Composer

:

Jerome Kern

Genre

:

Musical Theatre

Style

:

Musical Theater

Compose Date

:

1924

First Performance

:

Apr 8, 1924

Average_duration

:

103:57

Sitting Pretty is a musical comedy composed by Jerome Kern with lyrics by P.G. Wodehouse and Guy Bolton. The plot revolves around a wealthy American family, the Todds, who hire a British butler, Wimble, to help them navigate high society. The musical premiered on Broadway on October 31, 1924, and ran for 159 performances. The first act of Sitting Pretty introduces the Todd family, including the father, mother, and their three children. They are struggling to fit in with high society and decide to hire a butler to help them. Wimble, a British butler, is hired and quickly becomes a hit with the family and their friends. However, Wimble's true identity is revealed when his former employer, Lady Trenchard, arrives in America and recognizes him. The second act of the musical focuses on the fallout from Wimble's reveal. The Todds are embarrassed and try to distance themselves from Wimble, but he ultimately saves the day by helping them win a high society auction. The musical ends with the Todds and Wimble reconciling and Wimble returning to his position as their butler. Sitting Pretty was composed by Jerome Kern, one of the most successful composers of the early 20th century. Kern's music is known for its catchy melodies and sophisticated harmonies. The lyrics were written by P.G. Wodehouse and Guy Bolton, two of the most popular writers of the time. Wodehouse and Bolton's lyrics are witty and clever, with a focus on wordplay and puns. The musical premiered on Broadway on October 31, 1924, at the Fulton Theatre. It was produced by Charles Dillingham and directed by Alexander Leftwich. The original cast included Jack Buchanan as Wimble and Vivienne Segal as the Todd family's daughter. Sitting Pretty was a success on Broadway, running for 159 performances. It was also popular in London, where it premiered in 1926. The musical was later adapted into a film in 1933, starring Jack Oakie and Ginger Rogers. Overall, Sitting Pretty is a charming musical comedy with catchy music and clever lyrics. Its focus on high society and the clash between American and British culture makes it a fascinating snapshot of the 1920s.

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