Composer

:

Jerome Kern

Genre

:

Musical Theatre

Style

:

Musical Theater

Compose Date

:

1933

First Performance

:

Nov 18, 1933

Average_duration

:

45:24

"Roberta" is a musical comedy composed by Jerome Kern with lyrics by Otto Harbach. The plot revolves around a young football player, John Kent, who travels to Paris to retrieve his aunt's dress designs from a fashion house. While there, he falls in love with the fashion house's owner, Stephanie, and becomes involved in a series of misunderstandings and mistaken identities. The musical was composed in 1933 and premiered on Broadway on November 18th of the same year. It was directed by William A. Brady and choreographed by George Balanchine. The original cast included Bob Hope, Fred MacMurray, and Lyda Roberti. The musical is divided into two acts and features several memorable songs, including "Yesterdays," "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes," and "I'll Be Hard to Handle." The music is characterized by Kern's signature blend of jazz and classical influences, with lush orchestrations and memorable melodies. One of the notable movements in the musical is the "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes" sequence, which features a dreamlike ballet set to the song of the same name. The sequence is a highlight of the show and has become one of Kern's most famous compositions. Overall, "Roberta" is a charming and entertaining musical that showcases Kern's talents as a composer and Harbach's wit as a lyricist. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal and the enduring legacy of its creators.

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