Composer

:

Ivor Novello

Genre

:

Musical Theatre

Style

:

Show/Musical

Compose Date

:

1945

'Perchance to Dream' is a musical play composed by Ivor Novello, which premiered on 21 April 1945 at the Hippodrome Theatre in London. The plot revolves around a young woman named Lydia who is haunted by a recurring dream in which she is a Victorian music hall singer named Vicki. As the story unfolds, Lydia discovers that Vicki was a real person who died tragically, and she becomes determined to uncover the truth about her past. The musical is divided into three movements, each of which explores a different aspect of Lydia's journey. The first movement, titled "Dreams," introduces Lydia and her recurring dream. We see her struggling to make sense of the dream and the strange feelings it evokes in her. The second movement, "Memories," takes us back in time to the Victorian era, where we meet Vicki and learn about her life as a music hall performer. We also see the events that led to her untimely death. The final movement, "Reality," brings us back to the present day, where Lydia finally uncovers the truth about Vicki and comes to terms with her own identity. One of the key characteristics of 'Perchance to Dream' is its use of music to convey emotion and advance the plot. Novello's score is filled with catchy tunes and poignant ballads that help to bring the characters to life. The musical also features elaborate dance numbers and colorful costumes that capture the spirit of the music hall era. Overall, 'Perchance to Dream' is a timeless musical that explores themes of identity, memory, and the power of dreams. Its premiere in 1945 was a huge success, and it has since been revived numerous times on both sides of the Atlantic. Today, it remains a beloved classic of the musical theatre canon.

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