Composer

:

Victor Herbert

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Operetta

Compose Date

:

1903

First Performance

:

1903

Babes in Toyland is an operetta composed by Victor Herbert in 1903. The plot revolves around two siblings, Tom and Mary, who are threatened with eviction from their home by their evil landlord, Barnaby. In order to save their home, they must find a way to come up with the rent money. They turn to their friend, the Toymaker, for help, and he takes them on a magical journey to Toyland, where they meet a host of colorful characters, including the villainous Barnaby, the beautiful Bo Peep, and the heroic Jack and Jill. The operetta is divided into three acts, each with its own distinct movement. The first act takes place in Mother Goose Village, where Tom and Mary live. The second act is set in Toyland, where the siblings go on their magical journey. The third act returns to Mother Goose Village, where the siblings must confront Barnaby and save their home. One of the most notable characteristics of Babes in Toyland is its use of popular nursery rhymes and fairy tales as source material. The operetta features a number of well-known characters, including Little Bo Peep, Jack and Jill, and the Three Little Pigs. The music is also notable for its catchy melodies and memorable tunes, including the popular songs "Toyland" and "March of the Toys." Babes in Toyland premiered on October 13, 1903, at the Majestic Theatre in New York City. The operetta was an immediate success, and it went on to become one of the most popular and enduring works in the American musical theater canon. It has been adapted for film, television, and stage numerous times over the years, and it remains a beloved holiday classic to this day.

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