A Knight for a Day (musical) explained

A Knight for a Day is a musical with music by Raymond Hubbell and a book and lyrics by Robert Bache Smith. It debuted in 1907. The musical held the record for longest running play in Chicago.[1] East Coast and West Coast versions were also performed. The play was produced by B. C. Whitney.[1]

History

The play originated as Mamselle Sallie in New York with lyrics by Robert Bache Smith.[2] [3] It was renamed and reworked by Whitney for his Chicago theater, The Whitney Opera House where it became a hit. It played for 176 performances.[4] It featured the song "My Very Own" by Clare Kummer.

It played at Wallack's Theatre on 30th Street and Broadway from December 1907 until May 1908.[5] The play is set at Mme. Woodbury's Seminary for Young Ladies in Evanston and the island of Corsica. [5]

Munsey's Magazine described it as "no show for the high brows" with madcap dance numbers.[6] Another write-up describes it as a treatment with a pleasant score featuring a plot about trying to match lockets.[7]

Notes and References

  1. The Honor Roll of Popular Songwriters. Billboard. Burton, Jack . Nielsen Business Media. July 23, 1949. 34. Google Books.
  2. Web site: Mamselle Sallie – Broadway Musical – Original | IBDB.
  3. Web site: A KNIGHT FOR A DAY' PLEASES; " Mam'selle Sallie" in a New Garb at Wallack's Wins Many Laughs.. December 17, 1907. NYTimes.com.
  4. Book: Bordman, Gerald. American Musical Theater: A Chronicle. March 4, 2001. Oxford University Press, USA. Google Books. 9780195130744.
  5. Web site: A Knight for a Day – Broadway Musical – Original | IBDB. www.ibdb.com.
  6. Web site: Munsey's Magazine. December 4, 1908. Frank A. Munsey & Company. Google Books.
  7. Book: Early Broadway Sheet Music: A Comprehensive Listing of Published Music from Broadway and Other Stage Shows, 1843-1918. 9781476605609. Stubblebine. Donald J.. 2015-06-08.