Composer

:

Noël Coward

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

2:56

"Mary Make-Believe" is a one-act play with music, composed by Noël Coward. It premiered on December 22, 1921, at the Duke of York's Theatre in London. The play is set in a small English village and follows the story of Mary, a young girl who lives in a world of make-believe. The play is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct characteristics. The first movement introduces the audience to Mary and her imaginary world. She is a dreamer who spends her days lost in her own thoughts, imagining herself as a princess or a famous actress. The music in this movement is light and whimsical, reflecting Mary's carefree spirit. The second movement introduces the other characters in the play, including Mary's mother, a stern and practical woman who disapproves of her daughter's flights of fancy. The music in this movement is more somber, reflecting the tension between Mary and her mother. The final movement sees Mary's world collide with reality when a group of gypsies arrives in the village. Mary is fascinated by their exotic lifestyle and befriends a young gypsy boy. However, her mother disapproves of the friendship and forbids Mary from seeing the boy again. The music in this movement is more dramatic, reflecting the conflict between Mary and her mother. Overall, "Mary Make-Believe" is a charming and whimsical play that explores the power of imagination and the tension between fantasy and reality. Coward's music adds depth and emotion to the story, creating a memorable and engaging theatrical experience.

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