The Happy Day


The Happy Day is a musical comedy in two acts by Seymour Hicks, with music by Sidney Jones and Paul Rubens, and lyrics by Adrian Ross and Rubens. It was produced by George Edwardes's company and was directed by Evett. Set in the fictional country of Valaria, the story concerns a royal couple who dislike each other but ultimately fall in love. A masquerade scene provides opportunities for mistaken identity.
The musical opened at Daly's Theatre in London on 13 May 1916 and ran for 241 performances. It starred Winifred Barnes, José Collins and Arthur Wontner, who played the Ruritanian prince. Later Bertram Wallis joined the cast.

Background

The Happy Day opened during World War I in the same year as three other tremendously successful shows in London: Chu Chin Chow, Theodore & Co and The Bing Boys are Here. Audiences, including servicemen on leave, wanted light and uplifting entertainment during the war, and these shows delivered it. The show was Jones's last success. A review in The Illustrated London News commented that the costumes were "sumptuous" and praised the comedy and the music of the piece, as well as the cast, especially Collins "with her attractive voice and picturesque personality."
Popular songs from The Happy Day included "Bohemia" and "I Don't Seem to Want You When You're With Me".

Roles and original cast members

  • Charles, Prince of Galania – Arthur Wontner
  • Sir Dennis O'hagan – Frank Wilson
  • Earl of Anglemere – Thorpe Bates
  • General Count Ivan Tobolsk
  • M. Drinkavink
  • M. Oppinoff
  • M. Limitski
  • Walter – Lauri de Frece
  • The Captain – G. P. Huntley
  • Mary, Princess of Valaria – Winifred Barnes
  • The Countess Tobolsk – Rosina Filippi
  • The Lady Diana Brooke – Nellie Taylor
  • Luna L'etoile
  • Ma Petite – Unity Moore
  • Camille Joyeuse – José Collins
  • Ladies of the Bedchamber, Courtiers, Soldiers, Peasants, Dancers, Guests, Servants, etc.

    Musical Numbers

Act I
  • Introduction
  • Diana "The Happy Day"
  • Girls "The Trousseau"
  • Anglemere
  • Chorus
  • Diana and Denis "England"
  • Oppinoff, Limitsky and Drinkavink "Hang together"
  • Anglemere "Truant Love"
  • Chorus of Peasants "Little Mother"
  • Mary "As poor as that"
  • Anglemere "Yours to the end"
  • Finale – Mary and Anglemere "Free"
Act II
  • Chorus
  • Camille and Chorus "Bohemia"
  • Ma Petite and Chorus "Marching with the Band"
  • Chorus of Gendarmes
  • Mary "I Dream, I Dream of you"
  • Mary and Camille "Queen of Joy"
  • Ma Petite and Walter "Peter Piper"
  • Camille and Chorus "The Seasons"
  • Finale
Addenda