Irene

The Original 1919 Musical Comedy

Book by James Montgomery

Lyrics by Joseph McCarthy

The original 1919 musical comedy Irene holds a special place in Broadway history as one of the longest-running musicals of its era. Its premiere marked the beginning of a remarkable journey, setting a record for the longest-running Broadway musical at the time and establishing itself as a beloved classic in American musical theater.

The musical tells the story of a young woman, Irene O'Dare, a poor Irish immigrant who works in a modest dress shop in New York City. Through a series of comical and heartwarming events, she catches the eye of a wealthy and charming Long Island society man, Donald Marshall. The plot revolves around the budding romance between Irene and Donald as Irene navigates the challenging world of high society, often blending her humble beginnings with her dreams of a more glamorous life. The narrative follows the Cinderella trope, where the spirited yet modest girl finds her way to happiness and love amid misunderstandings, class distinctions, and moments of self-discovery.

What set Irene apart from other musicals of the time was its balance between humor, charm, and sentimentality. Its memorable score, including hit songs like "Alice Blue Gown" (which references the fashionable attire popularized by Alice Roosevelt Longworth), enchanted audiences and helped the show transcend its plot, making it a staple of the musical comedy genre. 

The original production of Irene, produced by Carle Carlton, opened on Broadway at the Vanderbilt Theatre on November 18, 1919, and enjoyed a record-breaking run of 675 performances—an extraordinary achievement for its time. This success led to multiple revivals and adaptations, including a 1926 film version and a 1973 Broadway revival with a new book.

Irene remains an essential part of American musical theater history, not only for its contribution to the genre but also for its reflection of early 20th-century American values. Its endearing characters, tuneful score, and heartwarming narrative have cemented Irene as a classic, celebrated by audiences and musical enthusiasts as a delightful blend of comedy, romance, and nostalgia.

ISBN  979-8300597498 

$12.95

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