AN R&H THEATRICALS TITLE
Babes in Arms (Oppenheimer Version)
Full-Length Musical, Comedy / 3w, 12m
Music by Richard Rodgers
Lyrics by Lorenz Hart
Book by George Oppenheimer
Based on the original by Rodgers & Hart
Image: 2007 Chichester Festival Theatre Production (Tristram Kenton)
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Cast Size
3w, 12m -
Duration
120 minutes (2 hours) -
Subgenre
Romantic Comedy -
Target Audience
Appropriate for All Audiences
Details
Summary
This version is the 1959 adaptation by George Oppenheimer. The 1978 John Guare adaptation is also available.
History
Babes in Arms opened on Broadway at the Shubert Theatre on April 14, 1937, starring Ray Heatherton, Wynn Murray, Alfred Drake, Mitzi Green and the Nicholas Brothers. The show later transferrred to the Majestic Theatre, playing a total of 289 performances.
In 1959, under the supervision of Richard Rodgers, George Oppenheimer revised the script for a production mounted at the Royal Poinciana Playhouse in Palm Beach, starring Julie Wilson. That revision became the officially licensed script, presented across the country and through the decades with success at such prestigious venues as the Goodspeed Opera House (featuring Andrea McArdle) in 1979, as well as countless high schools, colleges and community/summer stock theatres.
Cast Attributes
- Time Period 1950s
- Setting
The Surf and Sand Playhouse. Summer 1959.
- Features Period Costumes
- Duration 120 minutes (2 hours)
Media
“Babes in Arms is almost too enjoyable for a theatergoer's good!” – Ben Brantley, The New York Times
“The show is charming, the numbers sizzle, what more can you ask?” – The Cincinnati Enquirer
“A score that is altogether superb... fresh, youthful, and utterly captivating.” – The New York Times
“Pace, humor and presence that belies its age... there hasn't been a musical written in this decade with anywhere near as many first class numbers.” – The Day
“It is cheering to rediscover the authentic joys of this 1937 Rodgers and Hart musical. An exhilarating hymn to youth... Hart's acerbic wit perfectly counterpoints Rodgers' innate romanticism, and his lyrics are a triumph of ingenious wordplay.” – Michael Billington, The Guardian
“A pleasant outing featuring one of Broadway's most memorable scores.” – Jonas Schwartz, Theatermania
Videos
"Where Or When" - Brian d'Arcy James, Susan Egan
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"I Wish I Were In Love Again" - Audra McDonald
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"My Funny Valentine" - Jane Krakowski
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"Johnny One Note" - Judy Garland
Photos
Image: 2007 Chichester Festival Theatre Production (Tristram Kenton)
Music
Music Samples
- Musical Style Classic Broadway, Jazz
- Dance Requirements Moderate
- Vocal DemandsModerate
- Orchestra Size Large
- Chorus Size Medium
Licensing & Materials
- Licensing fees and rental materials quoted upon application.
Music Rentals
Add-Ons
Authors
Richard Rodgers
Richard Rodgers' contribution to the musical theatre of his day was extraordinary, and his influence on the musical theatre of today and tomorrow is legendary. His career spanned more than six decades, his hits ranging from the silver screens of Hollywood to the bright light ...
Lorenz Hart
Lorenz Hart was born in New York City on May 2, 1895, the oldest of two sons of Frieda and Max Hart. Hart graduated from Columbia Grammar School and attended the Columbia School of Journalism. In the late teens a mutual friend introduced Hart to composer Richard Rodgers. Rodg ...
George Oppenheimer
George Oppenheimer (1900-1981) was a drama critic for Newsday for twenty years, but also contributed to publishing, entertainment and gossip columns. He was co-founder of Viking Press, an MGM screenwriter, a playwright and author of several books.
Oppenheimer joined Newsday in ...
