Chu Chin Chow

The 1916 Musical Comedy

Book and Lyrics by Oscar Asch

“Chu Chin Chow” premiered at London’s His Majesty's Theatre in 1916, and quickly became one of the most iconic British musical comedies of the early 20th century. Written, produced, and directed by Asche, with music composed by Frederic Norton, the show enjoyed an unprecedented success, running for a record-breaking 2,238 performances until 1921. Its success was remarkable, particularly considering that the production premiered during World War I, a time when many theater companies faced financial struggles and societal pressures. 

Set in the lavish and exotic world of medieval Baghdad, "Chu Chin Chow" is a retelling of the “Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves” story. Asche, known for his flair for spectacle, combined opulence and spectacle with a highly commercialized approach to theater, capturing the imagination of a war-weary public. The plot centers around the wealthy merchant Kasim Baba, his brother Ali Baba, and the nefarious bandit leader, Abu Hassan, who assumes the identity of the titular character, Chu Chin Chow, in order to infiltrate Kasim’s household.

The production was a visual and aural feast, featuring elaborate costumes, grandiose sets, and lavish special effects that conjured the mystique of the East for Western audiences. This extravagant staging became a hallmark of the show, appealing to those seeking escapism during the dark days of World War I. 

The musical played an important role in the development of British musical theater. Its lengthy run set a new standard for commercial success in the West End, influencing the future of musical comedies with its fusion of spectacle, popular appeal, and exotic themes. It also helped pave the way for later, large-scale musical productions, establishing a precedent for the importance of spectacle and set design in the genre.

ISBN  978-1523225491

$14.95

Buy from Amazon