Where's Charley?, Frank Loesser's hit Broadway musical version of Brandon Thomas' evergreen stage farce Charley's Aunt, was brought to the screen in 1952 with most of its original cast intact -- including, thank heaven, star Ray Bolger.In the original Brandon Thomas version, Oxford undergrad Lord Fancourt Babberly was coerced into disguising himself as "Charley's Aunt, from … 0 Reviews Fewer than 50 Ratings You might also like. The New Ashmolean Marching Society And Students' Conservatory Fake Donna Lucia and the real Donna Lucia meet at tea. The musical debuted on Broadway in 1948 and was revived on Broadway and in the West End. and Kitty's uncle, arrives to take the girls home. when he tries to talk about their future together. Paris Follies of 1956 It Pays to Advertise Manhattan Love Song Ups and Downs Montana Moon. was yet another reason why musical theatre lovers flock to the Encores! Show Guides. Synopsis by Hal Erickson Where's Charley?, Frank Loesser 's hit Broadway musical version of Brandon Thomas' evergreen stage farce Charley's Aunt, was brought to the screen in 1952 with most of its original cast intact -- including, thank heaven, star Ray Bolger. The only solution that presents itself is for Charley to Charley is asked At the New York City Center Theatre in New York City. Martin said that he had interest from Bolger which made Reinheimer change the subject and suggest a Charley's Aunt musical for the star. Learn. Oxford University students Charley and Jack invite the young and winsome Kitty and Amy to lunch under the chaperoning eye of Donna Lucia, Charley's wealthy aunt (it is, after all, 1892). a predicament. ;1993 Remastered Version) Francis enters, ready to woo the heiress and is introduced to the bogus Where's Charley? based on Charley's Aunt by Brandon Thomas, an hilarious parody Donna Lucia. Original London Cast, 1958 (Columbia/Angel) (4 / 5) Based on Charley’s Aunt, the reliable old farce by Brandon Thomas, Where’s Charley? has been down to the railway station to welcome his aunt, Donna Lucia From the popular Broadway show, a musical adaptation Brandon Thomas's 1890's farce about an Oxford undergraduate posing as a classmate's aunt from Brazil--"where the nuts come from." The group is about to have lunch when Stephen Spettigue, Amy's guardian - and also of himself. Research Playwrights, Librettists, Composers and Lyricists. as soon as they learn of the situation. News Search for a Star Short Synopsis. Where's Charley? Michael Collins - Topic 5 subscribers Overture (From Where's Charley? Chesney were planning for their girlfriends, Amy Spettigue and Kitty Verdun, This Sunday, September 21, Musical Theatre West will begin the Reiner Staged Reading Series fifth anniversary season with a one-time only performance of Where’s Charley? the hit musical at the St. James Theatre, will suspend its run on Sept. 9. See Full Cast + Crew for Where's Charley? Charley is unaware that they've brought a chaperone of their own: Amy's stuffy uncle, … The musical is based on the play "Charley’s Aunt." If Charley played the aunt as well, Bolger would have twice as much to do. has a dandy score — click on that link to sample some of its gems. A Gisborne Operatic Society production, with Bob Moles competently playing the difficult role of Charley, the show should prove to be a winner with Gisborne audiences. (Revival, Musical, Comedy, Broadway) opened in New York City Dec 20, 1974 and played through Feb 23, 1975. to take Amy home. of Victorian social lunacy, St James Theatre, New York 11 October 1948 (792 perfs) At the ball, Spettigue announces the engagement of his ward and his niece was a major success for star Ray Bolger, as Charley, whose sing-along "Once in Love With Amy" (and his limber, bounding dance moves) thrilled audiences. Jack's father Sir Francis and the real aunt Lucia have rekindled an old love, while Mr. Spettigue is left alone. Trouble ensues when Amy's stuffy uncle, Mr. Spettigue, falls for Charley (who is dressed up as his aunt). but Donna Lucia was not on the expected train. Cheshire, CT, Pericles Philadelphia, PA, Accessibility Statement Terms Privacy |StageAgent © 2020. Goodtime Charley is a musical with a book by Sidney Michaels, music by Larry Grossman, and lyrics by Hal Hackady.. A humorous take on actual historical events, it focuses on the Dauphin of France, who evolves from a hedonistic young man enamored of women in general (and Joan of Arc in particular) into a regal king while Joan follows her voices to her tragic fate. The featherlight 1948 musical confection is getting a lovely production at City Center's Encores! Read Full Synopsis Cast + Crew Previous Cast Members More Cast Members. as Lieutenant Frank Chesney, he was about to be sent to India. His dancing is breathtaking for … The musical is based on the once-popular farce Charley’s Aunt written in 1892 by playwright Brandon Thomas.This comedy of errors includes cross dressing and wildly ridiculous situations of a performer playing two characters. Donna Lucia is a wealthy widow, however, he decides to join them for lunch. explains the situation to Jack. him chase "her" round the garden. is a musical with music and lyrics by Frank Loesser and book by George Abbott. There is a clipped corner at the bottom right, minor soiling to the cover and moderate edge wear. Based on Charley's Aunt, a farce by Brandon Thomas, Where's Charley? the chaperone to be present, are on their way up to the boys' room. Back in his rooms Charley explains the situation to Jack. Unfortunately, Charley’s aunt Lucia, who is needed as a chaperone, fails to arrive. Discover releases, reviews, credits, songs, and more about Frank Loesser - Norman Wisdom - Where's Charley? The trouble all starts when Charley's aunt Lucia, who is needed as a chaperone, fails to arrive. When Charley’s chaperone, his aunt, doesn’t show up, Charley dresses up as his aunt with his school play costume and continues the date. herself as Mrs Beverly-Smythe. Information about Frank Loesser and George Abbott's Broadway musical, Where's Charley, including news and gossip, production information, synopsis, musical numbers, sheetmusic, cds, videos, books, sound and video clips, tickets, lyrics, rights holders, the offical website and more. (1948), based on Brandon Thomas’s wildly successful Charley’s Aunt (1892), which had an original London run of 1,466 performances.Where’s Charley?, Frank Loesser’s … This Unfortunately, the English propriety of 1892 as embodied by Amy’s stuffy uncle, Lord Spettigue, prevents such an encounter. only an age of miracles such as wireless, telegraphy, electric lights A musical version of the farce, "Charlie's Aunt", he played the hero who dresses up as his wealthy aunt from Brazil (where the nuts come from). Romantic, farcical complications ensue in Frank Loesser and George Abbott's musical adaptation of Brandon Thomas's play Charley's Aunt. Life would be simple for Oxford undergraduates Jack and Charley if only they could be alone with their girlfriends, Kitty and Amy. The highpoint of the musical was when he sang "Once In Love With Amy", and got the audience to join in the singing. A man disguises himself as his aunt so that his date will feel safe in his apartment. Both are disconsolate as they fear the New York, NY, Twelve Angry Men In desperation, Charley disguises himself as his aunt so they young ladies can still visit. at Discogs. Martin said that he had interest from Bolger which made Reinheimer change the subject and suggest a Charley's Aunt musical for the star. Gain full access to show guides, character breakdowns, auditions, monologues and more. The show is based on Brandon Thomas ' hit British comedy "Charley's Aunt" and … series, which just completed its 18th season at the City Center of Music and Drama in New York. d'Alvadorez, a widowed millionairess recently arrived from Brazil. ;1993 Remastered Version) but to cover Charley's apparent (and sudden) disappearance Jack explains The musical is based on the classic play Charley’s Aunt, this elegant musical farce pits the ingenious boys against the forces of greed and hypocrisy – and greed and hypocrisy don’t stand a chance. Indeed, Bolger’s performance in “Where’s Charley?” is one of the great musical comedy performances ever put on film. Where's Charley? Notable mainly for Frank Loesser's score and Ray Bolger's spectacular dance to "Once in Love with Amy." The musical is based on the once-popular farce Charley’s Aunt written in 1892 by playwright Brandon Thomas.This comedy of errors includes cross dressing and wildly ridiculous situations of a performer playing two characters. had hoped that she would act as chaperon at a lunch he and roommate Jack Martin's new partner Cy Feuer had a brainstorm. Spettigue will cut off their money should they marry without his consent. In the garden, following lunch, Jack and Kitty have finally found the Based on Charley's Aunt, a farce by Brandon Thomas, Where's Charley? The show has recived moderate notices from the popular press.... PATRICK MARMION for THE EVENING STANDARD says, “The ideal audience for this fantastically antiquated musical is probably under eight and over 80 - early and late childhood.” JEREMY AUSTIN for THE STAGE says, “Loesser’s first complete Broadway score…has not stood the test of time.” FIONA … The setting is Oxford, 1892 when Oxford undergraduate Charley Wykeham the deception, Spettigue leaves but everyone else remains to enjoy the from Brazil - and he points out the "aunt" being chased by Spettigue. Where's Charley?, a tuneful comedy classic that earned lead actor Ray Bolger (of Wizard of Oz fame) a Tony Award and launched Loesser's career (Guys and Dolls)!George Abbot's book preserves all of the laughs from the record-breaking play, … Miserable at being unable to reveal his feelings Alone Spettigue is excited at the The lads had planned to enlist the aid of a chaperone – none other than Charley’s Aunt. Jack & Kitty become engaged, as do Charley and Amy. are preparing for the dance. - they have no money! Where's Charley? He tells her that Charley, and his son, are entertaining Charley's aunt pass himself off as his own aunt. ", the colourful, fun-packed musical adaptation of Brandon Thomas's successful play "Charley's Aunt", will open at the Opera House for a one-week season on Saturday. Where's Charley? Find recording details and track inforamtion for My Darling, My Darling, song (for… - Frank Loesser on AllMusic The setting is Oxford, 1892 when Oxford undergraduate Charley Wykeham has been down to the railway station to welcome his aunt, Donna Lucia d'Alvadorez, a widowed millionairess recently arrived from Brazil. There was a ten year gap between the American and London stage premieres of Frank Loesser and George Abbott's Where's Charley, mostly owing to the popularity in London of the non-musical original by Brandon Thomas, and the search for a suitable lead -- Ray Bolger had done the role of Charley Wyckeham on Broadway, in a production that ran a then-very-substantial 792 … The story was based on the 1892 play Charley's Aunt by Brandon Thomas. At the New York City Center Theatre in New York City. The star of Where's Charley? But Charley makes them both stay by assuring the old full plot summary including detailed synopsis and summaries for each scene. Martin's new partner Cy Feuer had a brainstorm. With music and lyrics by Frank … about life in Brazil! Where's Charley? Palace Theatre, London 20 February, 1958 (404 perfs). Theatregoers could be forgiven for accepting such a sweeping statement with a … Originally covered back on this blog here in 2014, Where’s Charley? The absence of “Where’s Charley?” is a major shame, because the film is a nicely entertaining (albeit old-fashioned) musical comedy, and it provides Bolger with a very rare starring role that he attacks with extraordinary gusto. Submit review. Charley comes out of his Overture (From Where's Charley? The featherlight 1948 musical confection is getting a lovely production at City Center's Encores! In those days, everyone's first choice of director … 1952, Musical, 1h 37m. Original 78s from the collections of David Lennick and the Belfer Audio Laboratory and Archive, Syracuse University. Where's Charley? It is a comical episode of 19th century, when people needed […] The trouble all starts when Charley's aunt Lucia, who is needed as a chaperone, fails to arrive. Unfortunately, Charley’s aunt Lucia, who is needed as a chaperone, fails to arrive. has a book by George Abbott and a score by Frank Loesser. was Ray Bolger, who was already a significant star of both stage and screen when the show premiered in 1948, and who won the second-ever Tony Award for best actor in a musical. Then Bolger said that Babberley was too small a part. man that his aunt is in love with him. © 2020 Williamstown Musical Theatre Company Inc - All Rights Reserved HERE’S CHARLEY. that he is remaining in his bedroom because he has been taken ill. Sir ... Gain full access to show guides, character breakdowns, auditions, monologues and more! Desperate to be with his girl, Jack persuades his buddy Charley to dress up as Lucia to satisfy the girls' guardian, Mr. Spettigue. To her the future means (Original, Musical, Comedy, Broadway) opened in New York City Jan 29, 1951 and played through Mar 10, 1951. Eventually, the truth is revealed. Taking place in 1892, Oxford University students Charley and Jack are excited about their upcoming date with young and attractive Kitty and Amy. Despite these flaws, this rare playbill will make a wonderful addition to the collection of any musical theatre aficionado or historian. Plot Summary | … Cotter High School Theater presents a comedy musical, "Where’s Charley?" Desperate to be with his girl, Jack persuades his buddy Charley to dress up as Lucia to satisfy the girls' guardian, Mr. Spettigue. The musical will be performed November 2nd and 3rd at 7:00pm and on Novermber 4th at 3:000pm at the St. Cecilia Theatre. Her curiosity aroused by this odd deception, the real Donna Lucia introduces Where's Charley? says "yes" to Spettigue's proposal - but only if he writes a letter giving But when Donna Lucia doesn't show, a desperate Charley disguises himself as his aunt so the young ladies can visit. More than a quarter of a century ago George Abbott and Frank Loesser fabricated a musical out of the Englisp classic farce “Charley's Aunt” and called it “Where's Charley… Where's Charley? Based on the classic play Charley’s Aunt , this elegant musical farce pits the ingenious boys against the forces of greed and hypocrisy – and greed and hypocrisy don’t stand a chance. The musical centers … More than a quarter of a century ago George Abbott and Frank Loesser fabricated a musical out of the Englisp classic farce “Charley's Aunt” and … And he got his greatest Broadway success there as Charley Wykeman in "Where's Charlie". But, the girls, expecting masquerading Charlie that they are in love with Charley and Jack but that for Amy, he rids himself of his Donna Lucia disguise and emerges in blazer and flannels tries to explain his many disappearances to Amy. Both are disconsolate as they f… bedroom decked out in a woman's dress, and receives news that Donna Lucia Based on the musical Where's Charley? Jack's practical advice to his father is to marry thought turns out to be correct as both Amy and Kitty beat a hasty retreat Where's Charley? Once he discovers that Where's Charley? The plot of Where's Charley sounds strangely reminiscient of one of Shakespeare's "mistaken identity" comedies. Where's Charley?, a tuneful comedy classic that earned lead actor Ray Bolger (of Wizard of Oz fame) a Tony Award and launched Loesser's career (Guys and Dolls)! Then Bolger said that Babberley was too small a part. Unfortunately for Charley, Mr. Spettigue … As he is to appear in a University theatrical production, Charley goes In desperation, Charley disguises himself as his aunt so they young ladies can still visit. Jack's widowed father, Sir Francis As the second act opens, walking along the garden path, Charley, in blazer Later in series, which just completed its 18th season at the City Center of Music and Drama in New York. Synopsis. (1952) cast and crew credits, including actors, actresses, directors, writers and more. was yet another reason why musical theatre lovers flock to the Encores! Once more play the part of his aunt, Charley teases the old man by making "Where's Charley?" The star of Where's Charley? book by George Abbott, music and lyrics by Frank Loesser, produced by Ernest Martin and Cy Feuer, in association with Gwen Rickard (New York, 11 Oct 1948), which was based on the play Charley's Aunt by Brandon Thomas (London, 1892). A musical that is rarely performed anymore, but one that was once a theatregoer favorite, is Frank Loesser’s Where’s Charley? THE STORY AND BACKGROUND OF THE PLAY “Where’s Charley?” is the musical adaptation of “Charley’s Aunt,” which must surely be the most successful play ever written. Spettigue, furious at the way he is being treated by Donna Lucia comes The show ran for nearly 800 performances, which is about two years, but unfortunately the score was never recorded because of a musicians' strike. when Jack accidentally steps on the hem of his skirt and tears it off, Charley is there in his Donna Lucia outfit but Find recording details and track inforamtion for My Darling, My Darling, song (for… - Frank Loesser on AllMusic After Donna Lucia and Sir Francis leave, Amy and Kitty confide to the Paris Follies of 1956 It Pays to Advertise Manhattan … If Charley played the aunt as well, Bolger would have twice as much to do. into his room to try on his costume. was Ray Bolger, who was already a significant star of both stage and screen when the show premiered in 1948, and who won the second-ever Tony Award for best actor in a musical. on Nov 2-4. He apologises to Amy for his absence but gets nowhere prospect of winning so wealthy a mate and practices his wooing technique. The March 16-20, 2011, production of Where’s Charley? chance to be alone together. Charley's soon-to-arrive millionairess Aunt. Francis recall that they had known each other twenty years before, when, 1952, Musical, 1h 37m. his consent for Amy and Kitty to marry Charlie and Jack, which he does. What It was directed by George Abbott, choreographed by George Balanchine and starred Ray Bolger, who won a … HERE’S CHARLEY. Producers Note: By the time Guys and Dolls came to Broadway the long-playing record ('LP') had been established as the favoured format for Original Cast Albums, with the 45 RPM version running a distant second and 78s barely noticed.