A CONCORD THEATRICALS TITLE
On the Twentieth Century
Full-Length Musical, Comedy / 5w, 12m plus ensemble
Book and Lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green
Music by Cy Coleman
Based on a play by Ben Hecht and Charles McArthur and also a play by Bruce Milholland
In this classic screwball comedy down on his luck theatre impresario Oscar Jaffee must convince his former flame Lily Garland to star in his latest production before the 20th Century Ltd. reaches New York City!
Image: 2015 Roundabout Theatre Company Production (Joan Marcus)
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Cast Size
5w, 12m plus ensemble -
Duration
120 minutes (2 hours) -
Suggested Use
- Competition or Audition Material
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Target Audience
Adult
Accolades
Winner! 1978 Tony Award, Best Book of a Musical
Winner! 1978 Tony Award, Best Original Score
Winner! 1978 Drama Desk Award, Outstanding Music
Details
Summary
Whether performed with elaborate scenery or on a simple scale, this brilliantly comic musical appeals to audiences everywhere. As in the classic original, the story concerns the efforts of a flamboyant theatrical impresario Oscar Jaffe to persuade glamorous film star (and former amour) Lily Garland to appear in his next production while outwitting rival producers, creditors and religious nut Letittia Primrose. And all this before the 20th Century Ltd. reaches NYC!
History
Cast Attributes
Performing Groups
- Time Period 1930s
- Setting
Mainly on the Twentieth Century Limited from Chicago to New York. The early 1930s.
- Features Period Costumes
- Duration 120 minutes (2 hours)
- Cautions
- Mild Adult Themes
Media
"Spectacular, funny and elegant...civilized wit and wild humor." - The New York Times
"A perfect musical...A gorgeous show!" - New York Post
"A rare delight: a musical that tells a story and does so with delicious wit. A hilarious American sequel to My Fair Lady." - Hartford Courant
Videos
On the Twentieth Century montage
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On the Twentieth Century 2015 Tony Awards
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On the Twentieth Century
Music
Music Samples
- Musical Style Classic Broadway
- Vocal DemandsModerate
- Orchestra Size Medium
- Chorus Size Small
Licensing & Materials
- Licensing fees and rental materials quoted upon application.
Music Rentals
Scripts
Available Formats:
Authors
Cy Coleman
Cy Coleman (1929–2004) was born Seymour Kaufman in New York City to Eastern European Jewish parents, and was raised in the Bronx. A child prodigy, Coleman gave piano recitals at Steinway Hall, Town Hall and Carnegie Hall between the ages of six and nine. His educational backg ...
Adolph Green
Adolph Green (1914-2002) was an award-winning screenwriter, librettist and lyricist, co-writing with his longtime creative partner, Betty Comden. Comden and Green had a groundbreaking partnership of over 60 years, winning Tony Awards for their lyrics and/or librettos for Appl ...
Betty Comden
Betty Comden (1917-2006) was an award-winning screenwriter, librettist and lyricist, co-writing with her longtime creative partner, Adolph Green. Comden and Green had a groundbreaking partnership of over 60 years, winning Tony Awards for their lyrics and/or librettos for Appl ...