A TAMS-WITMARK TITLE
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.
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Cast Size
10w, 3m -
Duration
More than 120 minutes (2 hours) -
Subgenre
Adaptation (Literature), Period -
Target Audience
Appropriate for All Audiences
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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.
Cast Attributes
Keywords
Performing Groups
- Time Period 15th Century
- SettingVarious 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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