249. Where's Charley? 1948
Musical Comedy in Two Acts and Nine Scenes
- Music
Music and lyrics by Frank Loesser. Book by George Abbott, based on the play Charley’s Aunt, by Brandon Thomas. Orchestrations by Ted Royal, Hans Spialek, and Phil Lang. Vocal arrangements and direction by Gerry Dolin
- Choreography
George Balanchine, assisted by Fred Danieli
- Production
Produced by Cy Feuer and Ernest H. Martin in association with Gwen Rickard. Directed by George Abbott. Scenery and costumes by David Ffolkes. Scenery executed by Studio Alliance; costumes executed by Brooks Costume Company
- Premiere
October 11, 1948, St. James Theatre, New York. Conductor: Max Goberman. (Out-of-town preview: September 13, Forrest Theatre, Philadelphia.)
- Cast
Charley Wykeham, Ray Bolger; Amy Spettigue, Allyn McLerie; Jack Chesney, Byron Palmer; Kitty Verdun, Doretta Morrow; and others. Dancers: 9 women, 9 men.
THE NEW ASHMOLEAN MARCHING SOCIETY AND STUDENTS’ CONSERVATORY BAND (Act I, Scene 2): Byron Palmer, Allyn McLerie, Doretta Morrow, Bobby Harrell, ensemble.
MAKE A MIRACLE (Act I, Scene 3): Ray Bolger, McLerie.
PERNAMBUCO (Act I, Scene 4): Bolger, McLerie, ensemble.
ONCE IN LOVE WITH AMY (Act II, Scene 2): Bolger.
AT THE RED ROSE COTILLION (Act II, Scene 4): Bolger, McLerie, ensemble
Performance Type
Musical Theater
Note
792 performances, followed by national tour and a return engagement in 1951 for 56 performances. At the Red Rose Cotillion was the big ballet number. Pernambuco, featuring a ‘South American rumba,’ was particularly liked by the critics, although Once in Love with Amy stole the show. Bolger, an infectious performer and master of soft shoe and tap, probably choreographed most of his own routines (under Balanchine?s direction). The 1952 film version of Where’s Charley? features Bolger and McLerie in their original roles. Staging of dances and production numbers is credited to Michael Kidd, but many dance passages in the film contain choreography originated by Balanchine for the Broadway show.
Additional Productions
Other Productions
January 29, 1951, Broadway Theatre, New York: Basically unchanged; ONCE IN LOVE WITH AMY performed with audience participation and expanded dance sequence.
Claude Conyers, Fred Danieli, Sally Sommer
