Lyrics by Joe DarionMusic by Manos HadjidakisBook and Original Direction by Jules DassinBased on the film Never on Sunday
Based on Jules Dassin’s 1960 film comedy Never on Sunday, Illya Darling explores the relationship between Illya, a prostitute in a port town near Athens, and Homer Thrace, an American pursuing the glories of ancient Greece.Illya, a carefree prostitute, plies her trade in the port town of Piraeus, outside Athens. With no set rates, no pimp, and an inclination to sleep only with men she likes, she differs dramatically from her peers. Their pimp, Garbage, works for the mysterious No Face, who charges the girls exorbitant rents. Into Illya's life comes Homer Thrace, a priggish American in search of the glories of Ancient Greece. Attracted by Illya's physical charms, Homer decides to teach her about the classics and to help her become a cultured lady, while she in turn introduces him to sensual pleasures. Homer's lesson plan is to separate her from her friends and the virile Tonio. Neither ends up happier.
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Joe Darion (1917-2001) worked in every field in which words are put to music, from popular songs to works for the concert stage. His opera based on Don Marquis' immortal characters Archy and Mehitabel was turned into the Broadway musical Shinbone Alley, for which Mr. Darion s ...
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