Composer

:

Jerome Kern

Genre

:

Musical Theatre

Style

:

Musical Theater

Compose Date

:

1939

First Performance

:

Nov 17, 1939

Average_duration

:

4:10

'Very Warm for May' is a musical comedy with music composed by Jerome Kern and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II. The plot revolves around a group of young people who are vacationing in the Adirondack Mountains during the summer of 1939. The show premiered on Broadway on November 17, 1939, at the Alvin Theatre and ran for 59 performances. The musical is divided into two acts and features a total of 16 musical numbers. The first act introduces the characters and their relationships, while the second act focuses on the romantic entanglements that arise during their vacation. The show's most famous song is "All the Things You Are," which has become a jazz standard and has been recorded by numerous artists. The musical's movements are characterized by Kern's signature style of blending popular and classical music. The score features a mix of ballads, up-tempo numbers, and dance music, all of which are infused with Kern's unique harmonic and melodic sensibilities. The show's orchestrations were done by Robert Russell Bennett, who was known for his innovative use of instruments and textures. 'Very Warm for May' was well-received by critics and audiences alike, but it was not a commercial success. Despite this, the show has been revived several times over the years, and its songs have become standards in the American songbook. The musical is also notable for being one of the last collaborations between Kern and Hammerstein, who had previously worked together on such classics as 'Show Boat' and 'The King and I.' Overall, 'Very Warm for May' is a charming and entertaining musical that showcases Kern's musical genius and Hammerstein's lyrical prowess. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the enduring appeal of its songs and the timeless themes of love and romance that it explores.

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