On the Twentieth Century

A CONCORD THEATRICALS TITLE

On the Twentieth Century

Full-Length Musical, Comedy  /  5f, 12m

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

Image: 2015 Roundabout Theatre Company Production (Joan Marcus)

On the Twentieth Century

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  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    5f, 12m
  • Duration
    Duration
    120 minutes (2 hours)
  • Suggested Use
    • Competition or Audition Material
  • Audience
    Target Audience
    Adult
Accolades
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
On the Twentieth Century was first presented on Broadway by The Producers Circle 2, Inc., Robert Fryer, Mary Lea Johnson, James Cresson, and Martin Richards at the St. James Theatre in New York City on February 19, 1978. It was directed by Harold Prince.
Cast Attributes
Keywords
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 2015 Tony Awards youtube thumbnail

    On the Twentieth Century 2015 Tony Awards

  • On the Twentieth Century montage youtube thumbnail

    On the Twentieth Century montage

  • On the Twentieth Century youtube thumbnail

    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

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Authors

Cy Coleman

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 ...

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Adolph Green

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 ...

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Betty Comden

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 ...

View full profile

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