Of Thee I Sing was one of Gershwin’s biggest Broadway hits and his longest running musical, with 441 performances. No wonder it was popular – the Pulitzer Prize-winning book for this feel-good show was written by Marx Brothers collaborators George Kaufman and Morrie Ryskind (Ryskind wrote Animal Crackers). With sharp witty lyrics by George’s brother Ira and his own sparkling music added to the mix, they had a hit on their hands.
The drama of Obama versus McCain is nothing compared to the adventures of our hero, who faces impeachment and even a war with France, all over a beauty contest. Luckily, the people of America know where their priorities lie – baking and babies are enough to bring everyone back to their senses!
Of Thee I Sing is sponsored by Manchester Airports Group
THE STORY
John P. Wintergreen is running for President, but chances of him winning look slim. That is until he campaigns on the thing everyone wants – love. A beauty pageant is staged where first prize is the President’s hand in marriage. Glamorous French belle Diana Devereaux wins, but when the President falls for Mary, an all-American muffin-making secretary instead, the would be First Lady turns her rejection into an international scandal. Wintergreen needs a new idea to save the day, and maybe Mary can produce the answer…
THE music
Conductor Mark Dorrell talks about the music:
‘Gershwin uses a wide range of musical styles – Of Thee I Sing is a pastiche of Gilbert and Sullivan, Tin-Pan-Alley-inspired vaudeville and of course his beloved jazz. There are lilting waltzes in Viennese style, rousing Sousa-type marches, infectious soft-shoe numbers, patriotic anthems and impressive seamless extended musical scenes. All combine to produce this great American musical.’
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Send & Win
Send this e-flier to a friend and you could win a one night stay for two at The Ellington, Leeds newest boutique hotel, in an Executive room with Yorkshire breakfast the following morning.
» Prize Information
The Ellington, a member of The Leading Small Hotels of the World, is a new build luxury boutique hotel situated in the heart of the city and close to ‘The Knightsbridge of the North’. The hotel offers contemporary style and elegant design, and combines a vibrant atmosphere with an intimate feel. A signature restaurant overseen by Albert Roux, with Robert Bates as the Executive Chef offers an exclusive dining experience in stylish surroundings. The elegant bar epitomises the style of the hotel, with a piano offering occasional live music. For more information please visit www.pantinhotels.com.
» Free Prize Draw Terms & Conditions
No purchase necessary. Closing date for entries 22.11.2008. The draw is not open to employees of Opera North, its agents or anyone professionally connected with the promotion. The promoter can accept no responsibility for entries lost, delayed or damaged by email, proof of email sending is not proof of receipt. One winner will be selected at random after the closing date, and receive a one night stay for two people at The Ellington in an Executive room with Yorkshire breakfast the following morning. Any other expenditure incurred during the stay is due to be settled on departure. A letter will be sent to the winner which needs to be presented at check in. The prize is subject to availability and valid until 31st March 2009. There is no cash alternative and negotiations will not be entered into. In the event of circumstances out of Opera North's control this prize may be substituted for a prize of equal or greater value. The draw will be independently supervised and the winner will be emailed within 28 days of the draw close date. The name and county of the winner will be available by sending a SAE to the draw address 28 days after the close date. Winners may be required to participate in publicity as a result of winning the prize. Promoter: Opera North, Grand Theatre, 46 New Briggate, Leeds. LS1 6NU.
Gallery
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Reviews
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DATES
LEEDS GRAND THEATRE
4, 11, 23*, 29 Oct, Feb 12; Feb 14 at 2pm
£10 to £58 |
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0844 848 2720 |
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THE LOWRY, SALFORD QUAYS
6 Nov*; 28 Feb at 2pm
£14 to £51.50 |
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0870 787 5790 |
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THEATRE ROYAL, NEWCASTLE
13 Nov*, 7 Mar at 2pm
£14.50 to £54.50 |
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0844 811 2121 |
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THEATRE ROYAL, NOTTINGHAM
20 Nov*
£14.50 to £54 |
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0115 989 5555 |
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SADLER'S WELLS, LONDON
18 Feb; 21 Feb at 2.30pm
Booking opens 10 November |
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* BSL performance by Mary Connell
All performances start at 7.15pm unless otherwise stated.
Half Price Cake!
Buy your tickets for Of Thee I Sing and its sequel Let ‘em Eat Cake at the same time and get Let ‘em Eat Cake for up to half price.
Let ‘em Eat Cake
29 Jan - 21 Feb.
Restrictions apply.
» Check the website for further details
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