On the Town
Leonard Bernstein & Betty Comden‘s
On the Town
Donald C. Bedell Performance Hall
Cape Girardeau, MO
February 2016
Directed by Kenneth L. Stilson
Choreography by Michelle Vorbeck-Contrino
Musical Direction by Joshua Harvey
Vocal Direction by Judith Farris
Scenic Design by Josafath Reynoso
Costume Design by Jim Miller
Lighting Design by Jonathan Allender-Zivic
Sound Design by Phil Nacy
Produced by The Jeanine Larson Dobbins Conservatory of Theatre and Dance
Photo Credit: Josafath Reynoso
“On the Town” is a classic musical with music by Leonard Bernstein and book and lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green. The musical premiered on Broadway in 1944 and later inspired a popular film adaptation. Set in New York City during World War II, the story follows three sailors, Gabey, Ozzie, and Chip, who have a 24-hour shore leave to explore the city.
Each sailor pursues a different adventure during their brief time ashore. Gabey falls in love with a poster of Miss Turnstiles, a subway beauty; Ozzie becomes enamored with anthropologist Claire DeLoone; and Chip meets and falls for a taxi driver named Hildy Esterhazy. The sailors’ misadventures and romantic pursuits lead to a series of comedic and musical escapades across iconic New York City locations.
The musical is known for its energetic and jazzy score, including memorable songs like “New York, New York” and “Lonely Town.” “On the Town” captures the exuberance and excitement of wartime America while celebrating the joy of romance and exploration in the city that never sleeps.
