Your Own Thing
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Your Own Thing is a rock-styled musical comedy loosely based on Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare. It originally premiered off-Broadway in early 1968. The music and lyrics are by Hal Hester and Danny Apolinar with the book adaptation by Donald Driver (director), who also directed the original production.
Contents |
[edit] Synopsis
The show is set in the present (late 60s) in the land of Illyria, which looks very much like New York City. It is a tale of separated twins, mistaken identities, love triangles and "doing your own thing".
It opens with "identical" twenty year old twins, Viola and Sebastian bickering as usual (No One's Perfect Dear) aboard a ship bound for new horizons. Suddenly, the raging storm wrecks the ship and, in the confusion that follows, the twins are parted. Viola travels on to Illyria where she expresses her first impressions of the city (The Flowers). She spots a trio of typical young rock singers known as "Apocalypse". They were once a quartet until one of their members - Disease was drafted (I'm Not Afraid/I'm Me). Disguised as rock singer Charlie, Viola auditions to become the fourth member of "Apocalypse" (Somethin's Happenin (Baby! Baby!)). She is successful and joins the group, thanks to winning over their manager, Orson.
Meanwhile, recovering in hospital from his shipwreck ordeal, Sebastian expresses his sorrow at losing his sister (Come Away, Death). He realises that he is going to have to move forward on his own and goes in search of a job. He meets up with Orson, who mistakes Sebastian for his twin, Viola/Charlie and confirms his appointment as the new member of "Apocalypse". Excited by his new job, Sebastian sings I'm On My Way To the Top.
Orson is in love with 30 year old disco owner, Olivia and asks "Charlie" to deliver a love letter to her. Viola realises that she also is falling in love with Orson (She Never Told Her Love). Inspired by her own situation, Viola advises Orson on how he should approach his so far unsuccessful wooing of Olivia (Be Gentle).
While the mixed-up couples continue their ever-changing yet confusing relationships, "Apocalypse" set about rehearsals with their newest member (The Apocalypse Fugue)(What Do I Know)(The Now Generation). As the confusion builds, the younger Sebastian acknowledges his growing love for the more mature Olivia (The Middle Years). Separately, Olivia also realises that she is falling in love with the younger messenger (The Middle Years (Reprise)). Meanwhile, Orson realises that he has identified unexplainable feelings for "Charlie" (Young and In Love). The confusion builds (Hunca Munca) resulting in an argument between Sebastian and Olivia, which they eventually settle (Don't Leave Me). Finally, the mix-ups are resolved. The twins are reunited. Viola gets Orson and Sebastian gets Olivia (Your Own Thing).
[edit] Productions
[edit] Off-Broadway
The original production opened on January 13, 1968 at the off-Broadway Orpheum Theater. It lasted for 937 performances before touring across the US and Canada. The original cast included Leland Palmer, Marian Mercer, Rusty (Russ) Thacker, Tom Ligon and one of its creators Danny Apolinar. During its run, replacement cast members included Sandy Duncan and Bonnie Franklin.
[edit] London
The London production opened on February 6, 1969 at the Comedy Theatre. It lasted for 42 performances. The cast included Leland Palmer, Danny Apolinar and John Kuhner from the original cast and Marcia Rodd, who replaced Marian Mercer soon after the original off-Broadway production started and who also appears on the original cast recording.
[edit] Australia
The Australian production opened in March, 1969 at the Phillip Theatre, Sydney. The cast included Bryan Davies, Lynn Rogers, Bunny Gibson and Lois Ramsay.
Program from the 1969 Australian production
[edit] Awards
1968 Vernon Rice Drama Desk Award:Donald Driver (Director) For his adaptation.
1967-1968 New York Drama Critics Circle Citation for Best Musical
[edit] Recordings
Original Cast Recording RCA LSO 1148 (Stereo LP 1968)
Reissued on CD 1999 RCA B00002SWNO
