Good Morning, Dearie

The 1921 Musical Comedy

Book and Lyrics by Anne Caldwell

The 1921 musical comedy Good Morning, Dearie, with book and lyrics by Anne Caldwell and music by Jerome Kern, exemplifies the vibrant, playful energy of American musical theater during the Jazz Age. Premiering at the Globe Theatre on Broadway, the show was a lively addition to Kern’s expanding influence on the American stage and Caldwell's reputation as a pioneering female librettist and lyricist. 

Good Morning, Dearie follows the humorous escapades of several characters embroiled in romantic misunderstandings and class-based dilemmas. The plot centers on Joe and Susie, who work in a high-end hotel but are mistaken for wealthy guests. Through a series of comic interactions with hotel patrons and the flirtations and rivalries that ensue, the story touches on themes of ambition, mistaken identity, and social aspiration, offering a lighthearted commentary on social mobility.

Caldwell’s witty lyrics contributed to the show’s lively feel, capturing the essence of the Roaring Twenties with its growing emphasis on personal independence and a break from traditional values. Jerome Kern’s score, meanwhile, provided a catchy and sophisticated musical landscape that supported Caldwell’s lyrics with elegance and rhythm. While none of the songs from Good Morning, Dearie became enduring standards, the score was well-regarded for its clever orchestration and melodic charm, typical of Kern's early work.

The show enjoyed moderate success on Broadway, running for several months and receiving positive reviews for its humor, music, and performances. Although Good Morning, Dearie might not be as widely remembered today, it represents a key piece in the evolution of musical theater, showcasing Caldwell's contributions to a field that was predominantly male dominated.

ISBN  979-8346933625 

$12.95

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