FADE IN - FADE OUT

A Musical comedy in 2 acts, 19 scenes: Book and lyrics by Betty Comdon and Adolph Green: Music by Jule Styne
Original production directed by George Abbot; dance and musical numbers arranged by Ernest Flatt
Produced for the Broadway stage by Lester Osterman and Jule Styne
Mark Hellinger Theatre - 26 May, 1964 (271 perfs)

The show is set in Hollywood, in the film capital's heyday. An unpromising chorus girl is accidentally given the starring role in a new movie. When the mistake is discovered heads roll and the film is securely canned in a vault. But Rudolf, the nephew of the studio's top man, takes a liking to the girl, Hope Springfield, and arranges for a preview. The movie is a success, Hope is a star and she and Rudolf go off hand in hand.

The show offers opportunities for cameo impersonations of the great film stars of the 30s, whilst its portrait of the studio head, Lionel Z. Governor is a direct take-off of Louis B. Mayer. Governor shared Mayer's notorious eye for starlets and his grudging nepotism. The characterisation is wickedly exaggerated , with Governor requiring a full-time psychiatrist at his side and with his hatred of his fourth nephew so great he can no longer say "four".

Songs:

Call Me Savage
Close Harmony
The Dangerous Age
Fade Out, Fade In
Fear
Fiddler and the Fighter
A Girl To Remember
Go Home Train
I'm With You
It's Good To Be Back Home
Lila Tremaine
My Fortune Is My Face
My Heart Is Like a Violin
What Is This Thing I've Got
They're At the Post
Usher From the Mezzanine

Cast: In order of appearance (Male - 16+; Female - 9+; plus chorus)

Byron Prong
Helga Sixtrees
Pops
Rosco
Billy Vespers
Lyman
Hope Springfield
Rex
Ralph Governer
Rudolf Governor
Frank Governor
Harold Governor
Arnold Governor
Myra May Melrose
Miss Mallory
Custer Corkley
Max Welch
Lou Williams
Dora Dailey
Lionel Z. Governor
Dr. Anton Taurig
Gloria Currie
Madame Barrymore

Teenagers, Autograph Kids, waiters, extras, Publicity Men, Photographer, etc

Scenes and Settings

The action takes place in New York and Hollywood in the mid-1930s.

Act 1

Scene 1: In front of Grauman's Chinese Theatre.
Scene 2: Gate-F.F.F. Studio.
Scene 3: On the Lot.
Scene 4: Executive Dining Room.
Scene 5: Wardrobe Department.
Scene 6: On the Set.
Scene 7: Dora Dailey.
Scene 8: Dr. Taurig's Office, Vienna.
Scene 9: On the Set.
Scene 10: Executive Dining Room.
Scene 11: The Bungalow.

Act 2

Scene 1: Gate-F.F.F. Studio.
Scene 2: Dora Dailey.
Scene 3: Wardrobe Department.
Scene 4: A Street.
Scene 5: L. Z.'s Office.
Scene 6: On the Set.
Scene 7: In front of Grauman's Chinese Theatre.
Scene 8: In front of Grauman's Chinese Theatre.

Discography:

Original Cast Recording