The Night Boat

A Musical Comedy

Book and Lyrics by Anne Caldwell

The Night Boat is a lively musical comedy that premiered on Broadway in 1920, with book and lyrics by Anne Caldwell and music by Jerome Kern. This production, a prime example of early 20th-century American musical theater, encapsulates the humor, romance, and light-hearted spirit typical of the era’s theatrical offerings. Caldwell, one of the few prominent female lyricists and librettists in a male-dominated industry, collaborated with Kern to create a witty, charming show that became a hit with audiences of its time.

The musical’s title refers to a steamboat that traveled nightly between New York City and Albany. This journey becomes the backdrop for a tale of romantic misunderstandings and zany antics. The story follows the complications between couples who, in a bid to evade each other, all end up on the same boat—leading to a series of humorous entanglements. Caldwell’s book and lyrics shine with wit and sharp humor, providing a satirical look at love and relationships while entertaining audiences with clever dialogue and spirited songs.

Anne Caldwell’s contributions as both a lyricist and librettist were significant at a time when few women held such roles in musical theater. Her work on The Night Boat helped set the standard for the lively, character-driven musical comedies that would dominate Broadway for years to come. The show’s music by Jerome Kern further enhanced its appeal, with catchy, memorable tunes that brought vibrancy to Caldwell’s lyrics. The Night Boat exemplifies how Caldwell and Kern, with their collaborative chemistry, contributed to shaping the American musical comedy landscape, blending light-hearted narratives with engaging melodies to captivate early 20th-century audiences.

ISBN   ‎978-1515202950 

$14.95

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