THE BELLE OF NEW YORK

A musical comedy in 2 acts, 6 scenes; Book and lyrics by Hugh Morton: Music by Gustave Kerker
First produced at the Casino Theatre, New York 28 September, 1897 (56 perfs) Reopened 20 December for a further 8 performances.
Produced at the Shaftesbury Theatre, London 12 April, 1898 (697 perfs)

Story

Violet Gray is a Salvation Army girl who becomes an heir to a fortune belonging to Ichabod Bronson. She has been chosen as the recipient of this windfall because Ichabod, although not averse to dallying with the odd chorus girl himself, is a firm believer in organisations such as the Young Men's Rescue League and the Anti-Cigarette Society. He has found out that his playboy son, Harry, intends to marry actress Cora Angelique. Violet, for her part, is intent on Harry getting the inheritance - and her as well! Her saucy performance of the "At Ze Naughty Folies Bergère" does the trick - Ichabod cannot possibly leave his fortune to someone who behaves like that, and Harry's name goes back in the will. Harry finally sees the error of his ways and falls in love with sweet, simple Violet.

CHARACTERS

Ichabod Bronson, President of the Young Men's Rescue League and Anti Cigarette Society of Cohoes
Harry Bronson, his son
Karl von Pumpernick, a polite lunatic
Doc Snifkins
Cora Angélique, the Queen of Comic Opera, his daughter
Blinky Bill McGuire, a mixed ale pugelist
Mamie Clancy, his girl
Kenneth Mugg, low comedian of the Cora Angélique Opera Company
Count Ratsi and Patsi Rattatoo, the Portuguese Twins
Mr Twiddles, Harry's Private Secretary
Violet Gray, A Salvation Army Girl
Fifi Fricot, a little Parisienne
Kissy Fitzgarter, a music-hall dancer
Pansy Pinns, a soubrette
Billy, Breeze, Mr Snooper, Mr Peeper, William, Fricot, etc.

The original New York libretto underwent considerable changes during its Broadway run and there have been many changes subsequently at each revival of the show, with songs dropped, other songs interpolated, dropped songs reinstated, scenes changed, etc. The film version in 1952 with Fred Astaire and Vera Ellen replaced the original songs with a score by Johnny Mercer and Harry Warren.

Musical Numbers

1. They All Follow Me (Violet & Salvation Army Girls)
2. When We Are Married
3. Teach Me How To Kiss, Dear (Harry)
4. The Purity Brigade (Violet and girls)
5. La Belle Parisienne (Harry and Fifi)
6. My Little Baby (Ichabod)
7. On the Beach at Narragansett (Ichabod, Bill, Mamie and company)
8. She is the Belle of New York (Harry)
9. At Ze Naughty Folies Bergère (Violet)
10. I Do, So There (Violet)
11. Googan's Fancy Ball (Company)