Babette (musical)
Babette is an operetta with a libretto by Harry B. Smith and music by Victor Herbert, which premiered on Broadway in 1903.
Productions
The original production opened at the Broadway Theatre on November 16, 1903, and closed on January 9, 1904, after 59 performances. Frederick G. Latham directed, and John Lund was the music director. The New York Timess reviewer stated of Fritzi Scheff in the title role: "As a comic opera singer she is one of the most brilliant figures that has appeared in New York for a long time; her voice never sounded so fresh and strong, her personality never seemed so dominating and full of vitality.... The story is cumbersome, confused and... free from comic spirit wit.... Herbert... has written a charming score" and praised the rest of the company and the "handome" production.In 1976 Bel Canto Opera staged an off-Broadway revival of the show, which opened on May 21 and ran for four performances.
Synopsis
In the 17th century, when Spain ruled Belgium, Babette, the letter-writer of a small Flemish village, foils a traitorous conspiracy to help the Spanish obtain the assistance of the King of France. Babette deceives the conspirators, inducing them to pose as strolling players, then she and a group of Flemish patriots change places with them. She then contrives to get the conspirators arrested by the Spanish, appropriating their coach and horses. The patriots travel to Versailles and seek help from the king in their efforts to gain freedom from the Spanish.Songs
Act l
Opening Chorus My Honor and My Sword On the Other Side of The Wall Entrance of Babette Letter I Write all day He Who’d Thrive I’ll Bribe the Stars- ''Finale I''
Act ll
Opening Chorus Act II Tony the Peddler Hear the Coachman Crack His Whip We're Very Highly Polished at the Court To the Sound of the Pipe and the Roll of the Drum On The Stage Be Kind to poor Pierrot There once was an owl My Lady ‘Tis For Thee The Life of a Bold Free Lance- ''Finale II''
Act lll
Opening Chorus Act III It’s A way we have in Spain My Lady of the Manor Where the Fairest Flow’rs- ''Finale III''