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The Rocky Horror Show

Musical · 1973

The Usherette, sometimes referred to as "Trixie", who works in a derelict cinema, introduces tonight's "film" ("Science Fiction/Double Feature"). After attending the wedding of his best friend Ralph Hapschatt to Betty Munroe, Brad Majors confesses his love to Betty's friend Janet Weiss and the two become engaged ("Dammit Janet"). The Narrator explains that Brad and Janet are leaving Denton to visit Dr. Everett Scott, their former science tutor, while driving into a rainstorm. During the trip, their car has a flat tire and they are forced to walk through the rain to an old castle seeking a telephone ("Over at the Frankenstein Place"). The Narrator explains that Brad and Janet are feeling "apprehensive and uneasy". As they arrive rain-soaked, Riff Raff, the hunchbacked handyman and live-in butler, greets them with his sister Magenta, the maid. Riff Raff, Magenta and Columbia (a groupie) mention a delivery boy, Eddie, who fell victim to unfortunate circumstances after he botched a delivery; they then perform a vigorous dance number ("Time Warp"). Brad and Janet, alarmed, try to leave, but are stopped when Dr. Frank-N-Furter, a pansexual, cross-dressing mad scientist, makes an entrance. He introduces himself as "a sweet transvestite from Transsexual, Transylvania" and invites Brad and Janet up to his laboratory ("Sweet Transvestite"). Brad and Janet are stripped to their underwear to dry off. In the laboratory, Frank-N-Furter gives Brad and Janet lab coats to wear. Frank announces that he has discovered the secret to creating life. He unveils his creation, a blond muscle man, Rocky, whom he brings to life. As his bandages are removed, Rocky appears anxious ("The Sword of Damocles"). Frank admires Rocky's physique in a tribute to bodybuilders ("Charles Atlas Song"/"I Can Make You a Man"). A Coca-Cola freezer in the laboratory opens to reveal Frank and Columbia's former lover, Eddie, a biker covered in surgical scars, who has been rendered a brain-damaged zombie. Intent on rescuing Columbia, Eddie rides crazily out of the freezer and causes extensive damage to Frank's laboratory ("Hot Patootie – Bless My Soul"). Frank panics, forces Eddie back into the freezer and hacks him to death with an axe. Frank tells Rocky – the recipient of half of Eddie's brain – that he prefers his physique to Eddie's, and so Eddie had to go ("Charles Atlas Song" (reprise)/"I Can Make You a Man" (reprise)). Brad and Janet, flustered after witnessing Eddie's brutal murder, are ushered to separate bedrooms. The Narrator muses that Brad and Janet may be unsafe. Janet welcomes Brad's advances in her darkened bedroom before realising that it is Frank in disguise. He persuades Janet that pleasure is no crime; she asks him to promise not to tell Brad, and they resume making love. In Brad's darkened bedroom, Janet arrives to make love to Brad, who discovers that his lover is Frank in disguise. Frank promises not to tell Janet, and they resume, but Riff Raff interrupts on the television monitor with the message that Rocky has escaped. Janet searches for Brad in the laboratory and discovers Rocky hiding there. Checking the television monitor, Janet sees Brad in bed with Frank and seduces Rocky ("Touch-a, Touch-a, Touch-a, Touch Me"). The rest of the group discovers on the television monitor that Janet has slept with Rocky; Brad is hurt and angry ("Once in a While"). Riff Raff notifies Frank that there is another visitor entering the castle: Dr. Scott, the paraplegic science tutor whom Brad and Janet intended to visit. Dr. Scott in a wheelchair is brought into the laboratory by Columbia, where Frank accuses him and Brad of spying on his castle, knowing that Dr. Scott has connections with the FBI. Dr Scott assures him that he has come in search of his nephew, Eddie ("Eddie's Teddy"). Frank displays Eddie's corpse to the group and then uses a device to electronically anchor the three visitors and a rebellious Rocky to the floor ("Planet Schmanet Janet"); the inhabitants of the castle are revealed to be space aliens led by Frank, who abandoned their original mission to engage in kinky sex with Earthlings and work on Rocky. Magenta insists that they return to their home planet now that they have been found out; Frank refuses and declares that it is time for a "floor show". Under Frank's influence, Columbia, Rocky, Brad and Janet perform song and dance routines while clad in lingerie ("Rose Tint My World (Floor Show)"). Frank entices them to lose all inhibition and give in to their natural carnal instincts, and an orgy ensues ("Don't Dream It – Be It") before Frank leads them into the rousing finale of the floor show ("Wild and Untamed Thing"). Riff Raff and Magenta arrive abruptly, wearing spacesuits and carrying ray guns. Riff Raff declares that he is usurping Frank's authority and taking them all back to their home planet ("Transit Beam"). Frank makes a final plea for sympathy from Riff Raff, explaining his desire to spend his life having sex with Earthlings ("I'm Going Home"). Riff Raff is unmoved and guns down Columbia, Frank and Rocky before ordering Brad, Janet and Dr. Scott to leave. As the trio evacuates the castle, Riff Raff and Magenta express their excitement to return to their world and do the "Time Warp" again with their fellow Transylvanians ("Spaceship"). Brad and Janet watch as the castle blasts off into outer space, confused about the implications of their sexual escapades, as the Narrator sums up ("Super Heroes"). The Usherette recounts the night's events ("Science Fiction/Double Feature" (reprise)).

The Rose of Algeria

Musical · 1908

The Rose of Algeria is a musical in two acts with music by Victor Herbert and both book and lyrics by Glen McDonough. The work features two songs which have become a part of the classical canon of concert repertoire, "Rose of the World" and "Twilight of Barakeesh". The work is set in the country of Algeria at an oasis in the Sahara desert and at a palace in the nation's capital, Algiers. Believing the work was a strong one, Herbert made numerous revisions after the original Broadway production closed. The revised version, now titled The Rose of Algeria, was mounted at Broadway's Herald Square Theatre in 1909 with a completely different cast and a new director. This second version was more successful with critics and audiences.

The Rothschilds

Musical · 1970

The Rothschilds is a musical with a book by Sherman Yellen, lyrics by Sheldon Harnick and music by Jerry Bock. Based on The Rothschilds by Frederic Morton, it tells of the rise of the Rothschild family from humble beginnings in Germany, to their founding of their financial empire and growing political influence under the guidance of patriarch Mayer Rothschild, to their assistance in funding Napoleon's defeat, and how they secure a declaration of rights for European Jews in the midst of an oppressive era.

The Scarlet Pimpernel

Musical · 1997

The Scarlet Pimpernel is a musical with music by Frank Wildhorn and lyrics & book by Nan Knighton, based on the 1905 novel of the same name by Baroness Orczy. The show is set in England and France during the Reign of Terror of the French Revolution. The story is a precursor to the spy fiction and the superhero genres, where a hero hides under a mild-mannered alias. The musical ran on Broadway from October 1997 to May 1999 at the Minskoff Theatre, closed, toured, and reopened from September 1999 to January 2000 at the Neil Simon Theatre, in several versions. It also had a US National tour, and regional and international productions followed.

The School Girl

Musical · 1903

The School Girl is an Edwardian musical comedy, in two acts, composed by Leslie Stuart (with additional songs by Paul Rubens) with a book by Henry Hamilton and Paul M. Potter, and lyrics by Charles H. Taylor and others. It concerns a French school girl from a convent, who goes to Paris to help her lovesick friend. Through mistaken identity, she learns secrets that help her at the Paris stock exchange and ends up at a students' ball in the Latin Quarter. All ends happily. The musical was first produced in 1903 by George Edwardes and Charles Frohman at the Prince of Wales Theatre in London and ran for 333 performances there. It starred Edna May, Marie Studholme and Billie Burke. George Grossmith, Jr. succeeded G. P. Huntley as Ormsby St. Ledger. The show also played successfully on Broadway in 1904, with May and Grossmith, and on the national and international touring circuits. The most famous song from this show was "My Little Canoe".

The Secret Garden

Musical · 1989

This synopsis describes the original Broadway production; the reworked London production altered this sequence by moving or omitting several scenes and songs. Mary Lennox, a sickly 10-year-old English girl has mostly lived in isolation in India ("Opening"). Survivors of a cholera outbreak discover Mary alone, informing her that her parents and nearly everyone she knew have died ("There's a Girl"). Mary is sent to live in Yorkshire, England with her uncle Archibald Craven, a reclusive hunchback who has spent years grieving the death of his wife, Lily. The management of his manor house, Misselthwaite, is largely left to his manipulative brother, Dr. Neville Craven. The housekeeper, Mrs. Medlock, coldly welcomes Mary to Yorkshire ("The House Upon the Hill"). Due to Archibald and Mary's lingering grief, the house is haunted by ghosts from their pasts. Lonely and misbehaving, Mary hears echoes of crying voices during her first night at Misselthwaite ("I Heard Someone Crying"). The next morning, Martha, an inspiring young chambermaid, encourages Mary to go play outside by telling her about a hidden garden nearby ("If I Had a Fine White Horse"). Archibald remains submerged in his deathly memories of Lily ("A Girl In the Valley"). Mary explores the grounds' Victorian-style topiary maze, discovering the walled garden completely overgrown with ivy. She encounters an elderly gardener ("It's a Maze"), who says the garden has been locked since Lily's death, as it reminds Archibald too much of her. Martha's mystical brother Dickon invokes the spring ("Winter's On the Wing"), and he gives Mary some seeds, claiming that he can converse with animals, who guide Mary to the garden's long-lost key ("Show Me the Key"). Inside the manor, Neville and Archibald are discussing a bedridden boy when Mary suddenly enters. She asks Archibald for a bit of soil to plant a garden of her own. Archibald agrees and muses on Lily and Mary's shared interest in gardening ("A Bit of Earth"). During a fearsome storm ("Storm I"), Archibald and Neville grieve separately over Lily; thus, it is revealed that both brothers were in love with her ("Lily's Eyes"). Mary again hears crying ("Storm II"), but this time she uncovers its source: Colin, a secret cousin of hers who has been confined to bed since his birth, probably under Neville's deceptive advice that he would also become a hunchback. Colin recounts nightly dreams of a man who reads to him from a magical book ("Round-Shouldered Man"). However, just as Mary and Colin embrace each other's company, Neville and Mrs. Medlock burst in and angrily tell her she is never to see Colin again because of his fragile medical condition. A distraught Mary runs outside, where the spectre of Lily appears, revealing the location of the ivy-covered door to the garden ("Final Storm"). Mary dreamily desires the garden to offer her privacy and self-discovery ("The Girl I Mean to Be"). Meanwhile, Neville wants Archibald to leave Misselthwaite entirely to him. The two brothers' thoughts are interwoven with phantom-like old arguments between Lily and Mary's mother about Archibald's suitability as a husband and father ("Quartet"). The melancholy Archibald decides to slip away to Paris for a while, pausing only to read a fairy tale to Colin while the boy sleeps ("Race You To the Top of the Morning"). Thus, the "round-shouldered man" is not a dream at all but merely Colin's own father. Mary tells Dickon that she has now been inside the garden but the plants are all dead. Dickon explains that, with some assistance, it will grow back ("Wick"). Mary tells Colin about the garden, and a ghostly vision of his mother Lily encourages him to visit it ("Come to My Garden/Lift Me Up"). In the garden, exercise, fresh air, and Mary and Dickon's magical incantations strengthen Colin, allowing him to rise from his wheelchair for the first time ("Come Spirit, Come Charm"). Colin makes Mary and the staff promise not to tell Archibald about Colin's recovery until he is able to fully walk, while onlooking spirits sing praises of the renewed garden ("A Bit of Earth (Reprise)"). Back at Misselthwaite, Neville threatens to send Mary away to boarding school and slaps her ("Disappear"). Immediately after, Martha tells Mary to stay strong ("Hold On"), helping Mary write to Archibald in Paris, urging him to come home ("Letter Song"). Archibald initially disagrees ("Where In the World"); however, Lily's ghost gives him the courage to care for their child ("How Could I Ever Know"). Returning home, he enters the garden to find Colin completely healthy, running around with Mary. A changed man, Archibald sends Neville away and triumphantly embraces Mary and Colin back into his life. The spirits of Mary's parents join Lily, promising to keep the children safe in the years to come ("Finale"). Burnett's novel primarily focused on Mary and her interactions with Colin, Martha, and Dickon. The musical adds more emphasis on the adult characters by presenting (and to some extent, inventing) the shared history entwining the two families. Originally, Burnett stated that the name of Archibald's wife was Lilias, and that she was the sister of Mary Lennox's father; in the musical, Colin's and Mary's mothers are sisters named Lily and Rose respectively. In the book, Colin's private physician is an otherwise unnamed poor cousin of Archibald Craven; Colin privately remarks to Mary that Dr. Craven is the next heir to Misselthwaite and "always looks cheerful when [Colin's health] is worse", but Burnett also states that Dr. Craven is "not an unscrupulous man, though he was a weak one, and he did not intend to let [Colin] run into actual danger". The musical heightens the doctor's conflict of interest and makes him the primary antagonist as Archibald's brother, Dr. Neville Craven, who once hopelessly loved Lily. Mary expressly accuses of him of wanting Colin to die for the sake of his inheritance.

The Secret Life of Bees

Musical · 2019

The Secret Life of Bees is a stage musical with a book by Lynn Nottage, music by Duncan Sheik and lyrics by Susan Birkenhead. The musical premiered Off-Broadway in 2019 to critical acclaim, winning the Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding New Off-Broadway Musical, along with Best New Musical nominations from the Drama Desk Awards, Lucille Lortel Awards, and the Drama League Awards. The musical is set in the 1960s in South Carolina, and tells the story of Lily Owens and Rosaleen, two young women who become friends in the face of adversity, and embark on an adventure of self discovery thanks to the Boatwright sisters, three women they meet who work as beekeepers on a honey farm. The story had previously been adapted as a film of the same name, released in 2008, directed and written by Gina Prince-Bythewood.

The Shop Girl

Musical · 1894

An attractive and charming London shop girl, Bessie Brent, is in love with Charles Appleby, a poor, but lively medical student from a good family. She also meets a good-hearted millionaire, John Brown, who had gone out in the steerage of a liner, "to become a miner", and had struck it rich in Colorado. The millionaire has come back to London to look for the daughter of his mining chum, to whom a fortune of four million pounds was due. She is to be identified by a birthmark. The daughter, of course, turns out to be the shop girl and, after a few misunderstandings, she agrees to marry her sweetheart.

The Sleeping Beauty and the Beast

Musical · 1901

The Sleeping Beauty and the Beast is a musical in three acts with music by J. M. Glover and Frederick Solomon and lyrics by J. Cheever Goodwin. Its book by John J. McNally and Goodwin was adapted from the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane's 1900 pantomime of the same name by J. Hickory Wood and Arthur Collins. The musical also included additional music and lyrics by the songwriting team of Jean Schwartz and William Jerome,

The Spitfire Grill

Musical · 2012

Act I Place: A small town. Time: Not long ago. February. A young woman, Percy Talbott, gazes out the window of her prison cell, from which she is about to be released. In her pocket is a photograph clipped from a travel book with a caption that states "Autumn colors along Copper Creek near Gilead, Wisconsin" ("A Ring Around the Moon"). Arriving in Gilead, Percy reports to the local sheriff, Joe Sutter. He leads her through the deserted streets to a ramshackle diner called the Spitfire Grill, run by a crusty old widow, Hannah Ferguson, who has a bad hip and a sharp tongue. Joe persuades Hannah to take Percy on board and give her work as a waitress. Percy sets to work in a swirl of small-town suspicions led by Effy, the postmistress and village busybody ("Something's Cooking at the Spitfire Grill"). In the face of all the gossip and Hannah's constant haranguing, Percy begins to wonder whether she made a mistake in coming to Gilead ("Coffee Cups and Gossip"). Her thoughts are interrupted by a cry from Hannah, who has tripped on the stairs and broken her leg. Over the protests of her fiercely protective nephew, Caleb, Hannah has Percy take over the Spitfire. When it comes to cooking, though, Percy is clueless ("Into the Frying Pan"). That night, without explaining why, Hannah reluctantly asks Percy to wrap a towel around a loaf of bread and to leave it near the old stump out back of the grill. Percy is joined at the Spitfire by Caleb's wife Shelby, an excellent cook. In the heat of the kitchen, the two women are drawn together. Shelby tells Percy about Hannah and Gilead's past, the day her childhood hero went off to war and her hometown changed forever ("When Hope Goes"). Wanting to escape painful memories, Hannah has had the Grill on the real estate market for 10 years with no takers. In a moment of inspiration, Percy proposes a way for Hannah to get rid of the Spitfire and make some money at the same time: a raffle. For $100 and an essay about why they might want the Grill, anyone can enter. At first, Hannah resists, but slowly, something about the craziness of the idea convinces her that it just might work. As the rest of the town watches the long Wisconsin winter stubbornly give way to spring ("Ice and Snow"), the women at the Spitfire plan the details of the contest. Percy and Shelby share a vision of life as they wish it were, while writing the advertisement for the raffle ("The Colors of Paradise"). Caleb spots the contest ads as they begin to appear in out-of-town papers. Without a decent job since the local quarry closed, Caleb has been left trying to sell real estate that no one wants. His frustration turns against a world where being a hard-working man is no longer enough ("Digging Stone"). During a parole session with Sheriff Joe Sutter, Percy tells of her bleak past growing up in the West Virginia coal mine region. Joe, in turn, spills out his dissatisfaction with life in Gilead ("This Wide Woods"). As summer approaches, the first raffle entry arrives in the mail, complete with $100 and a rather depressing essay, which stirs up some of Hannah's old wounds ("Forgotten Lullaby"). That night, while placing the usual loaf of bread out back, Percy encounters a silent visitor. She attempts to make conversation, but the mysterious man merely takes the bread and flees. Weeks go by, and essays begin to pour into the grill from far and wide ("Shoot the Moon"). Act II Hannah, Percy, and Shelby sit in the Spitfire Grill after hours, reading essays and drinking from a jug of Hannah's infamous applejack. As they read the letters, some funny, some sad, Hannah expresses her appreciation for what Percy and Shelby have done ("Come Alive Again"). Before long, it seems everyone in town is helping Hannah to sift through the letters, and a magical shift occurs, not only at the Spitfire, but throughout Gilead as well. Late one October night on the back porch, Joe tells Percy that he no longer wants to leave Gilead. He plans to build a house on a plot of land his father has given to him ("Forest for the Trees"). Deeply troubled, Percy abruptly rejects Joe's proposal of marriage and confides to Shelby the harsh details of her life. Impregnated by her stepfather when she was 16, Percy suffered untold abuse resulting in the loss of her unborn child. While on the run, she killed her stepfather with his own straight razor. Shelby comforts Percy and gently sings her to sleep ("Wild Bird"). When Percy awakens, she sees the mysterious visitor and at last realizes he is none other than Eli, Hannah's own son. Eli leads Percy deep into the forest and then to a clearing atop a hill. The leaves have turned to autumn colors and as the sun rises, they burn like flame ("Shine"). Transformed by her hilltop vision, Percy leads Eli back to the Grill to reunite him with Hannah after so many years. In a painful confrontation, Shelby and Caleb recognize Eli and react with such shock at his battered appearance and broken demeanor that Eli flees. Hannah finally admits that Eli had been a deserter in the war. The shame of it killed her husband, and though Hannah has taken care of Eli's basic needs, she has kept his presence in the woods a secret from the entire town. Percy pleads with Hannah to forgive Eli. Day passes into night and Hannah calls out to her son ("Way Back Home"). Out of the shadows, Eli appears in the grill once more. Hannah and Eli tentatively face one another as mother and son. On the last day of the contest, everybody reads their favorite essays. Finally, Hannah reads the words that have touched her the most - the ad describing the grill, written by Percy and Shelby. In gratitude for their role in reuniting mother and son, while admitting she is not offering much in return, Hannah turns over the Grill to Percy and Shelby ("Finale").

The Spring Chicken

Musical · 1905

The Spring Chicken is an Edwardian musical comedy adapted by George Grossmith, Jr. from Coquin de Printemps (1897) by Jaime and Duval, with music by Ivan Caryll and Lionel Monckton and lyrics by Adrian Ross, Percy Greenbank and Grossmith. The story takes place in Paris and Château de Malmaison. Produced by George Edwardes at the Gaiety Theatre in London, the show opened on 30 May 1905. It ran for a very successful 401 performances. The London production starred Grossmith, Harry Grattan and Gertie Millar, with Henry Lytton later joining the cast. The Spring Chicken had a Broadway run in 1906 and toured in Britain and America.

The Story of My Life

Musical · 2009

Best-selling author Thomas Weaver has come back to his hometown to deliver the eulogy for his childhood friend, Alvin Kelby, but finds himself desperately scrambling for something to say. (Write What You Know). His reality is shattered by the memory of Alvin who takes him deep into Thomas's mind cluttered with a lifetime of stories. Alvin suggests that they excavate the story of their first meeting (Mrs. Remington). Thomas rejects Alvin's help but Alvin persists, offering the story of the last time they saw each other, one week ago, when Thomas was tasked with delivering the eulogy for Alvin’s father. Thomas immediately ends this story. Alvin chooses another recalling an evening spent searching his dad's bookstore for a gift for Thomas (The Greatest Gift). Thomas recognizes that the gift, a copy of Tom Sawyer, planted the seed for his desire to become a writer (1876). Alvin continues selecting stories including a recollection of the time they promised to deliver each other’s eulogy, a promise that locked Thomas into his current dilemma. Alvin chooses a story of Thomas belittling Alvin’s fascination with a flapping butterfly (Normal). Thomas responds by selecting a story telling of the consequences of this behavior. Alvin’s response (People Carry On) gives Thomas a new understanding of his friend. Alvin reintroduces the story of their last time together. Even though Thomas had been asked to write Alvin's father's eulogy, he only offered “a quote from a dead poet.” Again, Thomas shuts this story down. Alvin persists, choosing stories that track the passing years as life infringed on their friendship. There’s the one of Thomas asking for Alvin’s life-altering critique of a story written for his college application (The Butterfly). There’s the one about their awkward goodbye as Thomas left for school (Saying Goodbye Pt. 1). There’s the one about Thomas coming back with a seemingly insurmountable writing assignment (Here's Where It Begins). There’s the one about Alvin's first meeting with Thomas's fiancée (Saying Goodbye Pt, 2). With each story, small connections between them become apparent revealing the effect that Alvin had on Thomas's life. Alvin selects a story about Thomas inviting Alvin to leave his hometown for the first time, an invitation that irreparably altered their friendship (Independence Day). Thomas tries to excuse his behavior (I Like It Here), but Alvin criticizes the questionable choices made by Thomas throughout their friendship (You're Amazing Tom). Thomas attempts to explain the struggles of creativity using a failed "work in progress" as an example but Alvin's rebuttal pushes him to the edge of a nervous breakdown (Nothing There) desperately searching for anything to put this eulogy behind him. Alvin reintroduces the story of their last meeting and Thomas lets it play out. Thomas's failed attempt to write Alvin's father's eulogy leads to a final rift in the friendship and Alvin chooses to deliver his father's eulogy off the cuff. Thomas watches as Alvin's eloquent words let him see his friend as he's never seen him before (I Didn't See Alvin). Thomas begs Alvin to reveal the story of his death but Alvin tells him that this is one story that Thomas will never know (This Is It). Thomas revisits his work in progress (Angels In the Snow) and is finally able to finish. Alvin's presence fades. Thomas steps up to the podium and begins telling the story of his friend’s life.

The Strollers

Musical · 1901

Two strollers, August Lump and his wife Bertha, discover a letter with a diamond necklace. When they use their finding to pay for a dinner, they arouse suspicions and are arrested by the police. They are imprisoned in a jail run by Kamfer. It is revealed that that letter and necklace were lost by the Prince de Bomsky and was a gift intended for his girlfriend, the ballet dancer Mimi. August and Bertha lure the Prince de Bomsky and Mimi into their cell and trick them into making their escape; still in possession of the necklace. Eventually the two couples run across each other again in a hotel at a mountain resort. A comedy of errors ensues involving mistaken identities and various deceptions. Eventually all ends well and the Prince presents Mimi with the necklace.

The Student Prince

Musical · 1924

Prince Karl Franz, heir to the fictional German kingdom of Karlsberg, goes incognito to the University of Heidelberg to experience student life. He falls in love with Kathie, the niece of a tavernkeeper, and becomes close to the students. When the king falls ill, Karl returns home to take up his royal duties. Years later, now king, he returns to Heidelberg and hopes to see Kathie. Princess Margaret persuades Kathie to tell Karl she loves another man, freeing him to fulfill his royal engagement. Karl agrees to marry Margaret, though Kathie remains his true love.

The Sultan of Sulu

Musical · 1902

The Sultan of Sulu is described as an original satire in two acts. The music is by Alfred G. Wathall and the lyrics by George Ade. It was first produced by the Castle Square Opera Co. under the direction of Henry W. Savage, at the Studebaker Theatre, Chicago, on March 11th 1902. The first Boston performance was at the Tremont Theatre, on December 1st, 1902. On December 29th, 1902 the show opened at New York City's Wallack's Theatre, then moving to the Grand Opera House, running for a total of 200 performances. The show continued to tour professionally until 1909.

The Sunshine Girl

Musical · 1912

Setting: Port Sunshine, England The hero, Vernon Blundell, has inherited the great "Sunshine" Soap Factory at Port Sunshine, but in the will his uncle inserted a clause that Vernon must not be engaged or married before the expiration of five years; otherwise the whole property will be vested in the various heads of departments on a co-operative basis. Vernon, however, had for some months been working in the factory as an ordinary "hand", and in that period of time had fallen in love with pretty Delia Dale, an assistant in the perfumery department. He wants her to love him for himself, rather than for his position, and accordingly he arranges for his stockbroker friend, Lord Bicester, commonly known as "Bingo", to personate him and pose as head of the establishment. After some demur, "Bingo" agrees to the proposition and trusts to chance that his identity will not be discovered. Unfortunately, he quickly finds himself in a tangle of complications. He is recognised by his fiancée, Lady Rosabelle Meridew, and also by Floot, an ex-cabman, who once drove him from a Covent Garden Fancy Dress Ball after a night of more than ordinary exhilaration. Floot arrives at Port Sunshine on his way from Land's End to John o' Groats, his purpose being to win a £50 prize for walking offered by an enterprising newspaper to whomsoever shall accomplish the journey without begging, borrowing or stealing. Floot immediately sees that he has a good thing on, and Bingo has to purchase his silence by making him the general manager of the soap works. Floot is married to Brenda Blacker, who was Bingo's travelling companion on his journey home from the ball. She is now engaged as a cook in the household of the Lady Rosabelle and is also carrying on a flirtation with a longshoreman, known as Commodore Parker. At the end, it is declared that no law can stop a man from marrying the woman he loves, and so the terms of the will are over-ridden, and Vernon and Delia prepare to "live happily ever after".

The Three Musketeers

Musical · 1928

The Three Musketeers is a musical with a book by William Anthony McGuire, lyrics by Clifford Grey and P. G. Wodehouse, and music by Rudolf Friml. It is based on the classic 1844 novel by Alexandre Dumas, père. Set in France and England in 1626, it recounts the adventures of a young man named d'Artagnan after he leaves home to become a Musketeer of the Guard. The three men of the title are his friends Athos, Porthos, and Aramis. The original 1928 production on Broadway, and a 1930 West End run, both starring Dennis King as d'Artagnan, were successful, but a 1984 attempt at a much-revised Broadway revival flopped.

The Times They Are a-Changin'

Musical · 2006

The Times They Are a-Changin was a 2006 dance musical featuring the songs of Bob Dylan, conceived, directed and choreographed by Twyla Tharp. The show takes place in a setting described as "somewhere between awake and asleep," a dreamlike circus environment in which a coming-of-age conflict between a tyrannical circus master, Captain Ahrab, his idealistic son, Coyote, and a circus performer, Cleo, is told among a choreographed world of clowns, contortionists and Big Tops. Premiering in San Diego in February 2006, the show eventually moved to Broadway, opening on October 26, 2006. The show received uniformly negative reviews, and closed on November 19, 2006 after 35 previews and 28 performances.

The Toreador

Musical · 1901

The Toreador is an Edwardian musical comedy in two acts by James T. Tanner and Harry Nicholls, with lyrics by Adrian Ross and Percy Greenbank and music by Ivan Caryll and Lionel Monckton. It opened at the Gaiety Theatre in London, managed by George Edwardes, on 17 June 1901 and ran for an extremely successful 675 performances. It starred Marie Studholme, Gertie Millar, Harry Grattan, Edmund Payne, George Grossmith, Jr. and the young Sidney Bracy. Gabrielle Ray later joined the cast. The show also enjoyed Broadway runs in 1902 and 1904 and toured internationally. Key songs include "Captivating Cora", "I'm Romantic", "When I Marry Amelia", "Keep Off the Grass", and "Archie". As was customary for musicals at the time, other songs were interpolated into the show. For example Christie MacDonald performed "Moon, Moon" in the show, which was written by Nathaniel D. Mann.

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry

Musical · 2025

The Balladeer opens by singing a song introducing the main character, Harold Fry ("Rise Up"). Harold receives a letter in the mail from an old friend named Queenie saying that she is in hospice. He decides to write her a letter and sets out to mail it but walks by several post boxes and the post office before ending up at a garage. The garage employee inspires Harold to walk from where he is to where Queenie is in hospice, from South Devon to Berwick-upon-Tweed, to inspire her to keep living (“Walk Upon the Water”). Harold calls the hospice to tell Queenie of his plan and sets out on his journey (“Song for the Countryside”). Harold also calls his wife, Maureen, to tell her of his plan. Maureen is confused and unhappy, but Harold continues on. He can only call from phone boxes and send postcards because he left his phone behind. Along his path, Harold meets several people who help him and allow him to contextualize his life and struggles, including a farmer’s wife with no children (“The Art of Getting Lost”), an older man at a diner who wants to come out as gay (“From the Rooftops”), and a woman whose husband left her and is unable to use her medical degree as an immigrant (“You’re Fucked”). He also has flashbacks to when he and Queenie worked together. At home, Maureen reflects about how her life has been dull for a while and now she’s alone (“Tin of Soup for One”). Harold runs into some tourists who find his story inspiring and post photos of him on Instagram. He calls the hospice who tell him that Queenie miraculously seems to be doing better with the knowledge of Harold’s walk and his postcards, and they tell him to keep going (“Keep On Walking Mr. Fry”). Harold becomes a viral sensation from the Instagram post and a group of people join him on his walk, calling themselves pilgrims, starting with Wilf (“The Pilgrim’s Tale”). Harold tells the news how he’s glad that so many people are positively affected by his journey. The Balladeer becomes angry and reveals himself to a startled Harold, who yells out the name David. Wilf sings the praises of Harold as the pilgrims celebrate (“My Hero Harold Fry”). Harold flashes back to fighting with his son while David was at Cambridge. Harold begins to feel the pressure of so many people relying on him and slowing down his journey. Maureen reflects on when she and Harold met at a dance and how happy they were when they were young (“Such a Simple Thing”). Harold freaks out at Wilf, believing he’s trying to steal something. Harold decides to set out on his own, leaving the other pilgrims behind (“One Foot in Front of the Other”). As a storm comes on, Harold spirals and is haunted by an apparition of David who blames him for not listening to or supporting him as David struggled with high expectations and his mental health. Distraught, he calls Maureen who encourages him to finish his journey. Harold staggers into a diner, babbling incoherently about his son and sobbing. He writes a postcard to the girl in the garage, telling her that his son committed suicide many years ago (“Dear Girl in the Garage”). After that, his marriage fell apart and he turned to alcohol. He ended up drunkenly vandalizing his workplace, which Queenie took the blame for and got fired, and he’s guilty that he never got to thank her. The girl brings the postcard to Maureen to help her understand Harold’s reasons and encourage her to go to Harold. Harold arrives at the hospice. Queenie is unresponsive but she can still hear. Harold struggles to find the words to say at first, but is finally able to thank her. Afterward, he sits on a bench on a nearby beach and reflects on his long journey. Maureen joins him and the two reconcile their history and remember the joy of their youth (“Here’s One for the Road”).

The Vagabond King

Musical · 1925

Paris is under siege by the forces of the Duke of Burgundy; popular support for King Louis XI is at a low point. Villon – poet, braggart, thief and darling of the Paris rabble – has sent anonymous love poems to the beautiful Katherine de Vaucelles. These have caused her to reject proposals from King Louis. She goes to seek the mysterious poet at an inn, but King Louis shadows her in disguise. Louis is incensed to hear Villon mocking the failures of his reign and saying what he would do instead "if I were king." The infuriated monarch reveals himself. The king gives Villon a hard choice: as punishment for speaking treasonously, he must either stop courting Katherine or accept the position of Grand Marshal, with all the powers of King, for 24 hours, during which time he must make good on his boasts and free Paris. At the end of the 24 hours, Villon will hang. Villon's dilemma is that he has promised himself to Huguette, his mistress, but now is deeply in love with Katherine. Villon and Katherine declare their love for each other ("Only a Rose"). Hugette describes her means of livelihood ("Love for Sale"). Villon accepts Louis' challenge. Rather than sending the King's Scottish mercenaries against the Burgundians, Villon rouses the Paris mob to defend the city. Huguette discovers that Thibault, one of Louis's advisors, is a traitor. When Thibault ambushes Villon and tries to stab him to death, Huguette steps in front of the blade and takes the blow, thus sacrificing her life, and freeing Villon to be with Katherine. He kills Thibault in retaliation and then leads the Paris rabble to fight the Burgundians. The Parisians emerge victorious. After the battle is over, Katharine offers to sacrifice herself to the hangman in order to save Villon. Louis, realizing he cannot shed noble blood without a just cause, rewards Villon with exile instead of death, and the two lovers leave together.

The Velvet Lady

Musical · 1918

The Velvet Lady is a "musical comedy in three acts" with music by Victor Herbert and a book and lyrics by Henry Blossom. Blossom's book is an adaptation of Fred Jackson's 1915 play A Full House. The musical opened at Broadway's New Amsterdam Theatre on February 3, 1919. It closed at that theatre in June 1919 after 136 performances. The production starred Fay Marbe as Vera Venon, a.k.a. "The Velvet Lady", Ernest Torrence as Parks, Marie Flynn as Ottilie Howell, Ray Raymond as George Howell, Georgia O'Ramey as Susie, Minerva Coverdale as Bubbles, Alfred Gerrard as Ned Pembroke, and Jed Prouty as Nicholas King.

The View UpStairs

Musical · 2017

The View UpStairs is a musical with music, lyrics and book by Max Vernon based on the real-life events of the 1973 arson attack at the UpStairs Lounge, a gay bar in New Orleans. This attack resulted in the deaths of 32 people, the deadliest attack on a gay club in U.S. history before the 2016 Orlando nightclub shooting. The show is inspired by and pays tributes to many of the patrons who frequented the venue. The single-act show runs for approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes and is set entirely within the UpStairs Lounge.

The Wedding Singer

Musical · 2006

Robbie Hart, a wedding singer, lives with his Grandma Rosie in Ridgefield, New Jersey. He and his band play a great wedding gig ("It’s Your Wedding Day"). During his usual "warm-up-the-crowd routine," Robbie proudly announces that he will be married to his beloved fiancée Linda the next day. At the wedding gig, Robbie meets a waitress named Julia Sullivan, who can't wait to get married ("Someday"). Afterward, Robbie tries to write a sweet (eventually corny) love song to Linda, with help from Julia, whom he had just met during the previous wedding ("Awesome"). The following day, however, Linda dumps Robbie at the altar, with only a note claiming that she wants to be the wife of a rock star and not just a wedding singer ("A Note from Linda"). Meanwhile, an anxious Julia goes out to dinner with her Wall Street banker boyfriend, Glen Guglia, hoping he will pop the question, which he does ("Pop!"). Robbie falls into a deep depression ("Somebody Kill Me"), but is urged by his bandmates Sammy and George, and even his grandmother ("A Note from Grandma"), to use that intense emotion to get back on his feet. However, the angry Robbie does nothing but enrage the guests at the next wedding gig ("Casualty of Love"), and he is soon thrown into the dumpster by the groom and an angry crowd of wedding guests. With some convincing from his friend Julia, Robbie does "Come Out of the Dumpster," but changes his singing gigs strictly to bar mitzvahs ("Today You Are a Man"). After the Shapiro bar mitzvah ("George’s Prayer"), Julia convinces Robbie to help her register for her wedding, as her fiancé Glen is, as usual, busy with business-related affairs ("Not That Kind of Thing"). While at the mall, Robbie and Julia meet up with Julia's cousin and best friend Holly, who convinces the "faux duo" that Julia needs to practice her wedding kiss. Robbie and Julia awkwardly and lovingly kiss, only to be interrupted by the reality that Julia is marrying Glen. After seeing the kiss, Holly decides that she should go out with Robbie. Julia, still shocked by the kiss, hastily agrees with Holly. Much later that night, Robbie, Holly, Julia, Glen, Sammy, and George go to a club in New York City ("Saturday Night in the City"). Here Robbie finally realizes that Glen is a cheater and that he, Robbie, loves Julia. Holly realizes this too and tells Robbie that Julia is marrying Glen because of his money and security. Upon hearing this, Robbie says, "Well, I‘m in big trouble, then. But maybe I could change." The next morning, Robbie visits Glen at his Wall Street office to get a job and learn how to be like him in order to secretly impress Julia ("All About the Green"). Later, Julia and Holly recall the events of the night before and Julia begins to question if rich men are truly better people ("Someday - Reprise"). Sammy arrives and tries to woo Holly, but is given the cold shoulder, but Holly can't help but feel that despite his flaws, there is no other man who could replace Sammy ("Right in Front of Your Eyes"). Later in the evening, a "Glenified" Robbie finds Julia at his doorstep and tries to woo her. When that doesn't work, he accuses her of marrying Glen for his material possessions. Julia is stung and walks away from Robbie, throwing a present in his face: personalized blank sheet music. After all, Julia truly cares about Robbie and wants him to sing at weddings again, especially her own. Robbie realizes what he's done and drinks his sorrows away at a local bar ("All About the Green - Reprise"). Sammy and George go to the bar and try to convince Robbie that staying "Single" is the right thing to do. Inadvertently, Sammy and George end up persuading Robbie into going to Julia's house to tell her how he really feels. Meanwhile, at Julia's house, Julia is with her mother, Angie, trying on her wedding dress, but is having doubts about marrying Glen because of recent events with her and Robbie. Julia's mother reassures her that Glen really is "Mr. Right" and questions why Julia would leave him for a wedding singer. But Julia still has doubts. Robbie looks into Julia's window and sees her trying on her wedding dress and smiling at her reflection. He thinks it's because she's marrying Glen, but Julia is smiling only because she's imagining being Robbie's wife ("If I Told You"). Robbie comes across Glen in the middle of a bachelor party. Glen invites Robbie, but Robbie simply begs him not to cheat on Julia anymore. Glen gets defensive and condemns Robbie. Robbie gets knocked down and Glen fires him. Robbie goes home drunk and dazed only to find Linda in his bed, wanting him back ("Let Me Come Home"). Before she can fully apologize Robbie falls into a deep slumber. The next day, Julia goes to Robbie's house to tell him how she really feels, only to find Linda instead. This scares Julia into eloping with Glen to Las Vegas. Meanwhile, Robbie wakes up and promptly kicks Linda (the "psycho") out. At Grandma Rosie's 50th anniversary party, Robbie finds out from Holly what happened to Julia. Only then do Robbie and Julia realize that they may never see each other again, and they may never get to tell each other what's on their minds ("Not That Kind of Thing / If I Told You - Reprise"). With urging from his grandmother and Sammy, Robbie goes to the airport and gets on the next plane to Vegas ("Move That Thang"). With the help of a group of Vegas impersonators (Billy Idol, Mr. T, Ronald Reagan, Tina Turner, Cyndi Lauper, Nancy Reagan, and Imelda Marcos), Robbie crashes Julia's and Glen's wedding at the Little White House Chapel and sings his new song to Julia ("Grow Old With You"). Glen is outraged that Robbie and Julia still have feelings for each other and blurts out that he cheated on Julia with "like a hundred other women." Upon hearing this, the impersonators beat Glen up, and Robbie proposes to Julia. She says yes, on one condition: "Will you sing at my wedding?" The answer is a resounding "Yes!" Later, (Mr.) Robbie Hart and (Mrs.) Julia Sullivan-Hart are wed ("Finale").

The Whirl of New York

Musical · 1921

The Whirl of New York is a Broadway musical that premiered at Winter Garden Theatre on June 13, 1921. It was an expanded and substantially re-worked version of The Belle of New York (1897, music by Gustave Kerker with book and lyrics by Hugh Morton). The show was billed not as a revival but as "founded on The Belle of New York.". The new version had music by Gustave Kerker, Al Goodman and Lew Pollack; book and lyrics by Hugh Morton and Edgar Smith; additional music by Leo Edwards; and additional lyrics by Sidney D Mitchell, Cyrus Wood and Cliff Friend. It opened to favourable reviews and ran for 124 performances.

The White Chrysanthemum

Musical · 1904

Sybil Cunningham loves Reggie Armitage of the Royal Navy. She has followed him from England to Japan partly to escape an unpleasant engagement in London. They have asked his father's consent to their marriage, and in the meantime, he has arranged for a modest house for her to stay in. His father the admiral, however, has decided that Reggie must marry a wealthy but vivacious American, Cornelia Vanderdecken. Sybil disguises herself as a Japanese girl and hides from Cornelia, and Reggie's friend, Chippy helps her keep up the pretense. But Sybil is distressed to see Reggie with Cornelia and runs away tearfully. Fortunately, Reggie's servant, Sin Chong, and Sybil's cousin, Betty, reveal the true situation to Sybil. In the end, Sybil returns to Reggie, Betty pairs off with Sir Horatio (who will agree to anything she wants), and Chippy lands Cornelia's heart.

The White Hen

Musical · 1907

The White Hen (originally titled The Girl from Vienna) is a musical in two acts with music by composer Gustav Kerker, a book by Roderic C. Penfield, and lyrics co-authored by Penfield and Paul West. Set in Tyrol, Austria, the story takes place at an inn, 'The White Hen', owned by Hensie Blinder. The musical begins after Blinder returns from a trip to Vienna in which he engaged a matrimonial agency to help him find a wife. Upon his return to the inn, several women arrive in response to the advertisement placed by the agency and a comedy of errors ensues; including Blinder mistakenly believing he has committed the crime of bigamy.

The Who's Tommy

Musical · 1992

Note that there are several plot differences between the album, the film, and the stage production, though the general storyline is largely the same. An opening montage of London is presented, beginning in 1940 with the initial meeting and then marriage of the Walkers. Amidst World War II, the husband, Captain Walker, parachutes into Germany, where he is captured as a prisoner of war by the Nazis ("Overture"). Back in London at 22 Heathfield Gardens, the captain's brother Ernie delivers a care package to the pregnant Mrs Walker just as two officers arrive at the home to announce the disappearance and presumed death of her husband ("Captain Walker"). The following year, two nurses gently hand Mrs Walker her newborn son, Tommy; later, in 1945, American troops liberate Captain Walker's POW camp, proclaiming the end of the war ("It's a Boy" / "We've Won"). Mrs Walker has since attained a new lover, and they celebrate her twenty-first birthday and discuss marriage together with four-year-old Tommy ("Twenty-One"). To their surprise, Captain Walker enters the house and a fight erupts between Captain Walker and the boyfriend. Mrs Walker turns Tommy away, but he watches his father shoot the boyfriend to death through a large mirror. Captain and Mrs Walker embrace but soon realize what Tommy has witnessed, and violently shake him, telling him he did not see or hear anything ("What About the Boy"). The police arrive; Tommy simply gazes at the mirror in silence. A narrator—Tommy's older self—appears to the audience, introducing and framing the story of his exceptional childhood ("Amazing Journey"). Captain Walker is tried for murder but found not guilty by reasons of self-defense. However, Tommy fails to celebrate his father's release, and his family quickly realizes that he has apparently gone deaf, mute, and blind. Tommy's parents have him undergo a battery of medical tests, to no avail ("Sparks"). At ten years of age, Tommy's unresponsive state remains unchanged ("Amazing Journey – Reprise"). The Walkers all go to church and host a Christmas family dinner, though the family is unnerved that Tommy does not know that it is Christmas or understand its significance ("Christmas"). Everyone is stunned when Tommy responds only to his uncle Ernie's playing the French horn. Mr Walker, in a desperate attempt to reach his son, shouts "Tommy, can you hear me?" multiple times. Older Tommy, only visible to young Tommy, who persistently stares at the mirror, sings to him ("See Me, Feel Me"). The Walkers leave Tommy with a slew of vicious babysitters, including alcoholic and sexually abusive Uncle Ernie ("Do You Think It's Alright?" and "Fiddle About"), as well as his cousin Kevin, a sadistic bully ("Cousin Kevin"). Cousin Kevin and his friends take Tommy to a youth club where, to everyone's astonishment, Tommy plays pinball brilliantly ("Sensation"). Meanwhile, another doctor, a psychiatrist, tests Tommy yet again with no success ("Sparks – Reprise"). The desperate Captain Walker is approached by The Hawker and Harmonica Player ("Eyesight to the Blind") who promise a miraculous cure for Tommy. They take young Tommy to the Isle of Dogs to find a prostitute called The Gypsy, who tries to convince Captain Walker to let her spend time alone with Tommy, introducing him to drugs ("The Acid Queen"). Horrified by her methods, Captain Walker snatches Tommy away. By 1958, Tommy has apparently become a pinball-playing expert as Cousin Kevin and a group of adolescents await 17-year-old Tommy's appearance at the amusement arcade, where his rise to local popularity has begun ("Pinball Wizard"). By 1960, Tommy has become the local pinball champion and hero of the neighborhood lads ("Underture"). Captain Walker persists unsuccessfully in seeking doctors and a cure for Tommy ("There's a Doctor" and "Go to the Mirror!"). One doctor discovers that Tommy's senses do function but not at a self-aware or openly expressive level. On the street, a group of local louts surround Tommy ("Tommy, Can You Hear Me?") and carry him home. The Walkers, at their wits' end, passionately confront each other in an effort to reconcile and face the reality that Tommy might never be cured ("I Believe My Own Eyes"). Captain Walker leaves Mrs. Walker with Tommy. Tommy stares into the mirror blankly as his mother tries desperately to reach him one last time, before smashing the mirror in a rage ("Smash the Mirror"). With the mirror in pieces, Tommy suddenly becomes fully lucid and interactive for the first time since the age of four, and he leaves home ("I'm Free"). Through 1961 to 1963, news of Tommy's miraculous regaining of full consciousness receives huge media attention ("Miracle Cure"), Tommy is idolized by the public and the press ("Sensation – Reprise"), and he begins appearing in packed stadiums, playing pinball with a helmet that temporarily blinds and deafens him ("Pinball Wizard – Reprise"). Uncle Ernie tries to capitalise on Tommy's newfound stardom, by selling cheap souvenirs for a grand opening party of Tommy's new holiday camp, resulting from Tommy's cult-like following ("Tommy's Holiday Camp"). That night, an adolescent fan named Sally Simpson falls from the stage in her eagerness to touch Tommy and is pummeled by guards ("Sally Simpson"). Tommy, in horror, stops the show and tends to Sally. He says he has had enough and decides to go home. Realizing how caught up in celebrity he has become, Tommy wishes to do something in return for his fans and invites them all back to his house ("Welcome"). Once there, the population of fans keeps growing, though Tommy generously, but naïvely, wishes to welcome everyone equally. Sally then asks Tommy how she can be more like him and less like herself ("Sally Simpson's Question"). He is confused, and insists that there is no reason for anyone to be like him, when everyone else already possesses the amazing gifts that he was deprived of most of his life. He suddenly realises that he had thought his fame came from his miraculous recovery, when it in fact arose due to his fans' desire for a spiritual leader, hoping he could communicate wisdom from his experience of not being able to hear, see, or talk for so long. Now, disenchanted with their hero for failing to provide the answers they wanted to be told to them, the crowd turns on him in anger and eventually leaves ("We're Not Gonna Take It"), leaving Tommy with just his family surrounding him. Tommy hears the voice of his ten-year-old self from the mirror ("See Me, Feel Me") and for a moment, to the horror of his family, seems to be reverting to his old state. Instead, he turns to his family, whom he has ignored during his stardom, and embraces them in acceptance, before he climactically reunites with his younger selves onstage ("Listening to You/Finale"). The original 1969 album was much more ambiguous in its specific plot points than the stage musical and film versions. Originally, the song "Twenty-One" was called "1921" as the album version took place in a post-World War I setting. In the film, the story was changed to be post-World War II and the song was changed to "1951". In both the album and stage versions, the father comes home and kills the lover in the confrontation. Ken Russell's film made a reversal and killed Mr. Walker's character, having the lover then assume the role of a step-father to Tommy. Pete Townshend made a number of lyrical changes to songs for the film version, many of which were utilized in the stage musical (these include revisions made to "It's a Boy", "Amazing Journey", and "Tommy's Holiday Camp", among others). The new pieces created for the film, however ("Bernie's Holiday Camp", "Champagne", "Mother and Son"), were not retained for the stage production. Instead, Townshend wrote a new piece called "I Believe My Own Eyes" in which the Walkers resign themselves to accepting Tommy's fate after years of trying. Tommy's experience with the Acid Queen (Scene 11) is also handled differently between the album, movie, and stage productions. In both the album and movie, Tommy appears to have taken a drug from the Acid Queen which produced a visceral response in the otherwise mostly catatonic child. In the musical, his father brings him to see the Acid Queen, then changes his mind and leaves before Tommy partakes of her "charms". The most fundamental difference in the story is the finale, which was rewritten in 1993. Originally, Tommy instructs his followers to become deaf, mute, and blind themselves to find a heightened state of enlightenment. The crowd rejects this and turns on him. In the stage version, Tommy tells them the opposite: to not try to emulate him, but to rather live out their own normal lives. Upon hearing this message, the crowd still rejects him out of a desire to hear a bolder message from him.

The Wild Party

Musical · 2000

The Vaudeville The company recounts the story of Queenie, a blonde who works as a showgirl in the Vaudeville, who is attracted to "violent and vicious" men ("Queenie Was A Blonde"). She is currently living with a man named Burrs, who works in the same vaudeville, as the act after her. His act is a minstrel show, where he performs in black face ("Marie Is Tricky"). One Sunday, Queenie wakes up restless and she and Burrs soon come to blows. To try to put less strain on their relationship (and to convince her to put a knife down), Burrs suggest they throw a huge party and invite "all the old gang". Queenie is ecstatic and they get prepared for the evening ("Wild Party"). Promenade of Guests The guests soon arrive and exchange words with Burrs, and alcohol starts flowing ("Dry"). Queenie makes her appearance in a "new" dress ("My Beautiful Blonde"), and welcomes everyone, meeting Nadine, a minor who wants to be a blonde and drink bathtub gin ("Welcome To My Party"). Queenie takes her under her wing as she mingles with the other guests. Madelaine, an "almost famous" stripper, introduces Queenie to her new girlfriend, the catatonic morphine-addicted Sally, who she met crawling outside the theatre in a drugged stupor. Madelaine believes Sally is a "post-modernist", to which Burrs replies "in need of a post mortem". Madelaine tells Queenie of their love and of Sally's genius ("Like Sally"). Next up is Jackie, an "ambisextrous" rich kid with his eye on anybody and everybody ("Breezin' Through Another Day"). The incestuously devoted D'Armono Brothers, Oscar and Phil sing a new ditty as Gold and Goldberg, two would-be producers, arrive. They are planning to move uptown, and Burrs is convinced that they want to take him. He joins in with the brothers to impress them ("Uptown"). Queenie wonders where her friend Kate is, and Burrs expresses his dislike for her. Eddie, a successful black boxer and his white wife Mae talk of their marriage ("Eddie and Mae"). Dolores, a faded star, hints to Burrs that she knows his secrets, and forces him to introduce her to Gold and Goldberg. The producers are fighting over their name (With Gold wanting to change Goldberg's name to "Golden" to hide their Jewish heritage) and how to become successful ("Gold and Goldberg"). Burrs introduces them to Dolores, who begins to seduce them with her feminine wiles ("Moving Uptown"). The Party Queenie starts a dance to raise the energy ("Black Bottom"), but Kate soon interrupts with her arrival. She has come with Mr. Black, an attractive gigolo. Queenie and Kate trade insults and love, telling Nadine of their double-edged friendship ("Best Friend"). Burrs and Kate do not get along, with Kate disapproving of Queenie's romantic entanglement with him, while Queenie and Black begin to feel an attraction to each other. Meanwhile, Jackie tries to separate the D'Armano brothers, flirting with Oscar ("A Little M-M-M"). Dolores hints to Queenie about troubles in Burrs' past ("Everybody Has Their Secrets") while Nadine sings a paean to Broadway, only to be cut off by Queenie ("The Lights Of Broadway"). Queenie and Black meet up and find their attraction growing stronger ("Tabu"). Queenie asks him to show her how he picks up ladies, and his hypothetical soon turns into a real proposition ("Takin' Care Of The Ladies") and he pulls her up to dance ("Tabu Dance"). Kate and Burrs notice how close Queenie and Black are becoming, and Burrs wonders about the demise of fidelity ("Wouldn't It Be Nice?"). Queenie tells Black of her troubled existence, wondering why she was born ("Lowdown-Down"), as Burrs hypes up the party with Gin ("Gin"). The party quickly escalates, with everybody drinking, dancing, and arguing. Dolores warns Queenie of Burrs' first wife, who he beat to death, and Queenie escapes to the bathroom. There, she is confronted by Burrs about her entanglement with Black, and he begins to assault her. Kate barges in and saves Queenie, and Burrs furiously rejoins the party with a coked-up Jackie. Kate and Queenie argue about her relationship with Burrs, as Jackie and Oscar are found having sex in the bathroom. Oscar and Phil argue publicly, while Mae and Eddie exchange heated words. Kate warns Queenie that Burrs will kill her, and when Queenie refuses to listen, Kate jumps back into the party. Eddie and Mae soon come to blows - hitting each other, as Dolores seduces Gold and Goldberg, bringing them into the bedroom. Distraught with the state of the party, Queenie is dragged out by Black, as the party continues in full swing ("Wild"). Madelaine searches for Sally and asks her to say her name. The guests all gather and culminate in an orgy ("Need") as Burrs asks Kate about Black. Kate reveals that she knows Black is using her, but she is fine with it ("Black Is A Moocher"). Outside, Queenie and Black bond at the fact that they are different from the rest, wondering where they belong and what will become of them ("People Like Us"). After Midnight Dies Sally, naked, carrying her clothes, reveals she can see clearly now what she and everyone else is ("After Midnight Dies"). She finds Eddie recounting how it feels to beat someone acclaimed, but still be detested ("Golden Boy"). She notices Oscar and Phil making up, and turns to find Gold and Goldberg, pants nowhere to be found, wondering what has happened to them. Dolores appears and warns them that their promise must be kept, or terrible things will occur ("The Movin' Uptown Blues"). She then sneaks into the bedroom, where Nadine has just done her first line of coke with Jackie ("The Lights Of Broadway (Reprise)"). At Nadine's request for more, Jackie laments how he can never get enough of anything, culminating in rape ("More"). Mae hears Nadine's muffled screams and Eddie charges in and beats Jackie. Eddie goes wild, threatening everyone as Queenie and Black arrive. When Eddie charges at Queenie, Black hits him. Queenie questions Nadine on what had happened with Jackie, but she refuses to call him out, instead saying she was scared and screamed. Jackie tries to start the party up again and takes out more cocaine. Seeing the coke, Sally goes to him, leaving Madelaine. Madelaine chases after her, but is stopped when Sally asks, "Who's Sally?" The guests are told to leave by Burrs, and they disappear into the background. Kate confronts Black, telling him that Queenie will choose Burrs and he will have nowhere to go. Burrs and Queenie come to blows as she reveals she knows about his wife ("Love Ain't Nothin'/Welcome To Her Party"). Queenie refuses to let Burrs make up her mind ("What I Need") and leaves with Black. Burrs wonders how many other women could make him feel the way she does, before concluding it is just her ("How Many Women In The World?"). Gold and Goldberg tell him they had no intention of taking him uptown with them, and he begins to put on his vaudeville makeup. Dolores recounts how she used to love the dark, but now she loves the cold hard light that spares no one. She enjoys knowing who has the stuff and who doesn't to survive ("When It Ends"). Finale Queenie and Black lie in bed as Queenie wonders what it is to live in light and love ("This Is What It Is"). Burrs, done up in blackface, mimics the guests, before entering the bedroom ("Marie Is Tricky (Reprise)"). He pulls out a gun and threatens to kill Queenie ("How Many Women In The World? (Reprise)"). Black fights back and Burrs is shot dead and falls on the bed. Kate rushes in and hurries Black to safety. The company does the opening vaudeville, trying to lure Queenie into its revelry ("Queenie Was A Blonde (Reprise)"). Queenie tries, but soon begins to take off her makeup, the company dropping the vaudeville and joining her ("This Is What It Is" (Reprise)). Queenie is bathed in morning light. Scared, unsure but hopeful, she smiles at the dawn.

The Will Rogers Follies

Musical · 1991

The Will Rogers Follies is a musical with a book by Peter Stone, lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green, and music by Cy Coleman. It focuses on the life and career of humorist and performer Will Rogers, using as a backdrop the Ziegfeld Follies, which he often headlined, and describes episodes in his life in the form of production numbers. The Rogers character also performs rope tricks in between scenes. The revue contains snippets of Rogers' "homespun" style of wisdom.

The Wind in the Willows

Musical · 2016

With the arrival of spring, Mole loses patience with spring cleaning ("Spring"). He leaves his underground home for the river, where he meets Rat (a water vole), who spends all his days on the river. Rat takes Mole for a ride in his rowing boat ("Messing About in a Boat"). After this, he shares his picnic and an enduring friendship is born. Mrs. Otter gate crashes the friend's picnic looking for her daughter Portia, who often wanders off in search of food. Rat and Mrs Otter warn Mole about the inhabitants of the Wild Wood and tell him of wise but solitary Badger who lives there. Mr. Toad is rich, jovial, friendly and kind-hearted, but aimless and conceited; he regularly becomes obsessed with current fads, only to abandon them abruptly. His current fad is boating, and he speeds by the picnic on a wager-boat ("Speed is of the Essence"). The swallows arrive to herald the beginning of summer ("One Swallow Does Not a Summer Make"). Mole and Rat visit Toad Hall at Mr. Toad's invitation. Having recently given up boating, Mr. Toad's current craze is his horse-drawn caravan, which he invites the reluctant Rat and willing Mole to join him on ("The Open Road"). Parked at the roadside for an overnight stop, a passing motor car scares the horse, flipping over the caravan. Although Rat and Mole are upset, Mr. Toad becomes infatuated with motor cars. In his new racer, he terrorises his neighbours, particularly a family of nervous Hedgehogs ("The Hedgehog's Nightmare"). The animals are both fascinated and dismayed about the new craze, which he enthuses about before crashing his car ("The Amazing Mr Toad"). Autumn draws near. Determined to save Mr Toad from himself, Mole insists Rat and he venture into the Wild Wood to call on the support of Badger. When Rat refuses, Mole ventures on the scary road alone. Pursued by the Chief Weasel and his Wild Wooders, Mole only escapes when Rat has a change of heart ("The Wild Wooders"). However, the two become lost as the piles of leaves obscure the path ("Autumn"). When Mole injures himself on a boot scraper, Rat realises they have accidentally stumbled on Badger's doorstep. As Badger invites them in, Chief Weasel tells his gang of Wild Wooders of his plot to steal Toad Hall so they can live the good-life. Portia, still looking for food, is kidnapped by the gang ("The Wild Wooders Reprise"). Inside Badger's house, Mole and Rat convince Badger to come to Mr. Toad's aid ("A Friend is Still a Friend"). The trio arrive at Toad Hall to find that Mr. Toad has ordered a new car after his crash and decide to guard him in his bedroom until he learns some sense. Mrs Otter arrives, begging the friends to help her find Portia. Mole guards Mr Toad whilst Rat and Badger join the search. Feigning illness, Mr. Toad escapes Toad Hall, and steals a beautiful new car ("Toad's Escape"). However, the car owner and police catch him in the act ("Stop Thief"). Arrested for his theft, a court scene takes place with the Wild Wooders as the jury, making sure that Mr Toad is imprisoned so they can take over Toad Hall. Without showing much remorse, Toad recalls what happened in his grandiose manner while Rat, Mole and Badger try and convince him to show some remorse for his crime. The scene ends with Mr. Toad being sentenced to twenty years in jail, to his dismay ("As if in a Dream"). With Toad in prison, the Wild Wooders have taken over Toad Hall and are fattening up Portia for a feast to come ("We're Taking Over the Hall"). In prison, Mr Toad gains the sympathy of the Gaoler's Daughter, who helps him to escape disguised as a washerwoman ("To Be a Woman"). Walking through the Wood, Rat and Mole discuss the imprisonment of their friend when they come across Mole's home. Having realised that Mole hasn't returned since the day he left his Spring cleaning, the friends have a humble feast, while Mole speaks fondly of his home ("A Place to Come Back To"). After this, some wassailing mice visit as is familiar to Mole, wishing well to the animals of the forest ("The Wassailing Mice"). As the song ends, Badger bursts in to inform Rat and Mole that Mr Toad has escaped prison. Knowing the Wild Wooders will torture and kill Toad if he attempts to enter Toad Hall, the trio set out to find him first. Mr. Toad, pursued by the police, begins his escape. He boards a railway engine manned by a sympathetic driver. As the law catches up, Toad is kicked off the train, and, still disguised as a washerwoman, comes across a horse-drawn barge. The barge's owner gives Toad a lift in exchange for Mr Toad's services as a washerwoman. After botching the wash, Mr Toad gets into a fight with the barge-woman, and gets thrown overboard. Soaked, Mr Toad flags down a passing car, which happens to be the one he stole earlier. The car owner, not recognising Mr Toad in his disguise, permits him to drive the car. Once behind the wheel, he is possessed by his former passion and drives furiously. He reveals his identity to the car owner, and in the ensuing struggle, the car crashes ("The Greatest Great Escape"). Badger discovers Toad at the doors of Toad Hall. Badger and friends tell Mr Toad that Toad Hall has been taken over by weasels and stoats from the Wild Wood and even worse, that Portia is trapped inside. After Mole convinces two guards that an attack on the Hall is imminent, Badger announces that he knows of a secret tunnel into Toad Hall through which the enemies may be attacked ("Hush!"). Badger, Mrs Otter, Rat, Mole and Mr Toad enter via the tunnel and pounce upon the unsuspecting Wild Wooders who are holding a celebratory party and about to cook Portia ("The Fight"). The friends celebrate their victory over the intruders. It's spring once again, and the animals are working hard, while Rat and Mole quite happily row on the river together - they are both content in having one another's company over the adventures Toad has. Mr Toad holds a party to mark his return, but his big entrance on an airplane (or, in some productions, on a jet pack) indicates that he hasn't changed his ways at all ("Finale").

The Wizard of Oz

Musical · 2011

Act I Orphaned teenager Dorothy Gale lives on a farm in Kansas with her Aunt Em, Uncle Henry and dog Toto, but feels misunderstood ("Nobody Understands Me"). The unpleasant Miss Gulch threatens to call the sheriff after Toto bites her leg. Dorothy wants to escape to a nicer place, somewhere ("Over the Rainbow"). She runs away from the farm and meets Professor Marvel, who tells her all about ("Wonders of the World"). They are interrupted by a twister, and Dorothy runs home for shelter. Inside the farmhouse, she bangs her head on the bedside. The house is blown away by the storm. Landing in Oz, Dorothy's house flattens the Wicked Witch of the East. Glinda, the Good Witch of the North, greets Dorothy and tells her where she is. Glinda calls for the Munchkins to come out. These little people, overjoyed at the demise of their wicked tormentor, welcome Dorothy and Toto ("Munchkinland Sequence"). Glinda presents Dorothy with the magic ruby slippers that belonged to the dead witch. This enrages the witch's sister, the Wicked Witch of the West. Glinda tells Dorothy that the Wizard of Oz might be able to help her return home, and how to find him. Dorothy sets off toward the Emerald City to speak to the great Oz ("Follow the Yellow Brick Road"). On her way, she meets the Scarecrow, who feels inadequate with a head full of only stuffing ("If I Only Had A Brain"). Dorothy invites him to travel with her, hoping the Wizard can help him ("We're Off to See the Wizard"). They soon meet the Tin Man, who is unhappy with his empty tin chest ("If I Only Had a Heart") and invite him to join them. The Wicked Witch of the West threatens to light the Scarecrow on fire unless Dorothy gives her the ruby slippers; Dorothy refuses. In the dark forest, they encounter a very unhappy Lion, afraid of his own tail ("If I Only Had the Nerve"). He too joins the group on the road to the Emerald City. Emerging into the light, the friends encounter another obstacle. The Wicked Witch has cast a spell creating a huge field of poppies that puts Dorothy and the Lion to sleep. Glinda counters with a snowfall that nullifies the poison, so the friends may continue on their journey ("We're Outta the Woods"). Arriving at the Emerald City, Dorothy and company persuade the gatekeeper to admit them. They are welcomed with open arms and are groomed in preparation for a meeting with the Wizard ("The Merry Old Land of Oz"). The Wicked Witch flies down into the city with more threats, still angry that she doesn't have the ruby slippers. The four friends and Toto go into the Wizard's chamber. The great Oz appears as a frightening, disembodied head and says he will grant the group their wishes if they do something for him first. He demands: they must bring him the broomstick of the Witch of the West ("Bring Me the Broomstick"). Act II In a forest on the way to the castle of the Wicked Witch of the West, the group tries to figure out how to steal the broomstick ("We Went to See the Wizard"). They hide from a group of the Witch's Winkies ("March of the Winkies"). Meanwhile, in her castle, the Witch sends her flying monkeys to capture Dorothy and Toto and bring them to the castle ("Red Shoes Blues"). She imprisons Dorothy and tells her to give up the slippers within the hour or die ("Red Shoes Blues" (Reprise)). Dorothy wishes more than ever that she was back at home and cries ("Over the Rainbow" (Reprise)). The Scarecrow, Tin Man and Lion consider how to rescue her from the Witch's castle ("If We Only Had a Plan"). They disguise themselves as Winkies and sneak into the castle ("March of the Winkies" (Reprise)). They find the Witch and Dorothy. When the Witch tries to attack the Scarecrow, a Winkie hands Dorothy a bucket of water, which she throws over the Witch, melting her. The Winkies are thrilled to be free of the wicked witch, and the quartet return to Emerald City with the broomstick to be greeted by a large celebration of the demise of the Witch, including the people of Emerald City, the Munchkins and the Winkies ("Hail-Hail! The Witch Is Dead"). Dorothy and her friends go to see the Wizard with the broomstick. Toto reveals that the Wizard's fearsome visage is an illusion; he is just an ordinary man. Still, he gives the Scarecrow, Tin Man and Lion tokens of the brains, heart and courage that they already had inside of them ("You Went to See the Wizard"). He tells Dorothy that he himself will take her to Kansas in his hot air balloon, appointing the Scarecrow as prime minister of Oz, with the Tin Man and Lion as other ministers. Just before the balloon flies off, Toto runs into the crowd, and Dorothy retrieves him, missing her ride; she is seemingly stranded in Oz ("Farewell to Oz"). Glinda appears to tell her that she and Toto had the power to return home all along ("Already Home"). After saying goodbye to her friends, Dorothy taps her heels together three times, chanting "There's no place like home". Back in Kansas, Aunt Em and Uncle Henry tell Dorothy that she hit her head and had been unconscious for days. Dorothy insists her adventure in Oz was real, not a dream, but she is very grateful to be home. As Aunt Em and Uncle Henry leave her alone in her bedroom to rest, a gust of wind blows open her cupboard door, revealing the ruby slippers ("Finale").

The Yashmak

Musical · 1897

The Yashmak, A Story of the East is a musical play, with a libretto by Cecil Raleigh and Seymour Hicks, adapted from an Armenian operetta, Leblébidji Horhor, which had been a success in 1896 in Constantinople. The music was composed by Napoleon Lambelet (1864–1932), and additional songs were composed by Leslie Stuart and others. The Yashmak was first produced at the original Shaftesbury Theatre in London from 31 March 1897 to 31 July 1897, for a run of 121 performances. Scott Russell, a former leading D'Oyly Carte Opera Company tenor, left the Savoy Theatre to star in the production with Aileen D'Orme, who was later replaced by the French music hall singer Marguerite Cornille. Kitty Loftus played Dora Selwyn, while Topsy Sinden was principal dancer in the piece. A yashmak is a double veil worn in Islamic countries. The first layer is drawn around the forehead and gathered up behind and on the head; the second, pinned on behind to the first, falls sufficiently in front to uncover the eyes.

The Zulu and the Zayda

Musical · 1965

The Zulu and the Zayda is a musical play by Howard Da Silva and Felix Leon, with music and lyrics by Harold Rome (his last musical score to be produced on Broadway), and directed by Dore Schary. It was based on a story by Dan Jacobson. Described as a comedy with music, the play has two acts and 18 scenes. Produced by Theodore Mann and Dore Schary, the Broadway production, opened on 10 November 1965 at the Cort Theatre, where it ran for 179 performances. The cast included Menasha Skulnik, Ossie Davis, and Louis Gossett. It also featured Yaphet Kotto in his first Broadway appearance. The production's costumes were designed by Frank Thompson.

The-Merry-Go-Round

Musical · 1908

The-Merry-Go-Round was a musical vaudeville production that ran at the Circle Theatre on Broadway in 1908. The music was by Gus Edwards, with a book by Edgar Smith and lyrics by Paul West; it featured skits including "Stupid Mr. Cupid" by Theodore M. Morse and Edward Madden, "He's A-my Brud" by Fred Fisher and Jesse Lasky, and "The Shop Window Girls", with lyrics by Will D. Cobb. It was directed by George F. Marion with choreography by Joseph C. Smith. The musical takes place in Mineola, New York and New York City.

They're Playing Our Song

Musical · 1978

Top pop music composer Vernon Gersch, hoping to find a new collaborator, meets offbeat Sonia Walsk, who has already had some success writing lyrics and is in awe of his accomplishments, at his luxury Manhattan apartment. She is surprised that his Oscar is so light, and Vernon quips, "They're chocolate inside." He is aloof and focused, while she is disorganized and distracted, but Vernon has already written music to one of Sonia's lyrics, and they decide to forge ahead. Sonia, frazzled by her break up with lover Leon, arrives a day late for their first work session. When they begin, she tells Vernon they should get to know each other on a personal level in order for their work to gel, and they decide to have dinner at "Le Club." Sonia, who has been trying to ease Leon's anguish, is late yet again, and the evening begins badly. She and Vernon argue, then dance in an effort to calm down. The two settle down to enjoy the evening, and they hear their own songs being played over the sound system. Another work session, in which the two really don't listen to each other, follows, but Vernon convinces Sonia to join him for a romantic weekend at a Long Island beach house. The trip to the island in Vernon's small sports car is fraught with engine trouble, calls to Leon, and arguments. They finally arrive at the house, but a phone call from Leon threatens the romantic mood. Determined to concentrate on Vernon, Sonia tells Leon that she can't help him and hangs up. It's a week later and Vernon is suffering from insomnia. Sonia manipulates her way into his apartment by telling him she has no place to stay since Leon is back living at her place. Sonia and Vernon's romance and collaboration seems successful for a while, but the relationship begins to crumble because of her inability to send her ex-boyfriend away. Also, away from his piano, Vernon is a bundle of neuroses and unable to express his deepest feelings. After some psychologizing about the difficulties of living and working together, the pair split up at a recording session. A few months later, while Vernon is in a Los Angeles hospital, Sonia arrives unexpectedly with a tiny red child's piano as a get-well gift. Months later, both have separately come to the realization that, despite their differences, they are better together. Vernon arrives at Sonia's apartment in New York to tell her that he wants to try again. She agrees, and they reconcile with a kiss.

This Beautiful City

Musical · 2008

This Beautiful City is a play with music by the investigative theatre company The Civilians. The play engages with "the expansion of the Evangelical movement in Colorado Springs" and the gulf between the Evangelical and secular communities in the region, against the background of the Ted Haggard sex scandal. It was written by Steve Cosson and Jim Lewis from interviews conducted by Associate Artists Emily Ackerman, Marsha Stephanie Blake, Brad Heberlee, Brandon Miller, Stephen Plunkett, and Alison Weller, with music and lyrics by Michael Friedman, and directed by Steve Cosson. The play first opened in March 2008 at the Actors Theatre of Louisville Humana Festival of New American Plays, followed by successful runs at Studio Theatre in Washington, D.C., and the Center Theatre Group in Los Angeles, California. The piece premiered in New York City in the winter of 2009 at the Vineyard Theatre. This Beautiful City was nominated for Drama Desk, Drama League, and Lucille Lortel Awards

Thomas and the King

Musical · 1975

Thomas and the King is a stage musical with music by John Williams, lyrics by James Harbert, and a book by Edward Anhalt. It is based on the story of Thomas Becket and Henry II of England, and set in 12th century England. It opened at Her Majesty's Theatre London, 16 October 1975 to poor reviews and failed to make it to Broadway. The set was designed by Tim Goodchild. The musical was directed and choreographed by Norman Maen. The cast included James Smilie, Richard Johnson, Caroline Villiers, Martin McEvoy, and Dilys Hamlett.

Thoroughly Modern Millie

Musical · 2000

Thoroughly Modern Millie is a musical with music by Jeanine Tesori, lyrics by Dick Scanlan, and a book by Richard Morris and Scanlan. It is based on the 1967 film of the same name, which itself was based on the British musical Chrysanthemum, which opened in London in 1956. Thoroughly Modern Millie tells the story of a small-town girl, Millie Dillmount, who comes to New York City to marry for money instead of love – a thoroughly modern aim in 1922, when women were just entering the workforce. Millie soon begins to take delight in the flapper lifestyle, but problems arise when she checks into a hotel owned by the leader of a white slavery ring in China. The style of the musical is comic pastiche. Like the film on which it is based, it interpolates new tunes with some previously written songs. After previews at the La Jolla Playhouse in San Diego, California, in October 2000, the show opened on Broadway on April 18, 2002. Due to the success of the original Broadway production, there was b

Three Sisters

Musical · 1934

At the beginning of World War I, in 1914, three sisters travel the English countryside with their widowed father Will Barbour, a traveling photographer who works at local fairs. The eldest daughter, Tiny, is engaged to Eustace, an earnest if slightly dull constable, although she is attracted to George, an adventurous carnival performer. Dorrie, the middle daughter, is ashamed of her itinerant upbringing and seeks to marry into the aristocracy and enter high society. The youngest daughter, Mary, falls for a gypsy performer. The men are sent to the Western Front in France to fight, while the women remain home.

Three Wishes for Jamie

Musical · 1951

Three Wishes for Jamie is a musical with a book by Charles O'Neal and Abe Burrows and music and lyrics by Ralph Blane. Based on O'Neal's 1949 novel The Three Wishes of Jamie McRuin, the fantasy focuses on the title character, a young Irishman who, when offered three wishes by the Queen of the Fairies, chooses travel, a bride, and a son who can speak Gaelic. The granting of the first brings him to Atlanta, Georgia, where the second is fulfilled in the form of Maeve Harrigan. But the third will prove to be more difficult to enjoy when it is discovered his new wife is unable to conceive and the couple adopts a mute boy.

Thrill Me

Musical · 2003

It is 1958 at Joliet Prison, Illinois, where Nathan "Babe" Leopold faces the Parole Board for the fifth time. He tells them the facts of the "crime of the century" that sent him to prison thirty-five years earlier ("Why"). But this time he reveals more than ever, hoping it will lead to his release. In his memory, he goes back to 1924 Chicago, where, as a nineteen-year-old, he anxiously meets up with Richard Loeb, a classmate with whom he has shared friendship, sex and participation in minor crimes. Richard, who has been away at college, treats Nathan indifferently. Nathan begs to renew their relationship before separating again after the summer to attend different law schools ("Everybody Wants Richard"). Richard relents and allows Nathan to join in his activity for the evening – setting an abandoned warehouse on fire. In front of the blaze ("Nothing Like a Fire"), which arouses Richard, Nathan finally gets what he wants. The next day, Nathan implores Richard, who is voraciously reading Nietzsche, to stop the criminal activity. Instead Richard, now empowered by the theory of the Superman, threatens to drop Nathan completely unless they create "A Written Contract" detailing that Richard will satisfy Nathan's sexual needs only in exchange for Nathan's expertise as his accomplice in petty crimes. Reluctantly, Nathan agrees. They sign in blood and their crime spree continues until Richard fails to live up to his end of the agreement ("Thrill Me"). Richard explains that he is bored with the misdemeanors and wants to commit a "superior" crime: the murder of a young boy ("The Plan") and a phony ransom scheme after the killing. Richard insists that their intellect and meticulous plotting will prevent them from being caught. Nathan has no choice but to agree or risk Richard's wrath. Back in 1958 at Joliet before the Parole Board, Nathan explains his feelings ("Way Too Far") as he recalls how Richard prepared the murder weapons and supplies: rope, a crowbar and a bottle of acid. Richard lures the victim by promising a ride in his "Roadster". While cleaning up the murder scene, Richard extols the virtues of being "Superior" to a shaken Nathan. Back at Richard's house they compose the bogus "Ransom Note" and proceed with their plans. The next day, the newspapers reveal that, despite their careful planning, the body has been found. As a few more days go by, Nathan's missing eyeglasses are discovered near the scene of the crime. While Nathan panics, Richard tries to calm him ("My Glasses/Just Lay Low") over the phone. When the glasses are eventually traced to Nathan, Richard helps him concoct an emergency alibi and coaches him in how to answer the cops ("I'm Trying to Think"). After Nathan is successful with the police, Richard declares their relationship over so he can protect his future as a lawyer. He reminds Nathan that everything would have been fine if the glasses had not been dropped. Feeling betrayed, Nathan cuts a deal with prosecutors, turning in Richard in exchange for a lighter sentence. When arrested, Richard realizes there is no way out and works his charms on Nathan ("Keep Your Deal With Me") by convincing him to give up the deal and accept the same punishment. While awaiting the penalty trial in his jail cell, Richard unaware Nathan can hear his muttering to himself that he is truly "Afraid" despite his strong façade. Thanks to the cunning strategies of their lawyer, Clarence Darrow, they escape the death penalty and are sentenced to prison. Behind bars, Nathan finally reveals his own shocking plan: fearing the loss of Richard, he went along with the murder but stayed one step ahead the entire time, even deliberately planting his glasses, knowing that all this would ensure his desire to be together forever, or at least for "Life Plus 99 Years". Now that the whole truth has finally been exposed, back at Joliet prison Nathan is granted parole. It is a bittersweet victory; since Richard was murdered by another inmate years before, Nathan must face the outside world alone ("Finale").

Tick, Tick... Boom!

Musical · 2001

Jon is an aspiring composer for musical theater, who lives in SoHo, New York. The year is 1990, and as his 30th birthday approaches, Jon is worried about his aging and lack of achievement ("30/90"). Michael, a friend of Jon's since childhood, gave up acting to pursue a more lucrative career in marketing. Susan, Jon's girlfriend, is a dancer who teaches ballet to "wealthy and untalented children". On the roof of his apartment building, Jon reveals that he is nervous about an upcoming workshop of his newest musical, SUPERBIA. When Susan comes to join him, he comments on her dress and how beautiful it makes her look ("Green Green Dress"). The next morning, Susan asks Jon about the possibility of leaving New York. Jon is torn between following his dream of composing and opting for security and family in a different career ("Johnny Can’t Decide"). His reverie is cut short when he remembers his day job as a waiter in a SoHo diner ("Sunday"). After work, Michael picks Jon up in his brand new BMW to show Jon his new apartment. Michael exults at the thought of a life of luxury ("No More"), and pressures Jon further to consider changing his career path. He agrees to accompany Michael to work the next day and visit a brainstorming session at his firm. Back at home, Jon plans to spend the remainder of the evening composing, but is interrupted by a call from Susan ("Therapy"). At Michael's office, the brainstorming session involves naming a cooking fat substitute through a convoluted process. Jon sees the futility of the process and his unwillingness to cooperate gets him removed from the meeting. As Jon drives Michael to the airport for a business trip, they argue about the meeting. Michael tells Jon that the life Susan wants doesn't sound bad, and that he wishes his job could give him the chance to settle down ("Real Life"). After dropping Michael off, Jon goes to a rehearsal for SUPERBIA, but not before stopping to get a snack of Twinkies ("Sugar"). At the market, he spies Karessa Johnson, one of his actors for SUPERBIA. She reveals a similar weakness for Twinkies, and this leads to a sudden friendship between the two. After the rehearsal, Susan sees Jon and Karessa walking together and becomes jealous. Jon begs Susan to stay and be with him. Despite this, she leaves for home, and Jon thinks about what may have happened to make her behave this way ("See Her Smile"). The next morning, Jon arrives early at the theater for the workshop of SUPERBIA. Karessa steals the show with her performance of "Come to Your Senses". Jon gets many congratulations, but no offers to produce the show, and so, in his eyes, the workshop has been a failure. Jon visits Michael and tells him that he is through with music. Michael says that while he enjoys how he makes a lot more money now, he finds the job to be banal and unrewarding. The two argue, and Jon yells at Michael for not understanding fear or insecurity. Michael responds by telling Jon that he is HIV-positive. Shocked, Jon leaves quickly and wanders through Central Park until he finds himself at the closed Delacorte Theater. He finds an old rehearsal piano and begins to play it while collecting his thoughts. Jon ponders on whether the amount of sacrifice required for his career in music is worth it, and whether those telling him to "have it all, play the game" are right ("Why"). Ultimately, he realizes that he will only be happy as a professional composer, no matter what hardships that may bring. The next morning is Jon's thirtieth birthday party ("30/90 (Reprise)"). He sees Susan, who is getting ready to leave. She gives him his birthday gift: a thousand sheets of blank manuscript paper. They agree to write to each other, and she leaves. The phone rings, and the caller is Jon's idol, Stephen Sondheim. Sondheim leaves Jon his contact information so they can meet and discuss SUPERBIA. Jon realizes that he is surrounded by friends and that his talents are finally being recognized ("Louder than Words").

Tickle Me

Musical · 1920

Tickle Me was a Broadway musical comedy in two acts with book and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, Otto Harbach and Frank Mandel and music and musical direction provided by Herbert Stothart. Tickle Me was produced by Arthur Hammerstein and opened at the Selwyn Theater on August 17, 1920 and closed after 207 performances on February 12, 1921. The musical then embarked on a successful road tour with a schedule that extending well into the spring of the following year.

Timbuktu!

Musical · 1978

Timbuktu! is a musical, with lyrics by George Forrest and Robert Wright, set to music by Borodin, Forrest and Wright. The book is by Luther Davis. It is a resetting of Forrest and Wright's musical Kismet (which also had a book co-written by Davis), and the majority of the play's songs are reused from Kismet. The musical is set in 1361 in Timbuktu, in the Empire of Mali, West Africa. For the 1978 Tony Awards, the play was considered a revival rather than a new work, and was nominated for a Tony in the Best Revival category.

Tina

Musical · 2018

The musical opens with Tina preparing to go on stage, as she recites a Buddhist chant, nam myoho renge kyo. It’s 1949 in Nutbush Tennessee, a young 9-year-old Anna Mae Bullock sings exuberantly at a community church gathering ("Nutbush City Limits"). Her mother Zelma is embarrassed at her loudness and reprimands her. Anna Mae's parents have a difficult relationship, and after being physically assaulted, Zelma walks out with her eldest daughter Alline. Anna Mae is left alone to be brought up by her grandmother, Gran Georgeanna. Some years later, Gran Georgeanna encourages Anna Mae to go to Memphis and record an album, and Anna Mae leaves to go join her mother and sister, Alline, in St. Louis ("Don't Turn Around"). In St. Louis, Alline gives Anna Mae a makeover and introduces her to the nightlife ("Shake a Tail Feather"). At a nightclub, Anna Mae sees Ike Turner and his band, the Kings of Rhythm ("The Hunter"). Anna Mae is encouraged to sing on stage with Ike ("Matchbox" (2018–2021)/"Blood Run Cold" (2021–present)). Realizing her potential, Ike persuades Zelma to let Anna Mae join his band ("It's Gonna Work Out Fine"). Ike changes the name of the band to the "Ike and Tina Turner Revue", and gives her the stage name "Tina Turner". An attraction is sparked between Tina and Raymond Hill, the band's saxophonist. Although Tina enjoys performing with Ike and The Ikettes, she becomes increasingly aware of his vicious temper and possessiveness ("A Fool in Love"). Ike is physically violent towards her, and leaves with a female stranger. While he is gone, Raymond confesses his love for Tina, despite her attempts to end the love affair ("Let's Stay Together"). The band is refused accommodation at a motel because of their race, with Ike telling the band that the new civil rights haven't changed people's attitudes. As the band sleeps in the bus, Ike tells Tina about his father who was brutally assaulted for having a relationship with a white woman. In addition, Ike is resentful that his first hit in '58, "Rocket 88", was credited to someone else. He has Tina make a promise that she will never leave him, and asks Tina to marry him. Tina agrees, despite being pregnant with Raymond's child. As they are about to leave, two white police officers intimidate them and Ike is forced to pay them to avoid harm. Raymond finds out about the engagement, and after warning Tina about Ike, he leaves. Rhonda Graam is introduced as the band's new manager, and Tina reveals she is pregnant with Raymond's child ("Better Be Good to Me"). As they continue touring, Tina becomes increasingly isolated from Ike as he begins taking drugs and sleeping with other women. She continues performing with Ike and his band, even while pregnant and eventually giving birth to two children, Craig and Ronnie, and still keeps performing despite Ike's infidelities, increasing violence, and demands of Tina's health ("I Want to Take You Higher"). The Ikettes leave the band because of Ike's behavior, and unsuccessfully try to convince Tina to leave as well. They introduce her to a Buddhist chant nam myoho renge kyo, to help give her strength. Rhonda admits to Tina she is only staying to help protect Tina and begs Tina to leave Ike, but she refuses because of her children. Ike and Tina meet with Phil Spector, who offers them a recording deal. Ike is angered when Phil wants to record Tina as a solo artist. Phil guides Tina through a song he wrote for her, and Tina begins to find her "voice" ("River Deep Mountain High"). Despite the success of her new single, Ike is dismissive of Tina's ability as a solo artist. During an argument, Ike assaults her son, Craig. Tina threatens to leave Ike, but he apologizes and begs for her forgiveness ("Be Tender with Me Baby"). Tina overdoses and is sent to a hospital, but is forced to check out for a performance ("Proud Mary"). Zelma tells Tina that she must teach Ike a lesson. Tina and Ike get into another violent fight, causing Tina to run away. Bruised and bleeding, she asks a hotel clerk for a room to stay, using only her stage name as a promise to pay later since she doesn't have any money ("I Don't Wanna Fight"). Divorced from Ike, Tina is in debt and forced to perform in Las Vegas bars with the help of Rhonda, now her manager. They're struggling to make ends meet because no record label wants to sign a black woman who's nearing forty years old, and Ike has claimed copyright over all songs from the "Ike & Tina Revue", preventing her from singing the songs she's known for ("Private Dancer"). As they drop off a demo tape at Capitol Records, they meet Roger Davies, a young Australian music producer who is a fan of Tina. Roger watches Tina perform in Las Vegas ("Disco Inferno"), and becomes her manager. Despite being upset about being put aside, Rhonda understands Tina needs to try something new. Tina tells Rhonda she needs her more as a sister, and Rhonda promises to stand by Tina's side ("Open Arms"). When Tina arrives in London, she meets Erwin Bach, who was sent to pick up Tina at the airport. Tina struggles with Roger's advice as she wants to reinvent herself. Tina feels lonely and isolated, and dreams of Ike watching her ("I Can't Stand the Rain"). Erwin comes to her hotel room and comforts her, and they share a kiss. While preparing for a showcase for the record label, Tina becomes upset at Roger's instructions and does not want to be anyone's puppet. Tina prepares her Buddhist mantra to calm herself, and has visions of her younger self and Gran Georgeanna encouraging her ("Tonight"). Despite the showcase's success, the record label refuses to sign Tina because of her age, gender, and race. Furious, Roger quits the label and decides to promote her himself in the United States. Erwin declares his love for her and asks her to stay in London with him, but Tina rejects him. Tina successfully performs in New York City ("What's Love Got to Do with It?"). Capitol Records begs her to sign with them, but Tina agrees only on her own terms. Alline arrives with news Zelma is dying. Tina visits Zelma at the hospital, who admits she struggled raising Tina. Ike also visits, and Zelma encourages them to reconcile. Tina is hurt her mother can't see Ike's abusive behavior, and Ike refuses to apologize. Tina and Alline mourn their mother ("We Don't Need Another Hero (Thunderdome)"). Tina realizes she is surrounded by people who form her own version of a family. Riding high, Tina prepared for a concert in front of 180,000 people in Brazil. Roger and Tina share excitement. Erwin suddenly appears, having flown to be with her. They reconcile and share a kiss. Tina ascends the stairs for the concert ("The Best"). Encore: Tina and her band perform a mini-concert of "Nutbush City Limits" and "Proud Mary".

Tip-Toes

Musical · 1925

Tip-Toes is a musical with a book by Guy Bolton and Fred Thompson, lyrics by Ira Gershwin, and music by George Gershwin. It centers on a vaudeville act composed of Tip-Toes, her brother and her uncle, who try to pass her off as an aristocrat to snare a millionaire husband. Farcical complications ensue involving Tip-Toes' temporary amnesia and a marital infidelity subplot. The musical was modestly successful on Broadway in 1925 and in London in 1926. It was quickly adapted as a silent film starring Dorothy Gish and Will Rogers.

Titanic

Musical · 1997

Titanics designer, Thomas Andrews marvels at the wondrous things mankind has accomplished ("In Every Age"); with the R.M.S. Titanic becoming the newest feat once thought impossible. Stoker Fred Barrett arrives at the dock in Southampton, amazed by the feat of engineering ("How Did They Build Titanic?"). He is joined by Lookout Frederick Fleet and wireless telegraph operator Harold Bride, and they gaze in awe at the "Ship of Dreams" ("There She Is") as the crew arrives. Bruce Ismay, Andrews, and Captain Edward Smith congratulate each other on being the owner, designer, and captain of "The Largest Moving Object" in the world. The ship's passengers arrive; the Third and Second Class passengers feel privileged to be aboard the maiden voyage of the grandest ship ever to sail ("I Must Get on that Ship"). The First Class passengers arrive; their names and achievements are narrated by Second Class passenger Alice Beane ("1st Class Roster"). The Titanic sets sail, and the assembled company wishes her a safe crossing ("Godspeed Titanic"). Now at sea, Ismay arrives on the bridge to inform Smith that he plans for the Titanic to arrive in New York on Tuesday afternoon rather than Wednesday morning, while Andrews insists that the maiden voyage be a safe one. As they've cleared land, Smith allows her speed to be increased slightly. Barrett, in the boiler room, disagrees with the order on such a new ship, but nonetheless complies ("Barrett's Song"). As the voyage continues, Ismay demands increasingly more speed, so the ship can build an impressive reputation. Smith complies despite Andrews' objections and warnings of icebergs in their course. In Second Class, Alice Beane longs for the grandeur that is First Class, while her husband Edgar, a successful hardware store owner, is content with their station. Charles Clarke, who is traveling to America to become a journalist, is accompanied by his fiancée Caroline Neville. Caroline's father doesn't approve of the engagement, so they are eloping to America. Meanwhile, in First Class, the titans of industry recount the accomplishments that man has recently achieved, with the Titanic becoming the pinnacle. ("What a Remarkable Age This Is!"). On the bridge, Smith hails 1st Officer Murdoch's qualities, deeming him ready to assume a command of his own, but Murdoch feels he is not yet ready to handle the responsibilities of the job ("To Be a Captain"). In steerage, three Irish lasses—each named Kate—dream with the rest of Third Class of the opportunities that await them in America ("Lady's Maid"). Kate McGowan is smitten with a young man traveling with them, Jim Farrell. In the wireless room, Bride is overwhelmed by the passengers' personal messages to be sent, though he finds time to handle Barrett's proposal to his girlfriend ("The Proposal/The Night Was Alive"). On Sunday morning, the First Class attends religious services ("God Lift Me Up"), then dances on deck to "The Latest Rag". Alice Beane has managed to infiltrate their ranks, though she is turned away several times by an alert steward. Edgar finds her and the two argue over their lifestyle choices ("I Have Danced"). As evening draws near, the temperature drops, and lookout Fleet finds the weather conditions difficult for spotting icebergs ("No Moon"). On deck, Kate McGowan tells Farrell that she needs to marry as she is carrying the child of a married man, and he accepts. Elderly passengers Isidor and Ida Straus discuss their plans for the years to come while Charlotte Drake Cardoza scandalizes the First Class men by joining them for cards in the First Class Smoke Room ("Autumn"). Suddenly, Fleet spots an iceberg and alerts the bridge. Murdoch, who's the senior officer on the bridge, takes evasive action, but the Titanic strikes the iceberg. The stewards begin waking the confused passengers, while they themselves do not have much information ("Wake Up, Wake Up"). Capt. Smith arrives on the bridge and is briefed on the situation. He orders all passengers to put on life vests, for Bride to begin sending distress messages, and for Andrews to inspect the damage. Andrews informs Smith and Ismay that the damage inflicted is more than the ship is designed to endure and that the ship will sink, reminding them that there are only enough lifeboats for less than half of the people aboard. In the First Class Dining Salon, passengers refuse to believe that anything is wrong with the ship and are annoyed at being awakened in the middle of the night ("Dressed in Your Pyjamas in the Grand Salon"). Crew members are assuring them that there is no reason to panic. No one is aware of the ship's growing peril until a food cart rolls on its own, showing the ship's growing tilt. All the passengers and crew members quickly hurry to the lifeboats. In Third Class, the three Kates and Farrell attempt to find a way up to boat deck, but are unable to until they are assisted by Barrett ("The Staircase"). Smith arrives in the radio room where Bride informs him that only the Carpathia is near enough to help, but is unable to arrive until after the Titanic has sunk. Smith, Andrews, and Ismay argue over responsibility for the disaster ("The Blame"). Women and children are ordered into the lifeboats, while the men are forced to stay behind ("To the Lifeboats"). Murdoch orders Fleet and Barrett into the last lifeboat to help man the oars, but Barrett doesn't know how to row a boat and lets Farrell, who can row, into the boat instead. Barrett bids farewell to his absent girlfriend while the rest of the passengers do the same to their loved ones ("We'll Meet Tomorrow"). The bellboy tells the captain that all the life boats have been launched, and that those remaining aboard accept their fate. Murdoch tells the Captain that he takes full responsibility for the accident, but Smith forgives him and then laments on how he had gone his entire career without experiencing any accident. Henry Etches, the first class steward, says a prayer ("To Be A Captain" (Reprise)). Isidor and Ida Straus (Ida had refused to leave her husband behind) affirm their long-lasting love for one another ("Still"). As the Captain declares the ship officially lost, Andrews—life vest unworn—remains in the first-class smoking room, obsessing over the ship's plans. He visualizes redesigning her, as well as the final moments for the passengers before the ship sinks beneath the waves ("Mr. Andrews' Vision"). In the early hours of the morning, the survivors are rescued by the Carpathia. Many of them recount the tragedy of the Titanic, mourning the loss of people and ship. Bride and Ismay, along with several of the survivors, discuss the possibilities that could have prevented the disaster ("The Foundering"). The survivors express hope that they will one day be reunited with their lost loved ones and abandoned dreams ("In Every Age/Finale").

Titanique

Musical · 2017

Titanique (sometimes stylized as Titaníque) is a jukebox musical featuring music of Celine Dion, with a book by Tye Blue, Marla Mindelle, and Constantine Rousouli, with music supervision, arrangements, and orchestration by Nicholas James Connell. The musical is a parody of the 1997 film Titanic, and the story is a retelling of the movie's events from Dion's perspective. Following its Los Angeles premiere in 2017, the show opened off-Broadway at the Asylum Theatre in June 2022, before later transferring to the Daryl Roth Theatre. The production won three Lucille Lortel Awards in 2023, including Outstanding Musical. The show opened in the West End in 2025, winning two Olivier Awards including Best Entertainment or Comedy Play. A 2026 Broadway transfer was nominated for four Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

To-Night's the Night

Musical · 1914

To-Night's the Night is a musical comedy composed by Paul Rubens, with lyrics by Percy Greenbank and Rubens, and a book adapted by Fred Thompson. Two songs were composed by Jerome Kern. The story is based on the farce Les Dominos roses by Alfred Hennequin and Alfred Delacour. The musical was produced by George Grossmith, Jr. and Edward Laurillard and directed by Austen Hurgon. It opened at the Shubert Theatre in New York on December 24, 1914. It then was produced at the Gaiety Theatre in London, opening on April 18, 1915 and running for a very successful 460 performances. Grossmith starred in the piece with Leslie Henson. Grossmith told The New York Times that the musical was the first Gaiety Theatre Company production presented in New York before opening in London.

Tomorrow Morning

Musical · 2006

Two couples are separated by a span of time. Jack and Catherine, who are in their late 30s, are getting divorced. John and Kat, who are in their 20s, are getting married. On the eve of their wedding, Kat reveals to John that she is pregnant. When she informs him, he walks out on her. Catherine and Jack argue about their divorce settlement. Their 10-year-old son disappears, helping the couple to realize that they still care for each other. It turns out that the two couples are the same people: John and Kat are Jack and Catherine's memories of their younger selves. John returns to Kat, and Jack and Catherine reconcile.

Tonight's the Night

Musical · 2003

Tonight's the Night is a jukebox musical based on the songs of British singer Rod Stewart with a book by Ben Elton. It opened in October 2003 at the Victoria Palace Theatre, and ran for just over a year. A scaled down version of the musical toured the UK between February and July 2006, commencing at the Palace Theatre, Manchester. It was directed by C. Jay Ranger, with new sets, lighting, sound and costumes. Reviewing the show in The Guardian, Lyn Gardner noted "What it conveniently forgets is that what makes Stewart distinctive is not the haircut or the obsession with booze, football and blondes, but that exquisite cheesegrater voice with its bluesy catch. However gutsy this cast are, however well they can put a song across, the Rod Stewart musical lacks that one essential ingredient."

Top Banana

Musical · 1951

Setting: New York City Jerry Biffle is the star of the Blendo Soap Program. He has been invited to participate in an autograph-signing party for his new book at an important department store. Jerry meets Sally Peters, one of the department-store models, and makes her part of his TV troupe. As part of his campaign to court Sally, Jerry gets Cliff Lane, the tenor of his TV company, to sing to her over the phone. When Sally and Cliff meet, they fall in love, with Biffle ignorant of the complications. Biffle engineers a big publicity wedding between Cliff and "a girl", not knowing that the woman is Sally. To further complicate his life, Jerry learns that he is about to lose his sponsor. The publicity elopement between his girl and Cliff almost shatters his entire career and life. When it seems that his whole world will cave in, Jerry's sponsor comes up with a new format for the Blendo program, and as far as Jerry is concerned, the day is saved.

Top Speed

Musical · 1929

Top Speed is a musical in two acts with music by Harry Ruby, lyrics by Bert Kalmar, and a book co-authored by Guy Bolton, Ruby, and Kalmar. The musical is set at the Onawanda Lodge, a fictional resort in the Thousand Islands that sits on the American side of the Canada–United States border in New York. The story follows two young and financially poor American men who fall in love with two wealthy American heiresses while vacationing far above their economic means. Misadventures ensue when the boys are asked to pilot a speed boat owned by one of the girls in an international boat race.

Trevor: The Musical

Musical · 2017

Trevor: the Musical is a musical based on the 1994 short film Trevor, with book and lyrics by Americans Dan Collins and music by Julianne Wick Davis. The show premiered in Chicago at Writers Theatre on August 9, 2017. It opened off-Broadway at Stage 42 on November 10, 2021, and ran until December 19. The premiere production and the off-Broadway production were directed by Marc Bruni, with choreography by Josh Prince. A 19-track cast album was released by Ghostlight Records on the same day.

Tuck Everlasting

Musical · 2015

In 1808, the Tuck family, thirsty and traveling through a forest, comes across a spring and drinks of it. 85 years later, the area near the forest has developed into the town of Treegap, New Hampshire, and the characters sing about what they want most in the world: Winnie Foster, to go to the fair; Mae Tuck, to see her sons again; Jesse Tuck, to take in the familiar sights of Treegap; Miles Tuck, to be unstuck in time; and the Man in the Yellow Suit, to "learn the secret" of Treegap Wood and become immortal ("Live Like This"). Winnie goes into her house, where she spends most of her time with her mother Betsy, and her grandmother. Betsy refuses to let Winnie leave the house, fearing she will suffer the same fate as Winnie's deceased father. Winnie wishes for a life bigger than their living room and wants to explore Treegap Wood ("Good Girl, Winnie Foster"). After running outside once again, Winnie encounters a parade led by the Man in the Yellow Suit that leads to the fair ("Join the Parade"). Desperate to see the fair, Winnie Foster opens the gate and runs into the Wood after the faint sound of a music box ("Good Girl, Winnie Foster (Reprise)"). There she meets Jesse Tuck, who drinks from the spring. To keep her from doing the same, Jesse offers to show her what he calls the top of the world, as seen from the trees ("Top of the World"). After, he and Miles kidnap Winnie and bring her back to the Tucks' house to keep her from revealing their secret. Back at the Foster home, Betsy has called on Constable Joe and his son Hugo to search for Winnie ("Hugo's First Case, Parts 1 and 2"). The Tucks tell Winnie the history of the Tuck family ("The Story of the Tucks"), explaining that they had all stopped growing or aging the moment they drank from the spring, and because of the reactions of the townspeople, the boys now split up to avoid being recognized, travel the world, and only see each other once every ten years, with Angus and Mae maintaining the homestead on what is now the Fosters' land. Winnie stays the night with the Tucks and, while finding clothes for Winnie to wear, Mae tells her the story of the day when her husband, Angus proposed to her ("My Most Beautiful Day"). Winnie decides that staying in the Tuck family's attic is its own kind of adventure ("The Attic"). Still, she eventually decides to sneak out with Jesse to go to the fair ("Join the Parade (Reprise)"). At the fair, Winnie and Jesse play games and decide to become friends that travel the world together ("Partner in Crime"). The Man in the Yellow Suit attempts to guess Jesse's age and is shocked when he looks in Jesse's eyes. Jesse and Winnie leave the fair and sit on top of the Treegap water tower, where Jesse conceives a plan: allow Winnie to continue to grow for the next six years, then have her drink the water so they will be eternally the same age and they can marry ("Seventeen"). The Man in the Yellow Suit follows the Tucks to get to the enchanted water. The Man in the Yellow Suit celebrates his victory with those from the traveling fair ("Everything's Golden") and takes leave to pursue the water. Back at the Tucks' house, Winnie contemplates Jesse's proposal ("Seventeen (Reprise)"). The Tucks discover that Jesse has asked Winnie to drink the water and become angry with him. Winnie talks to Miles about his son Thomas; Miles recalls that his wife became horrified when she noticed the Tucks were not aging, left Miles, and took Thomas with her before he drank the water; Miles notes that he never saw Thomas again and does not know whether he is still alive ("Time"). The Tucks then lament what it means to be stuck in time forever, and aim to live more fully in the coming years ("Time (Reprise)"). The Man in the Yellow Suit blackmails the Fosters into signing over ownership of Treegap Wood (and the spring) to him in exchange for Winnie's safe return ("Everything's Golden (Reprise)"). Constable Joe and Hugo see the Man leaving the Foster home, and remark that you can not trust a man dressed in yellow ("You Can't Trust a Man"). Angus takes Winnie fishing and attempts to convince her to live a mortal life instead of drinking the water with Jesse ("The Wheel"). Miles approaches and tells them that Jesse has gone without saying goodbye, and Winnie says they can find him at the spring in Treegap Wood. There, Jesse encounters the Man in the Yellow Suit who tells him of his long journey to find the spring and forces Jesse to take him there ("The Story of the Man in the Yellow Suit"). The Tucks and Winnie find Jesse, and the Man in the Yellow Suit offers to make them partners in his water-selling business. After the Man takes Winnie hostage, Jesse offers him a vial of water in exchange for her; before he can drink it, however, Mae strikes a fatal blow to the Man's head. When Constable Joe and Hugo arrive, Winnie tells them that she killed the Man in the Yellow Suit in self-defense. The Tucks abandon the homestead and leave Treegap permanently on Constable Joe's advice. They say goodbye to Winnie and offer her their music box, thanking her for reminding them that there is "still something to live for." Jesse says he will leave instructions on how to find him and leaves her with a vial of water from the spring. Winnie contemplates drinking the water and what it means to live forever ("Everlasting"). She ultimately decides to live out her mortal life and pours the water on her toad instead. Through a ballet sequence, the ensemble shows the remainder of Winnie's life: she marries Hugo and has a son, to Jesse's disappointment. Each of Winnie's loved ones pass away one by one. Before she dies, Winnie opens the Tucks' music box and dances one last time at the gate of the Foster home as she did when she was young. The Tucks return to Treegap after Winnie has died and visit her grave, which is dedicated to a "cherished wife, devoted mother, and dearest grandmother." They celebrate the fact that she lived a full life and encounter the toad Winnie made immortal with the water from the spring ("The Wheel (Reprise)").

Twenty to One

Musical · 1935

Twenty to One was a British musical comedy first performed in 1935. The musical was a farce set around the world of horseracing. Bill Snibson (Lupino Lane), a bookmaker, joins an anti-gambling organisation in a fit of guilt. It ran for other four hundred performances at the Coliseum Theatre in the West End. Combined with provincial tours it ran for over a thousand shows. It was written by Louis Arthur Rose. The music was composed by Billy Mayerl. The lead character of Bill Snibson was such a success, that he was revived in 1937 for another musical Me and My Girl. This proved to be an even greater hit with its well-known song "The Lambeth Walk". It was adapted into a film in 1939.

Two By Two

Musical · 1970

Two By Two is a Broadway musical with a book by Peter Stone, lyrics by Martin Charnin, and music by Richard Rodgers. Based on Clifford Odets' play The Flowering Peach, it tells the story of Noah's preparations for the Great Flood and its aftermath. Directed by Joe Layton, the production opened on November 10, 1970 at the Imperial Theatre, where it ran for ten months. The opening night cast included Danny Kaye, Marilyn Cooper, Joan Copeland, Harry Goz, Madeline Kahn, Michael Karm, Tricia O'Neil, and Walter Willison.

Two Merry Monarchs

Musical · 1910

In the kingdom of Esperanto, King Paul orders a year-long ban on kissing unless people buy a license. His adopted daughter, Princess Cynthia, is in love with Charmis, governor of police, while the visiting King Utops of Utopia is expected to marry her. Paul plans to use Cynthia’s poisoned kiss to bargain with Utops for an antidote to mortality. Utops reveals that he was Paul’s assistant when they discovered the Elixir of Life, making them both immortal. The kings agree to duel by drinking from two glasses, one containing water and the other a liquid that makes its drinker mortal. Charmis switches the drinks while the kings are blindfolded, and both drink the Elixir. Cynthia and Charmis become king and queen of Esperanto; Mandamus becomes king of Utopia, Utops becomes his chief justice, and Paul becomes Charmis’s governor of police. The kissing law is repealed, and Iris chooses herald Helvanoise over former postmaster Rolandyl.

Two Strangers

Musical · 2019

25-year-old Englishman Dougal Todd flies to Christmastime New York for the wedding of his millionaire father, Mark, to 30-year-old Melissa. The sister of the bride, cynical 27-year-old New York native Robin Delafosse (Rainey in the Broadway production), picks Dougal up from JFK Airport. Irritated by his enthusiasm for the city he sees in films, Robin puts her headphones on as Dougal serenades plans to tour his wildly inaccurate list of landmarks ("New York"). At his hotel, Dougal calls his single mother and reads his wedding invitation, thrilled to meet his father for the first time in his life ("Dad"). In the coffee shop where she works, Robin reflects on her sideline life's monotony and wonders what she is missing ("What'll It Be"). Melissa tasks her with collecting the expensive wedding cake from Flatbush, Brooklyn, and Dougal joins along. The two bond over Robin's Tinder frustrations with "absolutely horrifying men" and "Perfect Justin" ("On the App"), her memories of childhood in Flatbush ("This Is the Place"), and the barely concealed sexual themes of Christmas songs ("Under the Mistletoe"). At Melissa's doorstep, Robin accidentally drops and destroys one of the cake's four boxes. Dougal reassures her; when he asks her about happiness, Robin rejects the proverb to "Be Happy", with the numbness her years spent pursuing it left ("Be Happy"). Robin reveals that she hadn’t seen her grandma in years. Dougal suggests a movie-style spree through Manhattan to cheer up. Robin points out the city’s high cost of living, asks him to leave, and calls Melissa, with whom she has a distant relationship. Dougal eats the dropped box of cake, returns, and helps Robin respond to a sudden series of messages from Justin, eventuallysecuring her a date. She instead spends the night spreeing with Dougal, using Mark's American Express card to enjoy the luxuries of Midtown Manhattan ("American Express"). The next morning, Robin wakes up confused, embarrassed, and stressed, and Dougal "another day in dreamtown"—together in a Plaza Hotel bridal suite ("The Hangover Duet"). Robin tries to persuade Dougal that meeting his father can never live up to his expectations, pleading him to leave his idealised image of Mark untouched ("He Doesn't Exist"). She finally tells Dougal that Melissa sent his invitation to get back at Mark for cheating, and that Mark had always kept Dougal a secret. A letter from Mark reveals he has persuaded Melissa to let Robin attend the wedding and expresses astonishment at Robin's purchases with her "friend", whom he obliviously invites. Robin again urges Dougal not to attend the wedding and spend another day in the city together. Having travelled specifically to meet his father, Dougal reacts with angered denial and accuses Robin of being jealous. They argue ("What Did You Say?") until Dougal realises that Mark cheated on Melissa with Robin. Dougal storms off. Outside the wedding at Trinity Church, he leaves a voicemail for his mother, reflecting on the events, his happiness, and his family's happiness ("About to Go In"). Robin, meanwhile, reflects on the opportunities she has deliberately let slip away and the ways she has pushed people away. She resolves to change (“This Year”). Later, Robin eats alone at a Chinese restaurant, where Dougal joins her with a tier of wedding cake he has stolen after deciding not to attend the ceremony. The two roleplay a movie-style wedding on their own terms (“Dearly Beloved”). As Dougal prepares to leave for the airport, he and Robin stroll through the city, reflecting on how their time together has changed them and how glad they are to have met (“If I Believed”). Robin gifts Dougal a snow globe and resolves to visit her grandmother. Before they part ways, they read each other's fortune cookies: Dougal's reads, "You will go on a cruise", while Robin's reads, "This time next year you will be happy."

Up and Down Broadway

Musical · 1910

Up and Down Broadway is a musical revue in two acts with music by Jean Schwartz, lyrics by William Jerome, and a book Edgar Smith. The musical's loose plot concerns the god Apollo who arrives in New York City in the accompany of other Greek deities vowing to improve the theatrical tastes of the American public. In the end they decide Broadway knows more about great entertainment than the Greek gods do. The musical was written as a starring vehicle for Eddie Foy who portrayed the main servant of Apollo, Momus, and provided much of the work's comedic thrust. Up and Down Broadway premiered at the Casino Theatre on July 18, 1910, where it ran for a total of 72 performances; closing on September 17, 1910. The show is most famous for introducing the popular standard "Chinatown, My Chinatown and the tune "Oh, that Beautiful Rag" by Irving Berlin and Ted Snyder, which experienced a succinct period of popularity on phonograph cylinder covers.

Up in Central Park

Musical · 1945

Up in Central Park is a Broadway musical with a book by Herbert Fields and Dorothy Fields, lyrics by Dorothy Fields, and music by Sigmund Romberg. The musical, originally called "Central Park" before Broadway (see image of sheet music), was Romberg's last stage work produced during his lifetime. Produced by Michael Todd, the Broadway production, staged by John Kennedy, and choreographed by Helen Tamiris, opened on January 27, 1945 at the New Century Theatre, where it ran for 504 performances. The cast included Noah Beery Sr., Wilbur Evans and Betty Bruce. The musical is set in the Boss Tweed era of New York City in the 1870s. Wilbur Evans plays John Matthews, a New York Times reporter investigating the Tweed’s crooked political machine, especially the fraud connected with constructing Central Park. He falls in love with the daughter of one of the Boss’ ward heelers, who marries a politician, who is killed. She later rekindles her love for Matthews. The settings, costumes and dances evoked the lithographs of Currier and Ives.

Urinetown

Musical · 2001

Officer Lockstock, a policeman, grimly welcomes the audience, assisted by the street urchin Little Sally. According to the pair, a twenty-year drought has caused a terrible water shortage, making private toilets unthinkable. All restroom activities are done in public toilets (Public Amenities) controlled by a megacorporation called "Urine Good Company" (referred to as the UGC). To control water consumption, citizens have to pay to use the Amenities ("Too Much Exposition"). There are harsh laws ensuring that people pay to urinate, and if the laws are broken, the offender is sent to a place called "Urinetown", never to return. The oppressed masses huddle in line at the poorest, filthiest urinal in town, Public Amenity #9, which is run by the rigid, harshly authoritarian Penelope Pennywise and her assistant, dashing young everyman Bobby Strong. Trouble ensues when Bobby's father Joseph "Old Man" Strong, unable to afford his daily urinal admission, asks Pennywise to let him go for free "just this once." After Old Man Strong's plea is dismissed ("It's a Privilege to Pee"), he urinates on the street, and Officers Lockstock and Barrel soon arrest him and escort him off to Urinetown ("It's a Privilege to Pee (Reprise)"). Later that day, in the corporate offices of Urine Good Company, CEO Caldwell B. Cladwell is discussing the new fee hikes with Senator Fipp, a politician firmly in Cladwell's pocket, when Cladwell's beautiful daughter, Hope Cladwell, arrives as the UGC's new fax/copy girl. As an introduction, the UGC staff sing a song praising their leader ("Mr. Cladwell"). Officers Lockstock and Barrel discuss the journey to Urinetown and how it reduces everyone, even the toughest, to screams ("The Cop Song"). Hope enters and encounters Bobby, who is distraught over his father's arrest and wonders if he could have done something to prevent it. Hope advises Bobby to follow his heart, and the two realize that they both want a happier world where people can pee for free. United by their belief, they fall in love ("Follow Your Heart"). Little Sally asks Officer Lockstock what Urinetown is like, but Lockstock replies that its power lies in its mystery and he cannot flippantly reveal that "there is no Urinetown, we just kill people", and that the reveal will not come until Act II, "with everybody singing and things like that." The next day, Cladwell's assistant, Mr. McQueen, announces the new fee hikes set upon the urinals. Bobby concludes that the laws are wrong. Opening the doors of the urinal, despite Ms. Pennywise's protests, he begins a pee-for-free rebellion ("Look at the Sky"). Pennywise rushes to the offices of UGC, where she informs Cladwell of the revolution. The two share a moment, but are interrupted by the situation at hand. Cladwell vows to crush the rebellion, frightening Hope, then uses a series of increasingly convoluted metaphors involving killing a bunny to tell Hope that their privilege and responsibility is to oppress the poor ("Don't Be the Bunny"). Cladwell, McQueen, Fipp, Pennywise, Lockstock and Barrel arrive at Amenity #9 to snuff out the uprising. Learning that Hope is Cladwell's daughter, Bobby realizes that the only way out of the trap is to kidnap Hope to use as leverage against Cladwell. The rebels make a poor escape with Hope as their hostage. The police give chase, but the slow-motion choreography makes it impossible for the police to catch them. Lockstock vows to catch the poor as he tells the audience to enjoy intermission ("Act I Finale"). Lockstock welcomes everyone back and tells the audience that the rebels, with their hostage Hope, are in hiding. The rebels wonder what Urinetown is, and two of them, Little Becky Two-Shoes and Hot Blades Harry, explain their theories. Cladwell orders Lockstock to search harder for the rebels, threatening to send everyone to Urinetown if Hope is not found. Bobby and his mother Josephine hand out memos to the other Assistant Custodians, hoping that they will join them. Bobby is sure that Urinetown is nothing but a lie designed to scare the poor people. Lockstock catches Little Sally, but his threat of Urinetown doesn't work, because according to her, they are already there; it "isn't so much a place as it is a metaphysical place" that they are all in, including Lockstock. She escapes before Lockstock can ask her what "metaphysical" means. ("What is Urinetown?") Convinced that Bobby, Josephine, and Little Sally have been captured, the rebels, particularly Hot Blades Harry and Little Becky Two-Shoes, decide that the best way to get revenge on Cladwell is to kill Hope ("Snuff That Girl"). They are interrupted by Bobby, who encourages the rebels to abandon revenge and instead focus on the effort toward freedom for all the town's inhabitants ("Run, Freedom, Run!"). Invigorated, the poor rally around Bobby, but balk at his statement that the violent fight could take decades. Just then, Pennywise bursts into the secret hideout and tells Bobby that Cladwell wants him to come to the UGC headquarters. Bobby goes, but only after the impatient rebels remind him that if anything happens to him, Hope will be killed. Pennywise fiercely swears that if any of the rebels harm Hope, she will have Bobby sent off to Urinetown. Bobby says goodbye to Hope, apologizes, and tells her to think of what they have ("Follow Your Heart (Reprise)"). At the UGC headquarters, Bobby is offered a suitcase full of cash and full amnesty to the rebels as long as Hope is returned and the people agree to the new fee hikes. Bobby refuses, and demands free access for the people. Cladwell orders the cops to escort Bobby to Urinetown—even if it means that the rebel poor will kill Hope. Horrified, Pennywise marvels at the depth of Cladwell's evil. Cladwell has her arrested as well. She, Hope, and Fipp sing of their regrets of falling for Cladwell's schemes. Meanwhile, Bobby is led to the top of the UGC building, and learns the truth: Urinetown is death. Lockstock and Barrel throw him off the building, killing him. ("Why Did I Listen To That Man?"). Little Sally returns to the hideout in a shocked daze, having just heard Bobby's last words. The ghost of Bobby sings, along with Little Sally, his last words, which are directed to Hope ("Tell Her I Love Her"). Just as the rebels are about to murder Hope in revenge, Pennywise enters and offers herself instead, proclaiming herself to be Hope's mother. Hope then convinces the rebels to let her lead them, and she, Penny, and the rebels march to the UGC offices. En route, they kill Officer Barrel (who had just confessed his love to a non-reciprocal Lockstock), Senator Fipp, and Mrs. Millennium (a UGC employee, typically double-cast with Little Becky Two-Shoes) ("We're Not Sorry"). Hope reveals to her father that she is still alive. Cladwell is overjoyed, until the rest of the poor reveal themselves. Hope tells him that his reign of terror is over, and after he and Pennywise reminisce about their past romance ("We're Not Sorry (Reprise)"), he is led to the top of the UGC building and thrown off. With the town finally at peace, the age of fear is over and the toilets are made free to use. Lockstock reappears and explains that he has not been killed by the rebels, as killing the narrator would end the show prematurely. He then informs the audience that the town's limited water supply has quickly disappeared, due to resource mismanagement by a popularity-obsessed Hope. The remaining townsfolk, dying of thirst, are led in a march by Hope. Lockstock wraps up loose ends, and insinuates that the townsfolk eventually killed Hope. The townsfolk sing that "This [town] is Urinetown! Always it's been Urinetown!", and Lockstock closes the show with the cry "Hail Malthus!", which the townsfolk repeat. ("I See A River").

Vanities, A New Musical

Musical · 2009

The entire musical takes place in between 1963 and 1990 with the high school scenes taking place in 1963, college scenes taking place in 1968, the penthouse scenes taking place in 1974 and the epilogue taking place in 1990. Three best friends journey through high school, college and their professional life, as they remember all their adventures. Joanne is a sweet, naive southern girl, Mary is very confident and Kathy is the planner. In high school, they are the popular cheerleaders and are planning all the social events. They go to college and plan to live together. They end up all in the same sorority, Kappa Kappa Gamma. Joanne gets married and becomes extremely conservative. Mary opens an art gallery and explores sexual liberation. Kathy ends up living the high life in New York City and reads all the books she was supposed to read in college, "they are so much better than the cliff's notes." They end up fighting when they meet at Kathy's fabulous apartment in New York. Joanne gets drunk in response and talks about how she never has a break from her kids and Ted never lets her drink. However, at a funeral, they all make up and they end as they started, three best friends.

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