Composer

:

Noël Coward

Genre

:

Musical Theatre

Style

:

Show/Musical

Compose Date

:

1932

Average_duration

:

2:58

Mad Dogs and Englishmen is a musical revue composed by Noël Coward, which premiered on June 9, 1931, at the Broadhurst Theatre in New York City. The show was a huge success and ran for 135 performances. The title of the show is taken from a line in Rudyard Kipling's poem "The Ballad of East and West." The revue consists of a series of sketches, songs, and dances, all performed by a cast of 16 actors and actresses. The show is divided into two acts, with each act containing several different scenes. The first act is set in England, while the second act takes place in various exotic locations around the world. The music in Mad Dogs and Englishmen is a mix of Coward's own compositions and popular songs of the day. The show features several of Coward's most famous songs, including "Mad Dogs and Englishmen," "I'll See You Again," and "A Room with a View." The music is accompanied by a small orchestra, which is led by Coward himself. The show's plot is loose and episodic, with each scene standing on its own. The sketches and songs are all connected by a common theme of British culture and society. The show satirizes the upper-class British lifestyle, poking fun at their manners, customs, and attitudes. The movements in Mad Dogs and Englishmen are a mix of traditional dance styles and modern dance. The show features several dance numbers, including a Charleston, a tango, and a waltz. The choreography is simple but effective, with the dancers moving in unison to the music. One of the characteristics of Mad Dogs and Englishmen is its wit and humor. Coward's lyrics are clever and often tongue-in-cheek, poking fun at the British upper class. The show also features several comedic sketches, including a parody of a British murder mystery. Overall, Mad Dogs and Englishmen is a classic example of Noël Coward's wit and musical talent. The show's success helped establish Coward as one of the leading figures in British theater and cemented his reputation as a master of musical comedy.

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