Funny Face (musical)

Funny Face is a 1927 musical composed by George Gershwin, with lyrics by Ira Gershwin, and book by Fred Thompson and Paul Gerard Smith.

Originally called Smarty, it opened in Philadelphia to poor reviews, and Robert Benchley, who had contributed to the script walked out. After a rewrite, it opened in New York, where it was a major hit. It later transferred to London.

Original Broadway production

The show opened at the Alvin Theatre on November 22, 1927, and ran for 244 performances. It was directed by Edgar MacGregor, with choreography by Bobby Connolly.

Cast

• Fred Astaire as Jimmy Reeve
• Adele Astaire as Frankie Wynn
• William Kent as Dugsie Gibbs
• Victor Moore as Herbert
• Allen Kearns as Peter Thurston
• Gertrude McDonald as June
• Betty Compton as Dora
• Earl Hampton as Chester

1957 film

Starring Fred Astaire and Audrey Hepburn, the movie "Funny Face" featured just four songs from the stage production, and the plot was radically different.

Songs

Act 1

• Birthday Party - Dora, June and Guests
• Once - Dugsie Gibbs, Dora and Ensemble
• Funny Face - Frankie and Jimmy Reeve
• High Hat - Jimmy Reeve and Boys
• 'S Wonderful - Frankie and Peter Thurston
• Let's Kiss and Make Up - Frankie, Jimmy Reeve and Ensemble
• Come Along, Let's Gamble - Entire Company

Act 2

• In the Swim - Girls
• He Loves and She Loves - Frankie and Peter Thurston
• Tell the Doc - Dugsie Gibbs and Girls
• My One and Only (What I Am Gonna Do?) - Jimmy Reeve, June, Dora and Girls
• Sing a Little Song - Pianists, Ritz Quartette, and Boys
• My One and Only (What Am I Going to Do?) (Reprise) - Dora, June and Chorus
• The Babbitt and the Bromide - Frankie and Jimmy Reeve

References

External links

• Review of a 2000 revival