Composer

:

Jerome Kern

Genre

:

Musical Theatre

Style

:

Musical Theater

Compose Date

:

1917

First Performance

:

Jan 11, 1917

'Have a Heart' is a musical comedy composed by Jerome Kern with lyrics by Guy Bolton and P.G. Wodehouse. The plot revolves around a wealthy American businessman, Jim Grayson, who falls in love with a young woman named Molly, who is engaged to his business partner. The musical was first performed on Broadway at the Liberty Theatre on January 11, 1917. The musical is divided into two acts and features a total of 16 musical numbers. The opening number, "Have a Heart," sets the tone for the show with its upbeat tempo and catchy melody. Other notable songs include "You Said Something," "The Magic Melody," and "The Siren's Song." The characters in the musical are all well-developed and have distinct personalities. Jim Grayson is a successful businessman who is used to getting what he wants. Molly is a sweet and innocent young woman who is torn between her love for Jim and her loyalty to her fiancé. The other characters, including Jim's business partner and Molly's father, add depth and humor to the story. The musical premiered to positive reviews and was a commercial success, running for 440 performances. It was also adapted into a silent film in 1919, which was directed by John S. Robertson and starred Billie Burke and John Bowers. Overall, 'Have a Heart' is a charming and entertaining musical that showcases Jerome Kern's talent for composing catchy and memorable tunes. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal and enduring charm.

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