary's "combing the rain-spattered streets in search of her wayward young man." Jimmy arrives at the local train station and attempts to purchase a one-way ticket for "Parts Unknown". Before Jimmy can board the train, Jack appears and tries to convince Jimmy to return to the Reefer Den with him. Jimmy refuses; he promised himself he'd never smoke marijuana again. Jack tricks Jimmy by offering him a seemingly innocent brownie. Jimmy thinks this is the best brownie he's ever eaten in his life. The train station patrons join him in a song extolling the many virtues of said brownie ("The Brownie Song"). Jimmy is hooked once again. Meanwhile, Mary makes inquiries at the five and dime. Kindly Mr. Poppy provides Mary with the address of the Reefer Den. The naive Mary leaves, grateful for Mr. Poppy's assistance. As soon as Mary is out of earshot, Mr. Poppy telephones the Reefer Den and tells Ralph to inform Jack that an unsuspecting new "client" is on her way over. We learn that Mr. Poppy is secretly on Jack's payroll. He helps Jack "trundle little children off to pay the wages of sin" ("Five and Dime" reprise). Back at the Reefer Den, Sally drags Jimmy upstairs for a weed-whacked sexual liaison. When Mary arrives looking for Jimmy, the lecherous Ralph is lying in wait. He tries to seduce Mary by tricking her into smoking marijuana herself ("Little Mary Sunshine"). The plan backfires – the power of the weed is so great, it immediately transforms the virginal Mary into a whip-cracking sadomasochist who enslaves the frightened Ralph. Upon discovering Mary and Ralph in a compromising position, a smoke-addled Jimmy attacks Ralph. A scuffle ensues. Jimmy is knocked unconscious and Jack accidentally shoots Mary through the heart. The villainous Jack places the gun in the unconscious Jimmy's hand. Jimmy, who remembers nothing, is convinced that he has murdered his beloved "Juliet". Mary regains consciousness long enough for Jimmy to finally give her his school ring. She dies in his arms ("Mary's Death"). As the police pull up in front of the house, Mae tells Jimmy that he's innocent of the crime and that Jack is planning to frame him. A police inspector (played by the Lecturer) bursts in. Jack accuses Jimmy of murdering Mary while "hopped up" on reefer. Jimmy begs Mae to tell the truth and exonerate him. Mae, however, is too weak and too dependent on the "stuff" Jack gives her. She remains silent and Jimmy is dragged away to stand trial. A few weeks later. Ralph, Mae, and Sally are racked with guilt as they listen to Winchell announce Jimmy Harper's conviction and death sentence. Ralph, who has been smoking non-stop, is becoming seriously unhinged. He sees hallucinatory visions: the ghost of doomed Jimmy, dead Mary in Hell being sodomized by the Devil, and the zombie remnants of all the kids destroyed by reefer. Imaginary reefer vines drop from the ceiling, ensnaring him. All the while, Ralph, stricken with a severe case of the munchies, moans about starving to death. Fearing that Ralph's insane caterwauling will prompt a neighbor to call the cops, Jack and Mae leave to get Ralph something to eat. Sally is instructed to remain behind and keep Ralph quiet. When Jack and Mae return with Chinese food, they catch Ralph in the act of gnawing on Sally's severed arm – he has eaten Sally alive! Ralph, now a cackling reefer-fueled cannibal, turns on Mae and Jack. Jack shoots Ralph repeatedly. He dies laughing. The shock of all this causes Mae's mind to snap – she's surrounded by the angry visions of Ralph, Sally, Mary, Goat-Man, Jimmy, and the Zombies ("Murder!"). Jack warns the unhinged Mae that the world is kill or be killed; "the winner is the last one left alive." Mae decides the only way to find inner peace is to turn herself in and save Jimmy from the electric chair. Jack tries to bring Mae back to her senses in his usual fashion – by giving her a smoke. Mae stubs it out. An angry Jack slaps her for wasting "half a jay of good mootah". Mae reacts with cold fury and picks up a hoe from the victory garden. Frightened by Mae's intensity, Jack tries to shoot her – alas, he expended all his bullets on Ralph! Mae sings as she slashes Jack with the garden hoe, avenging the deaths of Sally, Ralph, Mary, and every other poor kid Jack has ever hooked on marijuana ("The Stuff" reprise). Fountains of blood spray over the stage. Finally, Mae runs off to save Jimmy. Meanwhile, in an execution chamber, Jimmy walks the last mile and is strapped into the electric chair. Just as the Switch-Puller (played by Ralph) prepares to fry Jimmy, he is interrupted by a second visit from Jesus and his backup angels! They sing and dance ("Listen to Jesus, Jimmy" reprise). Jimmy's immense relief is short-lived. It turns out Jesus has only come to gloat and watch the execution. Jimmy prepares to meet his fate – when a second interruption occurs. This time it is Mae who has obtained a presidential pardon. President FDR (played by the Lecturer) orders Jimmy to warn other children to beware the dangers of reefer. The President promises Jimmy plenty of help getting the message out.

Return to the Forbidden Planet

Musical · 1983

The bosun of the starship Albatross welcomes the audience as passengers aboard a routine survey flight, departing momentarily under the command of Captain Tempest. After takeoff, Captain Tempest converses with the ship's new Science Officer, who is a woman, and they argue about the importance of men and women on earth. During their argument, the ship gets caught in a meteor shower. The Science Officer suggests that they use the shuttle craft and abandon ship, but Captain Tempest insists on flying through the storm. During the confusion, the Science Officer escapes the ship via shuttle craft. Their spaceship is drawn mysteriously to the planet D'Illyria where the crew meet mad scientist Doctor Prospero, who has been marooned on the planet since his wife and science partner Gloria sent him and their daughter Miranda into space. Doctor Prospero offers to help repair the broken starship and he, his daughter, and their robot Ariel come aboard. The ship's cook, Cookie, is instantly taken by Miranda's beauty and falls in love with her, a love he thinks she returns. In fact she has fallen in love with Captain Tempest, against the will of her father. During discussions about locating the missing Science Officer, Ariel reveals information about Doctor Prospero's new formula 'X Factor’, which can enhance the brain and mind. After an argument with his daughter over her love for the captain, Doctor Prospero takes the draught of 'X Factor'. Soon afterwards, the ship is attacked by a foul monster, but during the attack it is revealed that Ariel is in the airlock with the missing Science Officer. To save them both, Captain Tempest orders the airlock opened, which allows the monster to gain access to the ship. During the confusion of the attack it is revealed that the Science Officer is Doctor Prospero's wife Gloria, who is then taken by the monster, as its tentacles attack the rest of the ship. The story continues with the attack unfolding again, but this time Gloria isn't kidnapped by the monster, and Ariel the robot is able to attack the monster to make it retreat. After the attack, more is revealed about Doctor Prospero and Gloria's past. Captain Tempest puts Gloria under ship arrest for her crimes against her husband. She forms a quick alliance with Cookie, whom she persuades to release her and help steal the recipe for Doctor Prospero's 'X Factor' in exchange for helping him win over Miranda's heart. Gloria talks to Cookie, as Bosun, the ship's First Mate, talks to Captain Tempest about how to gain the love of Miranda. When the monster returns, it is revealed that it is created by Doctor Prospero's mind due to his having taken the 'X Factor'. Gloria tells Doctor Prospero that what she did to him was so that he could keep himself and their daughter safe from the 'X Factor'. Doctor Prospero has no choice but to leave the ship and sacrifice himself to save the others. Once Doctor Prospero has left, it is then revealed that D'Illyria is nothing other than a figment of Doctor Prospero's imagination, as it starts to destroy itself once the doctor has died. The ship escapes. Once again in space Gloria blesses the union of Miranda and Captain Tempest, and Cookie is pardoned for his behaviour towards Miranda and Captain Tempest. The show ends with the crew safe and well with their Science Officer back and Captain Tempest with a new bride.

Revenge with Music

Musical · 1934

Revenge with Music is a musical comedy with book and lyrics by Howard Dietz and music by Arthur Schwartz, that opened on Broadway in 1934. This was the first "book" musical by Dietz and Schwartz.

Rex

Musical · 1976

Rex is a musical with music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Sheldon Harnick and libretto by Sherman Yellen, based on the life of King Henry VIII. The original production starred Nicol Williamson.

Ride the Cyclone

Musical · 2009

A mysterious, headless girl in a school uniform sings about an unending dream-like state ("Dream of Life"). The Amazing Karnak, a mechanical fortune teller, introduces himself as the show's narrator and explains that he is able to predict the exact moment and cause of a person's death; however, the carnival in which he operates set him to "Family Fun Novelty Mode," rendering him only able to repeat vague predictions and fairground advertising. Karnak reveals that a rat— whom he has named Virgil— has been gradually chewing through his power cable and will soon kill them both. "As there is nothing more base than death," Virgil is enlisted to play the bass. Karnak conjures the memory of five teenagers from the Saint Cassian Chamber Choir, who will soon die in a crash on a malfunctioning rollercoaster, The Cyclone ("Uranium"). As they derail, the teens lament their lives in Uranium City, a once-boomtown that declined drastically with the closure of its uranium mines ("Minor Turn"). Guilty over his inability to prevent their deaths, Karnak has summoned the teens' spirits, allowing them to compete for a chance to return to life. Karnak reads a prophecy: "The one who wants to win it the most shall redeem the loser in order to complete the whole." Karnak announces the presence of a mystery contestant. The headless character who opened the show arrives, revealed to be another victim of the crash. Since no family came to claim her body and Karnak never read her fortune, her identity is unknown, so she goes by the name given to her by the coroner: "Jane Doe" ("Jane Doe's Entrance"). Jane has replaced her head with that of a doll, whose body she carries around with her. Though Jane's appearance disturbs the others, the competition begins. The first contestant is Ocean O'Connell Rosenberg, an overachieving perfectionist who grew up among "far-left-of-center humanists" ("Ocean's Bumper"). She attempts to convince Karnak that she is the worthiest of life compared to the others, as she has the highest chance of succeeding in the world ("What the World Needs"). To Ocean's dismay, Karnak reveals that the choice will be made by group consensus. Though she clumsily attempts to take back her words, the others, including her best friend Constance Blackwood, are extremely offended by her social Darwinist rant ("I Love You Guys"). The next contestant is Noel Gruber, the only gay boy in Uranium and "an aspiring poet laureate" who was stuck working at Taco Bell ("Noel's Bumper"). He sings about his desire to live the tragic, loveless life of his alter ego, French prostitute "Monique Gibeau" (inspired by Marlene Dietrich in The Blue Angel), who dies of typhoid flu at the end of the song ("That Fucked Up Girl (Noel's Lament)"). Ocean expresses annoyance that Noel's song did not have a moral ("Every Story's Got a Lesson") and enlists Constance to help her perform one of their anti-drug improv PSA's, which Ocean has scripted in advance. When Constance tries to ad-lib, Ocean scolds her. The third contestant is Mischa Bachinski, a Ukrainian adoptee who immigrated to Canada when his mother, dying from radiation poisoning while on a Chernobyl disaster clean-up crew, put him up for adoption and lied about his age. To cope with the isolating treatment he received from his adoptive parents, Mischa turned to "self-aggrandizing commercialized hip-hop," posting his own original raps to YouTube under the name "Bad Egg" ("Mischa's Bumper"). His song begins as an autotune gangsta rap track ("This Song Is Awesome") before transitioning into a passionate love ballad about his online fiancée whom he met through his YouTube comment section ("Talia"), after which he breaks down in tears, falling into Noel's arms. Ocean unsuccessfully tries to regain favor with the class, lamenting that they "all died virgins." Karnak prompts Constance to go next, calling it a "perfect segue," but she refuses. The fourth contestant is Ricky Potts, a socially awkward boy who witnessed the killing of his Pentecostal pastor father by their pet viper JoJo, causing him to become mute. Neglected by his family and desperate to combat his loneliness in life, Ricky spent his free time retreating into elaborate science fiction fantasies based on a childhood spent with his fourteen cats, imagining himself as the intergalactic savior of a race of anthropomorphic "sexy cat women" from a distant planet ("Ricky's Bumper / Space Age Bachelor Man"). Rather than singing about her hopes and dreams, Jane Doe sings about her despair. Though she was presumed to be a member of the choir because of her uniform, her identity remained unknown following the stress-induced death of their choir director later that day. Her spirit has no memory of her life ("Jane Doe's Bumper" and "The Ballad of Jane Doe"). After hearing Jane's tale, the choir holds a makeshift birthday party for her. When they realize the traditional song would require Jane to have a name, Ocean leads the class in making something new ("The New Birthday Song"). Ricky bonds with Jane by naming her Savannah, one of the names he had been "saving up" in life, while Noel and Mischa connect over seeing each other as they want to be seen. Meanwhile, Ocean goads Constance into voting for her, while also admitting that she refuses to vote for anyone other than herself. Constance, fed up with Ocean's conceited behavior, finally stands up for herself by punching Ocean in the breast. Finally taking her turn ("Constance's Bumper"), Constance reveals that three hours before the accident, she had lost her virginity to a 32-year-old carny in a port-o-potty, which she admits was an act of self-loathing. Frustrated with her image as the "nicest girl in town," Constance confesses that she spent much of her life resenting her parents, who lived and worked in Uranium their entire lives, but finally learned to appreciate the simple joys in life the moment the rollercoaster derailed ("Jawbreaker / Sugar Cloud"). Ocean apologizes to Constance. Karnak suddenly changes the rules, asserting that Ocean alone will make the deciding vote as she has the highest grade point average. Recalling Karnak's prophecy, Ocean refuses to vote for herself and realizes that Jane is the only one without memories to take to the afterlife with her, lamenting that while the teenagers died young, they at least had the chance to enjoy life. The choir supports Ocean's decision, and Jane is sent back to the Other Side. Karnak reveals her true name: Penny Lamb. A home movie compilation of Penny's life from birth to old age is played as the choir watches on ("It's Not a Game"). Virgil finally tears through the rubber, killing Karnak before he can give his final piece of insight. As he loses power, he reverts to the message he gave the choir just prior to their deaths: "Your lucky number is seven. You will soar to great heights. Be sure to ride the Cyclone." Somewhere outside of limbo, the remaining teens unite and sing an uplifting song ("It's Just a Ride"). The voice of Jane Doe echoes her opening song as the teens travel toward whatever comes next.

Right This Way

Musical · 1938

Right This Way is a Broadway production that opened at the 46th Street Theatre on January 5, 1938, and ran for fifteen performances. It was categorized as an original musical comedy and was set in Paris and Boston. It starred Joe E. Lewis as Spaulding, Leonard Elliott as Bomboski, and Leona Stephens as Lissa. The interpolated song "I'll Be Seeing You", written by Irving Kahal and Sammy Fain, was featured in the production and has since been recognized as a jazz standard, covered by many musicians.

Ring of Fire

Musical · 2005

Ring of Fire is a jukebox musical based on the music of Johnny Cash.

Rio Rita

Musical · 1927

Setting: Mexico and Texas The captain of the Texas Rangers, Jim Stewart, is in San Lucar Mexico on the Rio Grande, in disguise in order to catch the notorious bandit Kinkajou. While there, he falls in love with Rita Ferguson, an Irish-American-Mexican girl who sings in the local hotel after being displaced, along with her brother, from her family ranch. General Esteban, the Governor of the San Lucar District, also loves Rita and hates all gringos. He hatches a plot to set Jim and Rita at odds by making Rita doubt both her own brother, who may be the Kinkajou, and Jim, who may be spying on her brother through her. Amid all of this intrigue, Chick Bean, a soap salesman, and Dolly, an American cabaret girl, arrive in San Lucar and get married. Unbeknownst to Dolly, Chick also went to Mexico to obtain a quick divorce from his unfaithful first wife, Katie. But then hours after Chick and Dolly are wed, Ed Lovett, a lawyer of dubious reputation, informs Chick that his divorce is not recognized by the U.S. Government. Complications ensue.

Rip Van Winkle

Musical · 1882

A three-act operetta based on Washington Irving’s Rip Van Winkle and The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, through the stage adaptation by Dion Boucicault and Joseph Jefferson.

Ripples

Musical · 1930

Ripples was a “new musical extravaganza” (musical comedy) in two acts with book by William Anthony McGuire, lyrics by Irving Caesar and Graham John, and music by Oscar Levant and Albert Sirmay. The show was produced by Charles Dillingham at the New Amsterdam Theatre, and opened February 11, 1930.

Ritter Pázmán

Musical · 1892

At Pázmán’s castle in Hungary, one of the hunters kisses the knight’s wife on the forehead while Pázmán is not looking. When Pázmán learns of it, he curses his wife and seeks justice from the king. He demands the right to kiss the hunter’s wife in revenge. The king reveals that he was the one who kissed Pázmán’s wife, and allows Pázmán to take a kiss from the queen.

Road Show

Musical · 2008

This is a synopsis of the current version of Road Show used since the 2008 Off-Broadway Production. After the 1933 death of Addison Mizner, people who knew him, including his estranged lover Hollis Bessemer, comment on his life and the way he squandered his talents ("Waste"). Addison's younger brother Wilson appears and speaks to Addison, who angrily claims that Wilson was the cause of all his failures. The time shifts to Papa Mizner's death in California at the beginning of the twentieth century. On his deathbed, Papa charges his sons with the task of using their gifts to shape America ("It's In Your Hands Now"), telling them that there's a "road" to follow. Mama Mizner reveals the family's wealth has been eaten away by Papa's long illness and advises the boys to seek gold in Alaska; Addison is reluctant, but goes along with Wilson anyway ("Gold!"). In the Klondike, the brothers share a sleeping bag and reminisce about their childhood ("Brotherly Love"). Wilson leaves to get supplies while Addison works the claim. Wilson is lured into a game of poker. Addison is shocked to discover his brother gambling. Wilson explains his newfound love of taking risks regardless of what's at stake ("The Game"). Wilson stakes their gold claim in a poker game and wins the saloon in which the game is taking place (This episode is fictitious.). A shade of Papa Mizner appears and tells Addison that this was not what he had in mind for his sons. Addison leaves in disgust with his share of Wilson's winnings and travels around the world searching for business opportunities and a sense of purpose ("Addison's Trip"). All of his ventures fail due to bad luck. He is left with nothing but souvenirs that inspire him to take up architecture (so he can design a house in which to show them off). Wilson's businesses in Alaska also have failed, so he comes south to seek his brother's help. Wilson seduces and marries Addison's first client, a rich widow, and fritters away her money on various flashy endeavors, including fixed boxing matches and horse races ("That Was A Year"). Although Wilson's various partners lose money, they remain fond of him because of the verve and energy with which he lives. Even Mama Mizner, who is being looked after by Addison and never receives any visits from Wilson, enjoys reading about Wilson's exploits, saying that she can live through him ("Isn't He Something!"). Only Addison remains uncharmed by Wilson, and when Wilson finally comes back, his resources exhausted, he finds that Mama has died in his absence. Addison angrily throws Wilson out of the house. Learning of rising property interests in Florida ("Land Boom!"), Addison decides to travel to Palm Beach to take advantage of the many rich people settling there who need houses built. (In reality, Mizner went there for his health.) On the train he meets the fictitious Hollis Bessemer, with whom he is smitten instantly. Hollis is the son of a wealthy industrialist, cut off by his father for refusing to enter the family business. His real passion is art, and although he is not talented, he dreams of creating an artist colony in Palm Beach with the help of his aunt, who is staying there in a hotel ("Talent"). Addison shows Hollis's aunt a plan for a house he proposes to build for her. Impressed, she agrees and offers to sponsor Hollis's artist colony. However, Hollis and Addison, now lovers, are too busy designing resort homes for the rich ("You") and enjoying each other's company ("The Best Thing That Ever Has Happened") to follow up on Hollis's original plan. Wilson arrives at Hollis's and Addison's house, destitute and sick ("The Game [Reprise]"). Addison reluctantly takes him in, and when Wilson has recovered, he begins to work on Hollis, persuading him to be a patron to his newest scheme: to build a brand new city in Boca Raton with Wilson as promoter and Addison as chief architect ("Addison's City"). Wilson's con man instincts resurface. He promotes the Boca Raton real estate scheme with increasingly extravagant and eventually fraudulent claims, creating a price bubble ("Boca Raton"). Addison goes along, until it is Hollis who finally puts a stop to the real-estate scheme. He asks Addison to choose between Wilson and him. Addison, brought to a state of desperation, drives Hollis away by claiming he never loved him. Addison also orders Wilson out of his life ("Get Out"), but Wilson insists Addison loves him too much ("Go"). Addison agrees, but still wants him to go. Wilson leaves for good, but not quite, for in the finale (as in the first scene) all the characters leave the stage except for Wilson and Addison. At this point, Wilson realizes that he, too, has died. The brothers bicker half-heartedly, their differences no longer mattering enough to keep them apart. Confronted by their father, they shrug off his criticisms and the brothers set out together on the road to eternity—or, as Wilson calls it, "the greatest opportunity of all". "Sooner or later", he says, "we're bound to get it right."

Roadside

Musical · 2001

Roadside is a musical with a book and lyrics by Tom Jones, and music by Harvey Schmidt. Based on Lynn Riggs' 1929 play of the same name, it focuses on "early-20th century folks who didn't care to be absorbed into statehood".

Roald Dahl's Matilda

Musical · 2010

Mrs. Wormwood gives birth to Matilda, but the new mother is only worried about a ballroom dancing contest she has missed. Similarly shallow, Mr. Wormwood—a used-car salesman and scam artist dismisses the child when he realizes she is a girl ("Miracle"). Five years later, Matilda is an avid reader and lives unhappily with her parents and her older brother Michael. The Wormwoods are oblivious to her genius and frequently mock and verbally abuse her. They prefer to watch TV over reading. Matilda adds some of her mother's peroxide to her father's hair oil, leaving Mr. Wormwood with bright green hair ("Naughty"). At the library, Matilda spends time with the kind librarian Mrs. Phelps and makes up a story about a world famous acrobat and escapologist who cannot have children. Out of despair, the couple decide to put on a show containing a very dangerous act ("Once Upon a Time"). Matilda has her first day at school ("School Song"). Her teacher Miss Honey instantly sees that Matilda is exceptionally intelligent and decides to request that Matilda be moved to the top class ("Pathetic"). However, the child-hating and tyrannical headmistress Miss Trunchbull dismisses Miss Honey's suggestion. Miss Trunchbull explains that Matilda is better off in Miss Honey's class. Miss Trunchbull doesn't feel that Matilda is ready to be in the top class. ("The Hammer") Matilda's father takes out his career frustration on Matilda, so she puts superglue around the rim of his hat. At school, Matilda is told of Miss Trunchbull's cruel punishments, including The Chokey: a tiny cupboard lined with sharp objects in which she locks disobedient children for hours ("The Chokey Chant"). After Matilda meets her best friend Lavender and saves their friend Nigel from Miss Truncbhull when he's accused of putting syrup on her chair, Miss Trunchubll throws their classmate Amanda Thripp over the fence by her hair as punishment for wearing pigtails. Later, Miss Honey meets Mrs. Wormwood and her dance partner Rudolpho. Mrs. Wormwood mocks Matilda's interest in books and intellect ("Loud"). Miss Honey is desperate to help Matilda but feels powerless to do so ("This Little Girl"). Continuing her story, Matilda explains that the escapologist announces that their act is canceled because the acrobat is pregnant, but her sister refuses to cancel the show and refund tickets, and produces a contract legally binding them to perform the act or go to prison ("The Great Day Arrived"). At school, Miss Trunchbull attempts to accuse Matilda of eating a chocolate cake she had been saving, but quickly learns that the student who ate the cake was Bruce Bogtrotter. As punishment, she forces him to eat an entire chocolate cake as the rest of the students watch him, half of them anticipating that he'll eat the entire cake, while the others are doubtful ("Bruce"). Even though Bruce manages to finish the entire cake, Miss Trunchbull still sends him to The Chokey. Mr. Wormwood advises the audience against reading in favour of watching television ("Telly"). Matilda's classmates sing about their hopes for the future ("When I Grow Up"). Matilda tells Mrs. Phelps more of the story of the acrobat and the escapologist. Legally bound by their contract, they perform their act. The acrobat is fatally injured, living just long enough to give birth to a girl. The acrobat asks her husband to take care of their daughter and love her. After giving birth, the acrobat dies from her injuries. The escapologist invites the acrobat's sister to move in and look after his daughter. The girl's aunt is secretly cruel to her niece. The aunt blames the girl for her sister's death ("The Trick Started Well"). Mr. Wormwood is pleased because he tricked his Russian customers ("I'm So Clever"). Matilda scolds him, so he locks her in her bedroom. Matilda continues the story of the acrobat and escapologist's daughter. The aunt locks her in the cellar, where the father finds her crying. Filled with rage, he goes to confront the aunt but is never seen again. He dies off stage and the aunt becomes the girl's legal guardian ("I'm Here"). The next day, Miss Trunchbull forces Miss Honey's class to undergo a gruelling physical education lesson ("The Smell of Rebellion"). Miss Trunchbull bullies the children, then verbally abuses Matilda, but Matilda discovers she can move objects with her mind ("Quiet"). Matilda demonstrates her powers to Miss Honey who tells of her own cruel and abusive aunt, who looked after her as a child after her parents died. When Miss Honey first became a teacher, her aunt produced a bill detailing everything Miss Honey consumed as a child, along with other expenses, and forced her to sign a contract binding her to pay it all back. Desperate to escape, Miss Honey found refuge in an old farm shed ("My House"). Matilda recognizes Miss Honey's scarf from the story of the acrobat and the escapologist which she realizes is the true story of Miss Honey's childhood, and that her wicked aunt is Miss Trunchbull. Miss Trunchbull schemes to punish Lavender for putting a newt in the jug of water she usually drinks from, but her classmates try to intervene. Matilda uses her powers to write on the blackboard posing as the ghost of Miss Honey's father ("Chalk Writing"). Miss Trunchbull runs away and the children celebrate ("Revolting Children"). Miss Honey receives her parents house and money, and she becomes the new headmistress. Matilda can no longer use her powers. The Wormwoods try to escape with Michael and Matilda to Spain but the Russian mafia arrive. Sergei is impressed by Matilda's intellect, and he lets them go ("This Little Girl" reprise). Matilda is allowed to live with Miss Honey as the Wormwoods leave for Spain ("When I Grow Up" (reprise)/"Naughty" (reprise)).

Rob Roy

Musical · 1894

A Highland chieftain, Rob Roy, is secretly married to Janet, the daughter of Perth’s mayor. The plot also brings in Bonnie Prince Charlie and other historical figures, with a deliberately conflated chronology.

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