Composer

:

Andrew Lloyd Webber

Genre

:

Musical Theatre

Style

:

Musical Theater

Compose Date

:

1975

'By Jeeves' is a musical comedy composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber with lyrics by Alan Ayckbourn. The musical is based on the characters created by P.G. Wodehouse, particularly the character of Bertie Wooster and his valet, Jeeves. The plot revolves around Bertie Wooster's attempts to organize a village concert, which goes awry due to a series of misunderstandings and mishaps. The musical was first composed in 1975 as a one-act play titled 'Jeeves', which was later expanded into a full-length musical in 1996. The premiere of the musical was held at the Stephen Joseph Theatre in Scarborough, England, on 22 May 1996. The musical was later transferred to the Duke of York's Theatre in London's West End, where it ran for a limited season from 1 October 1996 to 28 February 1997. 'By Jeeves' is divided into two acts, each consisting of several movements. The first act is set in Bertie Wooster's drawing-room, where he is trying to organize a village concert. The movements in this act include 'The Code of the Woosters', 'The Hallo Song', 'The Sadder But Wiser Girl', and 'Love's Maze'. The second act is set in a church hall, where the concert is supposed to take place. The movements in this act include 'The Art of Love', 'It's a Pig', 'Banjo Boy', and 'By Jeeves'. The musical is characterized by its witty dialogue, catchy tunes, and comedic performances. The music is a blend of various styles, including jazz, blues, and musical theatre. The lyrics are clever and humorous, often poking fun at the upper-class society of the time. The characters are well-developed and each has their own unique personality, which adds to the overall charm of the musical. In conclusion, 'By Jeeves' is a delightful musical comedy that showcases the talents of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Alan Ayckbourn. The musical is a tribute to the works of P.G. Wodehouse and is a must-see for fans of his writing. With its catchy tunes, witty dialogue, and comedic performances, 'By Jeeves' is sure to leave audiences laughing and tapping their feet.

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