Adonis (musical)

Adonis (musical) is an 1884 burlesque musical produced by Edward E. Rice who also composed the music along with John Eller. The book was written by William Gill. The musical had a run of 603 shows during its original Broadway run, making it the longest-running show on Broadway during that period. It was co-written and directed by Henry E. Dixey who also starred as the titular Adonis.

Adonis tells the story of a gorgeous male statue that comes to life and finds human ways so unpleasant that he chooses to turn back into stone – after spoofing several famous personalities.

Character list and descriptions

• Adonis, an accomplished young gentleman of undeniably good family, insomuch as he can trace his ancestry back through the Genozoic, Mesozoic, and Paleozoic period, until he finds it resting on the Archaean time. His family name, by the way, is Marble.
• Marquis de Baccarat, a highly polished villain. It is well enough to describe his character, as no one would think it to look at him.
• Bunion Turke, father of Rosetta, an unblushing appropriator of the stock in trade of a well-known and worthy old histrionic miller.
• Talamea, a sculptress who, like most of her sex, is in love with her own creation.
• Artea, a Goddess, Patroness of the fine arts.
• Duchess of Area, aesthetic to the verge of eccentricity, rich to the verge of Millionairism, sentimental to the verge of gush.
• Lady Nattie, daughter of the Duchess. She and her sisters Hattie, Mattie, and Pattie are professional beauties.
• Lady Hattie, daughter of the Duchess. She and her sisters Nattie, Mattie, and Pattie are professional beauties.
• Lady Mattie, daughter of the Duchess. She and her sisters Nattie, Hattie, and Pattie are professional beauties.
• Lady Pattie, daughter of the Duchess. She and her sisters Nattie, Hattie, and Mattie are professional beauties.
• Rosetta, a simple village maiden, the happy possessor of a clear conscience and a strong will.
• Gyles, Nyles, Myles, & Byles, ordinary everyday rustics.
• Gills, Bills, Sills, & Tills, homely rustics (who will perform a circus).
• The Plumed Knights.

References

• History of the Musical Stage 1870s-1880s: Burlesques and Pantomimes
• Image of original cast program