Composer

:

Harold Rome

Genre

:

Musical Theatre

Style

:

Show/Musical

Compose Date

:

1946

'Call Me Mister' is a musical comedy that was composed by Harold Rome. The musical was first performed on April 18, 1946, at the National Theatre in Washington, D.C. The plot of the musical revolves around a group of soldiers who have returned home from World War II and are trying to adjust to civilian life. The soldiers decide to put on a show to raise money for a local veterans' hospital. The musical is divided into two acts, with a total of 16 musical numbers. The first act introduces the soldiers and their struggles to adjust to civilian life. The soldiers are all from different backgrounds and have different personalities, but they all share a common bond of having served in the war. The second act focuses on the soldiers' efforts to put on the show and the challenges they face along the way. The musical features a variety of musical styles, including swing, ballads, and comedy numbers. The music is upbeat and lively, reflecting the soldiers' enthusiasm for their project. The lyrics are witty and clever, with many references to popular culture and current events of the time. One of the most memorable songs from the musical is "South America, Take It Away!" This song is a parody of the popular radio program "South America Calling" and features the soldiers singing about their desire to escape their mundane lives and travel to exotic locations. The song is a humorous commentary on the post-war desire for adventure and excitement. 'Call Me Mister' premiered during a time of great social and political change in the United States. The musical reflects the optimism and enthusiasm of the post-war era, as well as the challenges faced by returning soldiers. The musical was a critical and commercial success, running for over 700 performances on Broadway and spawning several national tours. Overall, 'Call Me Mister' is a lively and entertaining musical that captures the spirit of the post-war era. The music is catchy and memorable, and the characters are relatable and engaging. The musical remains a beloved classic of American musical theater and a testament to the resilience and creativity of the human spirit.

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