Composer

:

George Gershwin

Genre

:

Musical Theatre

Style

:

Musical Theater

Compose Date

:

1924

Average_duration

:

69:19

Movement_count

:

26

Movement ....

'Lady, Be Good!' is a musical comedy with music composed by George Gershwin, lyrics by Ira Gershwin, and book by Guy Bolton and Fred Thompson. The plot revolves around a brother and sister, Dick and Susie Trevor, who are down on their luck and trying to make a name for themselves in the entertainment industry. They come up with a plan to impersonate long-lost heirs to a fortune, but their scheme is complicated by the arrival of a wealthy and attractive young woman, Josephine Vanderwater, who they both fall in love with. The musical was composed in 1924 and premiered on Broadway on December 1, 1924, at the Liberty Theatre. It was directed by Felix Edwardes and choreographed by Jack Haskell. The original cast included Fred Astaire and his sister Adele, who were making their Broadway debut. The show was a hit and ran for 330 performances. The music of 'Lady, Be Good!' is characterized by its catchy melodies, jazzy rhythms, and clever lyrics. The show features several memorable songs, including "Fascinating Rhythm," "Oh, Lady Be Good!," and "The Half of It, Dearie, Blues." The score also includes several instrumental pieces, such as the "Lady, Be Good!" overture and the "Swiss Miss" ballet. The musical is divided into two acts and several scenes. Act One takes place in New York City and introduces the main characters and their predicament. Act Two takes place in England, where the characters travel to claim their inheritance. The show is known for its fast-paced dialogue, witty humor, and energetic dance numbers. Overall, 'Lady, Be Good!' is a classic example of the musical comedies of the 1920s. It showcases the talents of George and Ira Gershwin, as well as the dancing skills of Fred and Adele Astaire. The show has been revived several times over the years, and its songs have become standards in the American songbook.

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