Conversation Piece
A Comedy play with music in 3 Acts: Book music & lyrics
by Noel Coward.
His Majesty's Theatre, London - 16 February, 1934
The play is set amidst the brittle sophistications of Regency Brighton,
1811.
Paul, Duc de Chaucigny-Varennes, has arrived in Brighton as a
landless emigre from the terrors of the French Revolution.
With him is Melanie, a beautiful young girl he passes off as
his ward and the daughter of a murdered friend, the Marquis
de Tramont; although we learn early on that she is a dance
hall singer.
Their purpose is to marry Melanie to a rich husband and she quickly
attracts the attention of Edward, the young Marquis of Sheere,
who asks for her hand. With the help of Lady Julia Charteris, who
secretly loves Paul, Edward presses his claims, only to discover
that Melanie herself has also all along secretly loved Paul. Lady
Julia proposes marriage to Paul and with it the comforts of her
fortune. Melanie, desperate to win him for herself, declares her
love but only succeeds in plunging him into consternation. In the
hope that she can shock him into understanding how close they have
become, Melanie feigns a departure for France, leaving no forwarding
address. The ploy works and they at last come together.
Cast
Paul, Duc de Chaucigny-Varennes
Melanie, his protegée
Rose, Melanie's maid
Edward, Marquis of Sheere, Melanie's suitor
The Duchess of Benedon, Edward's
mother
The Duke of Benedon, Edward's father
Lady Julia Charteris, Paul's friend
Ladies,
Gentlemen,
Courtesans,
Maids,
Soldiers
Musical Numbers
- Brighton Parade
- Danser, Danser
- I'll Follow My Secret Heart
- There's Always Something Fishy About the French
- Regency Rakes
- Nevermore
- Dear Little Soldiers
- The English Lesson
- Lady Julia's Theme
- Melanie's Aria
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