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Illya Darling

Full-Length Musical, Dramatic Comedy  /  2w, 3m

Lyrics by Joe Darion
Music by Manos Hadjidakis
Book and Original Direction by Jules Dassin
Based 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 Darling

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  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    2w, 3m
  • Duration
    Duration
    More than 120 minutes (2 hours)
  • SubGenre
    Subgenre
    Romantic Comedy
  • Audience
    Target Audience
    Adult, Senior, Teen (Age 14-18)
Accolades
Accolades
  • Nominee: Six 1968 Tony Awards, including Best Musical
Illya Darling

Details

Summary
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.
History
Illya Darling opened on Broadway at the Mark Hellinger Theatre on 11 April 1967, starring Melina Mercouri and Orson Bean. The production ran for 320 performances.
Keywords
Performing Groups

Principals
(2 female; 3 male)

Illya
Despo

Homer Thrace
Tonio
Yorgo

Supporting

Costa
Garbage
No Face
Vassily
Voula
Kiki
Cassandra

Others

Workman
Captain
Waiter
Musician
Little Man
Forward Sailor
Timid Sailor
Playgoer
Drama Critic
Wife
The Other Girl
Bodyguards

  • Time Period 1960s
  • Setting The Port of Piraeus in Greece. 1967.
  • Features Period Costumes
  • Duration More than 120 minutes (2 hours)
  • Cautions
    • Mild Adult Themes

Music

Act I

1. Overture – Orchestra
2. Po Po Po (Part I) – Orchestra
2a. Po Po Po (Part II) – Orchestra
2b. “Po Po Po” (Part III) – Homer & Tonio
3. Taverna Dance – Orchestra
4. Taverna Playoff – Orchestra
5. Yorgo’s Dance – Orchestra
6. “Piraeus My Love” – Illya
6a. Hasapikus – Orchestra
6b. "Piraeus My Love" Tag – Illya
6c. Piraeus Playoff – Orchestra
7. “Golden Land” – Homer & Chorus
8. Yorgo’s Dance – Orchestra
9. Despo Crossover – Orchestra
10. “I Think She Needs Me” – Homer
11. “Take a Little Drink Of Ouzo” – Yorgo & Men
12. Bread & Love/Never On Love Incidental – Orchestra
13. “I’ll Never Lay Down Anymore” – Despo
14. “Birthday Song” – Men
15. Piraeus Utility – Orchestra
16. “Medea Tango” – Illya & Men
17. Medea Playoff – Orchestra
18. Piraeus Utility – Men
19. “Illya Darling” (Part I) – Yorgo & Men
19a. “Illya Darling” (Part II) – Chorus
19b. “Illya Darling” (Part III) – Chorus
20. Reprise: “Po Po Po” – Chorus
21. Underscore After Love – Orchestra
22. She Needs Me – Orchestra

Act II

23. Entr’acte – Orchestra
24. “Dear Mr. Schubert” – Illya
25. Schubert Underscore – Orchestra
26. “Smash Up” – Illya & Homer
27. “Never On Sunday No. 2” – Illya & Chorus
28. Reprise: “Piraeus My Love” – Illya
29. Fleet’s In Crossover – Orchestra
30. Scale – Orchestra
31. Reprise: “Medea” – Tonio
32. “Heaven Help The Sailors On A Night Like This” – Chorus
32a. “Heaven Help The Sailors On A Night Like This” (Part II & III) – Men
33. Reprise: “I’ll Never Lay Down Anymore” – Girls
34. “Putana’s Crossover” – Chorus
35. Taverna Finale – Orchestra
36. "Ya Chara – Bye Bye Bye” – Full Company
37. Bows – Illya & Full Company
38. Exit Music – Orchestra

  • Musical Style Classic Broadway
  • Dance Requirements Moderate
  • Vocal DemandsDifficult
  • Orchestra Size Large
  • Chorus Size Large

Licensing & Materials

  • Licensing fees and rental materials quoted upon application.

Music Rentals

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32   Libretto-Vocal Book
1   Piano-Conductor (rehearsal & stick conductor)

1   Reed 1 – Piccolo Flute, Flute, Alto Flute (or “C” Flute), Clarinet & Alto Saxophone
1   Reed 2 – Flute, Clarinet & Tenor Saxophone (and optional Oboe & English Horn)
1   Reed 3 – Clarinet, Bass Clarinet & Baritone Saxophone (and optional Flute & Bassoon)
2   Horn 1&2
2   Trumpet 1&2
1   Trombone
2   Percussion 1&2 – Timpani (2), Bass Drum, Snare (Brushes & Sticks), Tom Tom, Bongos, Cymbals (Sus.), Vibraphone, Bells, Xylophone, Metallophone, Chimes, Siren, Slide Whistle, Hi-Hat, Hand Cymbals (2 sets), Finger Cymbals (C-F-G), Temple Blocks (4), Triangle, Anvil, Bosun’s Whistle, Ratchet, Wood Block, Cow Bell, Castanets, Bell Tree
1   Harp
1   Guitar – w/ Banjo cues
2   Mandolin 1&2 – dbl. Banjo
2   Bouzouki 1&2
1   Piano & Organ – Piano, Harpsichord & Cordovox
3   Violins
2   Cello
1   Bass
32   Libretto-Vocal Book
1   Piano-Conductor (rehearsal & performance)
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Authors

Author

Jules Dassin

Author

Manos Hadjidakis

Joe Darion

Joe Darion

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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