Composer

:

George Gershwin

Genre

:

Musical Theatre

Style

:

Show Tune

Compose Date

:

1924

Average_duration

:

3:20

"The Half of It, Dearie" is a musical comedy with music composed by George Gershwin, lyrics by Ira Gershwin, and book by Fred Thompson and Alex Gerber. The show premiered on Broadway at the Lyric Theatre on February 6, 1922, and ran for 251 performances. The plot of the show revolves around a young woman named Mamie Saunders, who is determined to make it big in show business. Mamie is a talented singer and dancer, but she lacks the sophistication and refinement that is required to succeed in high society. She enlists the help of a wealthy socialite named Mrs. Van Rensselaer, who agrees to take Mamie under her wing and teach her the ways of high society. As Mamie begins to navigate the world of the rich and famous, she finds herself falling in love with a young man named Jack, who is also trying to make it in show business. However, Jack is engaged to Mrs. Van Rensselaer's daughter, and Mamie must decide whether to pursue her own dreams or sacrifice her happiness for the sake of Jack's career. The music of "The Half of It, Dearie" is classic Gershwin, with catchy tunes and clever lyrics that capture the spirit of the Roaring Twenties. The show features several memorable songs, including "Somebody Loves Me," "Sweet and Low-Down," and "Do-Do-Do." One of the unique characteristics of "The Half of It, Dearie" is its use of a "Greek chorus" of four women who comment on the action of the play and provide comic relief. This device was unusual for a musical comedy of the time and helped to establish the show as a groundbreaking work of musical theatre. Overall, "The Half of It, Dearie" was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to establish George and Ira Gershwin as major figures in the world of American popular music. The show's legacy can still be felt today, as many of its songs have become standards in the Great American Songbook.

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