Top Banana

A Musical Comedy in Two Acts, 15 Scenes. Book by Hy Kraft. Music and lyrics by Johnny Mercer.

Winter Garden Theatre, New York - 1 November, 1951 (350 perfs)

Synopsis

The noisy, imperial Biffle is told by his sponsors to establish a love interest on his television programme. He hires Sally Peters and before long a real love affair develops between her and Cliff Lane. Biffle also falls in love with Sally, but when he realises where her heart lies he helps her with uncharacteristic selflessness to get her man.

CAST (in order of appearance):

Models: Sales Girls: Customers: Dancers: Singers:

Musical Numbers

ACT 1

1. The Man of the Year This Week - Ensemble
2. You're So Beautiful That — Cliff
3. Top Banana - Jerry Biffle, Vic Davis, Cliff, Pinky, Moe
4. Elevator Song - Ensemble
5. Hail to MacCracken's - Ensemble
6. Only If You're in Love - Cliff, Sally Peters
7. My Home Is in My Shoes - Tommy, Ensemble
8. I Fought Every Step of the Way' - Betty Dillon
9. O.K. for TV - Jerry Biffle, Vic Davis, Sally Peters, Pinky, Moe, Danny, Russ Wiswell
10. Slogan Song - Jerry Biffle, Betty Dillon, Vic Davis, Sally Peters, Cliff, Tommy, Pinky, Moe, Danny, Russ Wiswell, Mr. Parker
11. Meet Miss Blendo - Entire Company

ACT 2

12. Sans Souci - Betty Dillon, Dancers, Ensemble
13. A Dog Is a Man's Best Friend - Jerry Biffle, Morgan, the Grenadiers
14. That's For Sure' - Cliff, Sally Peters, Ensemble
15. A Word Is Day - Jerry Biffle, Betty Dillon
16. Top Banana Ballet - Jerry Biffle, Ensemble
17. Finale - Entire Company

Scenes and Settings

Act 1

Scene 1: TV Studio.
Scene 2: Dressing Room, early next morning.
Scene 3: The Gown Shop, MacCracken's Store.
Scene 4: In Front of Elevator.
Scene 5: The Book Department.
Scene 6: Interior of Elevator.
Scene 7: The Fitting Room.
Scene 8: TV Studio.

Act 2

Scene 1: TV Studio.
Scene 2: 40 W. 82nd Street.
Scene 3: Vignettes.
Scene 4: Dressing Room.
Scene 5: Top Banana.
Scene 6: Dressing Room.
Scene 7: TV Studio.