Composer

:

Frank Loesser

Genre

:

Musical Theatre

Style

:

Musical Theater

'Where's Charley?' is a musical comedy with music and lyrics by Frank Loesser and book by George Abbott. The show is based on the play 'Charley's Aunt' by Brandon Thomas. The musical premiered on Broadway at the St. James Theatre on October 11, 1948, and ran for 792 performances. The plot of the show revolves around Charley Wykeham, a college student who is in love with Amy Spettigue. Charley's friend Jack Chesney is also in love with Amy's cousin, Kitty Verdun. The two men invite the girls to lunch, but their plans are complicated when Amy's guardian, Stephen Spettigue, forbids her from going unless she is accompanied by her aunt, Donna Lucia d'Alvadorez. Charley's aunt is delayed, so he decides to dress up as her in order to keep the date with Amy and Kitty. Chaos ensues as Charley tries to maintain his disguise and keep up the pretense of being a woman. The music of 'Where's Charley?' is characterized by its catchy tunes and witty lyrics. The show features several memorable songs, including "Once in Love with Amy," "My Darling, My Darling," and "The New Ashmolean Marching Society and Students' Conservatory Band." The musical was a critical and commercial success, receiving rave reviews and earning Loesser a Tony Award for Best Composer and Lyricist. The show also spawned several successful revivals, including a 1958 production in London's West End and a 1974 Broadway revival starring Ray Bolger. Overall, 'Where's Charley?' is a charming and entertaining musical comedy that showcases Frank Loesser's talent for writing catchy and memorable songs. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless humor and infectious music.

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