Twentieth Century [Paperback]

Ken Ludwig (Adapter), Charles MacArthur (Author), Ben Hecht (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 19, 2010

Musical comedy

Book and Lyrics by Adolph Green and Betty Comden

Music by Cy Coleman

Based on a play by Ben Hecht and Charles McArthur and also a play by Bruce Milholland

Characters: 17 Principal roles, plus chorus (doubling possible)

Whether performed with elaborate scenery or on a simple scale, this brilliantly comic musical appeals to audiences everywhere. As in the classic original, the story concerns the efforts of a flamboyant theatrical impresario Oscar Jaffe to persuade glamorous film star (and former amour) Lily Garland to appear in his next production while outwitting rival producers, creditors and religious nut Letitcia Primrose. And all this before the 20th Century Ltd. reaches NYC!

"Spectacular, funny and elegant...civilized wit and wild humor."-The New York Times

"A perfect musical...A gorgeous show!"-New York Post

"A rare delight: a musical that tells a story and does so with delicious wit. A hilarious American sequel to My Fair Lady."-Hartford Courant

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

This recording of LA Theatre Works' 2004 production of the 1932 screwball comedy recreates the theatergoing experience with sound effects and a tittering and applauding audience. But the atmosphere doesn't remedy the one-dimensional characters or corny dialogue. On the Twentieth Century Limited from Chicago to New York, egomaniacal producer Oscar Jaffe (Jeff Perry) lures his one-time star and lover Lily Garland (played by Nancy Bell) back to play Mary Magdalene in a play he has decided to mount after a bible-thumping passenger (a very amusing Brent Hinkley) offers to finance the production, providing he gets to star as Christ. From long experience, Lily can't believe Jaffe has backing: "I swear on my mother's grave!" he shouts. "Your mother isn't dead," says Lily. "That's not the point!" shouts Jaffe. While Perry's shouting becomes tedious, Harris plays his assistant with a low-toned sarcasm that creates a good comic character. For fans of screwball period comedies, this release is an essential audio as an example of its period and genre. But, some slapstick visuals might make it better seen than heard.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 120 pages
• Publisher: Samuel French, Inc. (November 19, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0573602999
• ISBN-13: 978-0573602993
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 4.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #941,809 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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