 THE LISBON STORY
Book and Lyrics by Harold Purcell
Music by Harry Parr Davies
London Hippodrome, 17 June, 1943 (492 perfs) Re-opened Stoll Theatre (after touring) 17 October, 1944 (54 perfs)
Synopsis
This exciting spy play of the 2nd World War was produced
at the London Hippodrome one night during a blitz in 1943, when the light-hearted
drama within had to compete with the human drama without. Nevertheless,
its music was still being heard long after the noise of enemy aircraft
was no more. Pedro, the Fisherman will indeed be heard even into
the Space Age, as will most of the music, set to such excellent lyrics,
by a composer whose early demise robbed the Musical Theatre of a melodist
comparable to Ivor Novello.
Good acting is called for by all the cast, for the story is full of
dramatic episodes, portraying the tension of the peoples in occupied
France, of espionage and counter espionage, of cowardice and heroism,
of Nazi intrigues and the forced gaieties of Paris. It is never melodramatic,
always thoroughly believable and leavened throughout with a fine balance
of comedy situations.
Four of the major principals have no songs to sing but Gay, the leading
role (created by Patricia Burke) has two lovely songs, the waltz Someday
We Shall Meet Again and the stirring Song of the Sunrise, which
brings down the Curtain on Act One. Lola (mezzo) has a great point number, Madame Louise, Gonzales (tenor) shares the duet, Never Say Goodbye,
Ramon (baritone) has two brilliant songs, Music at Midnight and Serenade for Sale, and Carmelita (coloratura) has the Carnival
Song. It is a fine singing show in which the chorus are well featured.
Staging is not particularly difficult, nor is the costuming. There is
a Ballet and much other dancing calling for an experienced choreographer. |
