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The Vagabond King (1948)

Full-Length Musical, Melodrama  /  10w, 3m

Book and Lyrics by Brian Hooker, Russell Janney and W.H. Post
Music by Rudolph Friml
Based on If I Were King by Justin Huntly McCarthy

This 1948 update of the swashbuckling operetta is based on Justin Huntly McCarthy’s 1901 romantic novel and play If I Were King, about the 15th-century poet and thief François Villon.

The Vagabond King (1948)

  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    10w, 3m
  • Duration
    Duration
    More than 120 minutes (2 hours)
  • SubGenre
    Subgenre
    Adaptation (Literature), Period
  • Audience
    Target Audience
    Appropriate for All Audiences
The Vagabond King (1948)

Details

Summary
The Vagabond King is an operetta in four acts based on Justin Huntly McCarthy’s 1901 romantic novel and play If I Were King. The story paints an episode in the life of 15th-century poet and thief François Villon, centering on his wooing of Katherine De Vaucelles (the cousin of King Louis XI), and relating how he becomes “king for a day” and defends France against the invading forces of the Duke of Burgundy.
History
The Vagabond King premiered on Broadway at the Casino Theatre on 21 September 1925, starring Dennis King in the title role and Carolyn Thomson as Katherine de Vaucelles. The operetta later transferred to the Century Theatre, playing a total of 511 performances. This adaptation of the operetta premiered on Broadway on 29 June 1943. Directed by George Ermoloff, the 1943 production featured John Brownlee and Frances McCann.
Keywords
  • Time Period 15th Century
  • Setting
    Various locations in Paris. 1460s.
  • Features Period Costumes
  • Additional Features Stage Combat
  • Duration More than 120 minutes (2 hours)

Music

Music Samples

  • Musical Style Operetta
  • Dance Requirements Moderate
  • Vocal DemandsDifficult
  • Orchestra Size Medium
  • Chorus Size Large

Licensing & Materials

  • Licensing fees and rental materials quoted upon application.

Music Rentals

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Authors

Brian Hooker

Brian Hooker

Brian Hooker (1880-1946) was an American poet, lyricist, librettist and translator. Born in New York City in 1880 to a prominent Connecticut family, Hooker attended Yale College and was published in The Century Magazine, The Forum, Hampton’s Magazine, Harper’s, McClure’s, Sma ...
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Russell Janney

Russell Janney

Russell Janney (1884-1963) was a producer and author, best known for his first novel The Miracle of the Bells. He also produced and co-authored the 1925 musical The Vagabond King, with Brian Hooker and composer Rudolf Friml. Other productions include Marjolaine (1922) based o ...
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W.H. Post

W.H. Post

William H. Post (1867-1930) was born in New York City on July 8, 1867. He was a writer and actor, best known for his work on Never Say Die (1912) and the operetta The Vagabond King (1930). Other credits include The Belle of Broadway (1902), Marjolaine (1922) and White Eagle ( ...
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Author

Rudolf Friml

Justin Huntly McCarthy

Justin Huntly McCarthy

Justin Huntly McCarthy (1859-1936) was an Irish author and a nationalist politician. A Member of Parliament (MP) from 1884 to 1892, McCarthy also wrote various novels, translations, plays, poetical pieces, biographies and short histories. His play If I Were King was named the ...
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