 PRIVATES ON PARADE
Music by Dennis King; Lyrics by Peter Nichol. : Based on the comedy Privates on Parade by Peter Nichol
Aldwych Theatre, London - 17 February, 1977
Synopsis
Private Steven Flowers is newly posted to S.A.D.U.S.E.A.
and meets Acting Captain Terri Dennis, a professional who has escaped
the rigours of England in 1948 to tour the Far East with a troupe
of squaddies in a show called "Jungle Jamboree". Steve watches them rehearse their
opening numuber SADUSEA which explains the initials. He is at once promoted
to unpaid Sergeant and meets other members of the mess, with one of whom
he shares dreams of Hollywood "glamour girls". Topping them all is 'Marlene
Dietrich', played in drag by Captain Dennis, who sings a short lament
for the old Berlin of "The Blue Angel".
Steve writes home to his girl-friend Heather; Captain
Dennis, this time dragged up as The Forces' Sweetheart, replies in a haunting
ballad The Little Things We Used To Do.
The members of SADUSEA sing the praises of Sylvia, the
only girl in the troupe, an Eurasian dancer. Their catalogue of her other
talents is set to the melody of Greensleeves. Steve puts these
claims to the test and falls in love with her. He proposes marriage and
she accepts Astaire-Rogers style in Better Far Than Sitting This Life
Out.
The murder of SADUSEA's Sergeant-Major prompts a funeral
oration and a hymn from the Missionary Commanding Officer, Major Flack.
Terri Dennis echoes the patriotism of Noel Coward
when he asks The Brains Trust "Could You Please Inform Us who
it was that won the War?"
Steve, newly promoted Sergeant-Major, leads the company
into their battle-song Privates On Parade, and Major Flack prepares
them for a tough assignment up-country. One of the items from their touring
show is The Latin American Way sung by Terri Dennis as Carmen Miranda.
He tries to recite Kipling but finally introduces two of the troupe's
male lovers, who look forward to a life of bliss in Sunnyside Lane.
After many misadventures most of the troupe assemble
at the docks in Singapore and prepare to embark for home-sweet-home. |
