Composer

:

Kurt Weill

Genre

:

Musical Theatre

Style

:

Musical Theater

Compose Date

:

Jun 1938 - Sep 1938

Publication Date

:

1938

First Performance

:

Oct 19, 1938

Average_duration

:

54:03

Movement_count

:

32

Movement ....

"Knickerbocker Holiday" is a musical comedy with music by Kurt Weill and book and lyrics by Maxwell Anderson. The show premiered on October 19, 1938, at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre in New York City. The plot is set in 17th-century New Amsterdam, where the Dutch governor Peter Stuyvesant is trying to maintain control over the colony while dealing with the rebellious spirit of the people. The story revolves around the character of Brom Broeck, a young man who is disillusioned with the corrupt government and wants to bring about change. He falls in love with Tina Tienhoven, the daughter of a wealthy merchant, who shares his ideals. However, their romance is threatened by the political turmoil in the colony. The musical is known for its satirical take on American politics and its commentary on the struggle between individual freedom and government control. Weill's music is a blend of classical and popular styles, with catchy tunes and witty lyrics that add to the show's humor and charm. The show's most famous song is "September Song," which has become a standard in the American songbook. Other notable songs include "How Can You Tell an American?" and "It Never Was You." "Knickerbocker Holiday" was a critical and commercial success, running for 168 performances on Broadway. It was later adapted into a film in 1944, starring Nelson Eddy and Charles Coburn. Overall, "Knickerbocker Holiday" is a witty and entertaining musical that showcases Weill's unique style and Anderson's clever writing. Its themes of political corruption and individual freedom are still relevant today, making it a timeless classic of American musical theater.

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