High Society (musical)
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| High Society | |
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| Original Recording | |
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| Music | Cole Porter |
| Lyrics | Cole Porter Susan Birkenhead |
| Book | Arthur Kopit |
| Based upon | Philip Barry play The Philadelphia Story |
| Productions | 1998 Broadway 2005 West End |
High Society is a musical with a book by Arthur Kopit and music and lyrics by Cole Porter.
Based on the Philip Barry play The Philadelphia Story and the musical screen adaptation it inspired, High Society, the plot centers on pretentious Long Island socialite Tracy Lord, who is planning a June 1938 wedding to an equally pretentious executive when ex-husband Dexter Haven arrives to disrupt the proceedings. Additional comic complications arise when tabloid reporter Mike Connor, who is there to cover the wedding, also falls for the bride-to-be. The score's songs were compiled from various Porter musicals; in some instances, updated or new lyrics were provided by Susan Birkenhead.
After 27 previews, the Broadway production, directed by Christopher Renshaw, opened on April 27, 1998 at the St. James Theatre, where it ran for 144 performances. The opening night cast included Stephen Bogardus, Melissa Errico, Daniel McDonald, John McMartin, Randy Graff, Lisa Banes, Marc Kudisch, Betsy Joslyn, and Anna Kendrick.
On October 1, 2005, a West End production starring Katherine Kingsley, Graham Bickley, Paul Robinson, and Jerry Hall opened at the Shaftesbury Theatre.
[edit] Song list
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[edit] Awards and nominations
- Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical (McMartin, nominee)
- Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical (Kendrick, nominee)
- Drama Desk Award for Outstanding New Musical (nominee)
- Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Errico, nominee)
- Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical (McMartin, nominee)
- Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical (Kendrick, nominee)
- Theatre World Award (Kendrick, winner)
