Composer

:

Leonard Bernstein

Genre

:

Musical Theatre

Style

:

Musical Theater

Compose Date

:

1976

First Performance

:

1976

Movement_count

:

22

Movement ....

"1600 Pennsylvania Avenue" is a musical composed by Leonard Bernstein with lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner. The plot revolves around the history of the White House and the presidency of the United States, from the time of George Washington to the present day. The musical was commissioned by the Kennedy administration to celebrate the bicentennial of the White House in 1976. The musical was composed in 1976, with lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner. The premiere was on May 4, 1976, at the Mark Hellinger Theatre in New York City. The musical was directed by Gilbert Moses, with choreography by George Faison. The musical is divided into two movements. The first movement, "The White House," tells the story of the White House from the time of George Washington to the present day. The second movement, "1600 Pennsylvania Avenue," focuses on the presidency of the United States and the struggles of African Americans to gain equal rights. The musical features a large cast, including a narrator, a chorus, and several principal characters. The music is a mix of classical and popular styles, with influences from jazz, blues, and gospel music. The score includes several memorable songs, including "Take Care of This House," "Duet for One," and "The President Jefferson Sunday Luncheon Party March." One of the unique characteristics of "1600 Pennsylvania Avenue" is its use of historical figures as characters in the musical. The musical features appearances by George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Franklin D. Roosevelt, among others. The musical also addresses issues of race and civil rights, with a focus on the struggles of African Americans throughout American history. Despite its impressive pedigree, "1600 Pennsylvania Avenue" was not a commercial success. The musical received mixed reviews and closed after only seven performances. However, the musical has since gained a cult following and is considered by many to be an important work in the history of American musical theater.

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