Americana (revue)

Americana is a musical revue in two parts, with book and lyrics by J. P. McEvoy, and music by Con Conrad with additional numbers by George Gershwin, Ira Gershwin, Philip Charig, James Hanley, B. G. DeSylva, Morrie Ryskind, Arthur Schwartz, Theo Goodwin, Joe Young, and Sam Lewis. The show was presented by Richard Herndon at the Belmont Theatre (121 W. 48th Street, New York, NY), and, after many postponements, opened July 26, 1926.[1] The show was staged by Allan Dinehart with dance numbers by Larry Ceballos. The production was designed by John Held, Jr. It ran for 224 performances, closing in February, 1927. [2] The cast headlined Lew Brice, Roy Atwell, Betty Compton, Charles Butterworth and the Eddie Elkins Orchestra [2] The New York Times review called it a "witty, ingenious and sophisticated evening of fun-making, it made up in its abundant humor for more than it lacked in some other departments."[3] The other departments referred to were lack of chorus girls and opulent settings.

Americana
Sheet Music Cover
Music	Con Conrad and Henry Souvaine
Lyrics	J. P. McEvoy
Book	J. P. McEvoy

The revue was revived on October 30, 1928, at Lew Fields’ Mansfield Theatre for 12 performances, closing November 3, 1928. It had music by Roger Wolfe Kahn and lyrics by J. P. McEvoy and Irving Caesar [4] The cast included Frances Gershwin, the younger sister of George and Ira Gershwin.[2] The New York Times review called it "a reasonably bright and generally entertaining revue . . ."[5]

After trying out in Philadelphia, the show was revived once again on October 5, 1932, at the Shubert Theatre running for 77 performances, [6] until December 1932. It was produced by Lee Shubert and had music by Jay Gorney, Harold Arlen, Herman Hupfeld, and Richard Myers, with lyrics by E. Y. Harburg and sketches by J. P. McEvoy. It was directed by Harold Johnsrud with scenic design by Albert R. Johnson. [2] The cast included Don Barclay, George Givot, Doris Humphrey Dance Group, Lloyd Nolan, and the Charles Weidman Dancers. It contained the famous song, “Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?”, which The New York Times review called "the first song of the year that can be sung . . . Mr. Gorney has expressed the spirit of these times with more heart-breaking anguish than any of the prose bards of the day."[7] The show was also favorably reviewed for its dance numbers. [8]

Songs

First Production “Sunny Disposish” (Words by Ira Gershwin, music by Philip Charig) “Why Do Ya Roll Those Eyes” (Words by Morrie Ryskind, music by Philip Charig) “Dreaming” (Words by J. P. McEvoy, music by Henry Souvaine and Con Conrad) “Blowing the Blues Away” “The Promise in your Eyes” “That Lost Barber Shop Chord”

Third Production “Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?” (Words by E. Y. Harburg, music by Jay Gorney) “Whistling For a Kiss” (Words by E. Y. Harburg and Johnny Mercer, music by Richard Myers) “Satan’s Li’l Lamb” “Would’ja For a Big Red Apple” “If I Love Again”

Americana 1932 Sheet Music

References

1. Mantle, Burns, Editor, "The Best Plays of 1926–1927", Dodd, Mead & Company, p. 363.
2. The Broadway League. "Americana - IBDB: The official source for Broadway Information".
3. New York Times, July 27, 1926.
4. Mantle, Burns, Editor, "The Best Plays of 1928–1929", Dodd, Mead & Company, p. 406.
5. New York Times, October 31, 1928.
6. Mantle, Burns, Editor, "The Best Plays of 1932–1933", Dodd, Mead & Company, p. 395.
7. New York Times, October 6, 1932.
8. New York Times, October 16, 1932.