On the Twentieth Century

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Original poster artwork

On the Twentieth Century is an award-winning musical with book and lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green and music by Cy Coleman.

Based on the 1934 Howard Hawks's film, Twentieth Century, the original 1932 play by Ben Hecht and Charles MacArthur, and its inspiration, Charles Bruce Millholland's play Napoleon of Broadway, about his experiences working for theater producer David Belasco, it focuses on egomaniacal producer Oscar Jaffee and his volatile personal and professional relationship with egotistical film actress Lily Garland (nee Mildred Plotka). On the skids after four flops in a row, his theater being foreclosed, Jaffee books a suite on the luxury train the Twentieth Century Limited, heading from Chicago to New York City with Garland and her new beau, narcissistic matinee heartthrob Bruce Granit, on board, in the hope he can lure her back to the stage and salvage his sinking career. Garland, who abhors her former Svengali-like mentor, is just as determined to escape his charm, and a battle of wits begins. Religious fanatic Letitia Primrose adds to the shenanigans as she implores one and all to "repent."

Comden and Green's witty lyrics are a perfect match for Coleman's music, which often implies the movement of a train with his rhythms and instrumentation. At times it echoes the chase music that used to accompany Mack Sennett's silent comedies, and traces of operatic Kurt Weill and romantic Jacques Brel can be heard as well.

Part operetta, part farce, part screwball comedy, the production - under the direction of Hal Prince - opened on February 19, 1978 at the St. James Theatre, where it ran for 449 performances. The opening night cast included John Cullum, Madeline Kahn, Imogene Coca, and Kevin Kline.

Very early in the run, Kahn departed the show, ostensibly due to illness, although widespread unsubstantiated rumors at the time suggested a cocaine addiction and ongoing battles with Prince were affecting her performance. She was replaced by understudy Judy Kaye, who had been playing a small supporting role, and the critics were invited to return. They praised her performance, and Kaye's theatrical career took off. She later starred in the US tour opposite Rock Hudson.

A London production starring Keith Michell, Julia McKenzie, and Dora Bryan enjoyed a successful run at Her Majesty's Theatre, Haymarket.