The Maid of the Mountains

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The Maid of the Mountains is a light opera or musical play in three acts, which opened at Daly's Theatre in London on February 10, 1917. The lyrics were by Harry Graham, music by Harold Fraser-Simson, with additional music by James W. Tate and additional lyrics by Frank Clifford Harris and Valentine. The book was written by Frederick Lonsdale, best known for his later society comedies such as On Approval.

Produced by Robert Evett and directed by Oscar Asche (who had directed Chu Chin Chow), The Maid of the Mountains ran for 1,352 performances in its initial London run – closing mainly because of the nervous exhaustion of its female lead, José Collins. This run saved the George Edwardes estate, then being managed by Evett, from bankruptcy.

The original New York production (1918) did not catch on, only running for 37 performances. However, Asche also directed the first Australian production for J. C. Williamson in Australia in 1923. It became as successful as the London production with soprano Gladys Moncrieff becoming famous as Teresa.

The show has had major London revivals in 1921, 1930, 1942 and 1972 in an Emile Littler production at the Palace Theatre in the West End, as well as other professional and amateur productions elsewhere.

Contents

[edit] Background

The Maid of the Mountains was one of the three most important musical hits of the London stage during World War I (the other two being a revue entitled The Bing Boys Are Here and Chu Chin Chow, a mixture of comic opera and pantomime); music or scenes from all of these have been included as background in many films set in this period, and they remain intensely evocative of the "Great War" years. Other hit shows of the period were Theodore & Co (1816) and Yes, Uncle! (1917). Audiences wanted light and uplifting entertainment during the war, and these shows delivered it.

Some of the most popular songs were: "Love Will find a Way", "A Bachelor Gay", "A Paradise for Two", "My life is Love", and "Live for Today".

The "romantic" ending, with Teresa finally united to Baldassaré, was personally insisted on by José Collins - in the play as originally written she ended up with the faithful but less colourful character of Beppo. Beppo and Teresa's duets none the less remain, and Baldassaré's remains a non-singing part.

[edit] Synopsis

The Maid of the Mountains is an escapist story set in a bandit camp, high up in the mountains. The bandit maid Teresa loves the bandit chief, Baldassaré, who is feared by the whole country. Baldassaré's men are unhappy because of the decision of Baldassaré to disband, and they ask Teresa to dissuade him. Baldassaré gives Teresa and the others their shares of the spoils of many raids. He tells her that she must leave at once, because their hiding place is surrounded. She pleads to be allowed to stay, but goes sadly. The local Governor, General Malona, captures Teresa and brings her to the Palace of Santo. He wishes to capture the rebel band before the impending end of his term of office. He promises Teresa her freedom if Baldassaré is captured. Teresa refuses, as "there is honour among thieves."

Meanwhile, Baldassaré and some of his band have seized the new Governor, Count Orsino. Donning the uniforms of the captives, the brigands proceed to Santo to rescue Teresa. Baldassaré meets and falls in love with Angela, the daughter of the retiring Governor, and becomes heedless of his danger in remaining in the town. He pretends to be the new governor. Beppo, one of the brigands who has always been in love with Teresa, asks her to persuade Baldassaré to leave the capital lest they all be discovered. Teresa, mad with jealousy because of Baldassaré's love for Angela, exposes new "governor" as Baldassaré, and he and his companions are arrested and sent to Devil's Island.

Later, Teresa, who sadly regrets betraying Baldassaré, pleads with the General to release Baldassaré. In the loneliness of his imprisonment, Baldassaré realises that his regard for Angela was only a passing infatuation, and that he loves Teresa. He forgives her betrayal of him and, with the assistance of Lieutenant Rugini, the Governor of the prison, they escape by boat. All ends happily for Teresa and her bandit chief.

[edit] Roles and principal cast

  • Theresa – José Collins (1)
  • Baldasarre – Arthur Wontner
  • Gen. Malona – Mark Laster
  • Tonio
  • Beppo
  • Carlo
  • Andrea
  • Pietro
  • Lieutenant Rugini
  • Crumpet
  • Mayor of Santo
  • Vittoria
  • Angela
  • Gianetta
  • Maria
  • Marietta
  • Beppiria
  • Pepita

(1) José Collins, who sang the part of Teresa, the bandit "Maid", throughout the original run, became a star as the result of her performance.

[edit] Musical numbers

  • 1. Friends Have To Part - Opening Chorus
  • 2. Live For Today - Beppo and chorus of men
  • 3. My Life Is Love - Teresa, Beppo and bandits
  • 4. Nocturne - Orchestra Farewell - Teresa
  • 5. Dividing the Spoils - Chorus
  • 6. Finale Act I - Company
  • 7. Introduction & Opening Chours Act II
  • 8. Love Will Find A Way - Teresa
  • 9. Laughing Chorus Dirty Work - Governor and Antonio
  • 10. A Paradise For Two - Teresa and Beppo
  • 11. Husbands and Wives - Vittoria and Antonio
  • 12. A Bachelor Gay - Beppo
  • 13. Finale Act II
  • 14. Opening Chorus Act III - Chorus of Fisherfolk
  • 15. Good People Gather Round - Governor, Teresa and Chorus
  • 16. When You're In Love - Teresa and General Malona
  • 17. Over There and Over Here - Vittorio and Antonio
  • 18. Finale Act III Friendship and Love - Teresa and Beppo

[edit] References

[edit] External links

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