The Red Mill

A Musical Play

Book and Lyrics by Henry Blossom

"The Red Mill" was a major hit in its time, running for over 274 performances on Broadway, a significant achievement for that era. Composed by Victor Herbert with a libretto by Henry Blossom, “The Red Mill” stands out as one of the most successful and enduring works of the early 20th century, helping to solidify Herbert's reputation as one of the foremost composers of his time.

The story of "The Red Mill" is set in a picturesque Dutch village and follows the comedic misadventures of two American tourists. Stranded in the village due to their inability to pay their hotel bill, they become entangled in a series of farcical situations involving a haunted windmill, mistaken identities, and a romantic subplot that centers around a young woman and her forbidden love for a local hero.

Victor Herbert's score for "The Red Mill" is filled with memorable tunes, many of which became popular outside of the theatre. The libretto by Henry Blossom complements Herbert’s music by providing a witty and engaging narrative. Blossom, who collaborated with Herbert on several other projects, had a knack for creating charming, if somewhat conventional, stories that resonated with the audiences of the day. "The Red Mill" is a prime example of their successful partnership.

The success of "The Red Mill" and other works by Herbert and Blossom contributed to the gradual shift in American musical theatre from the European operetta style to a more distinctly American form of entertainment. This evolution would eventually lead to the Golden Age of Broadway, where the seeds planted by early works like "The Red Mill" would blossom into full-fledged American musicals.

ISBN  979-8342007979 

$12.95

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