Babes in Arms

Babes in Arms is a musical with music by Richard Rodgers and lyrics by Lorenz Hart. The book was also written by Rodgers and Hart. Choreographed the show of George Balanchine. The premiere took place on 14 April 1937 at the Shubert Theatre in New York.

Rodgers and Hart brought the then popular "Hey -kids- lets- put-on -a -show! " Musical theme to Broadway that a little later by the director Busby Berkeley in various Hollywood movie musicals with Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney youthful pair was perfected. The 1937 cast of Babes in Arms was entirely without large prominences, most of the cast were under twenty years old. The magazine Variety predicted the show a failure because neither flesh, dancing girls, cuddly yet sequins would be seen. However, they reached 289 performances, which was very successful for the 1930s.

A more modern conditions adapted revision of 1959 was created by George Oppenheimer.

Action

Rodgers and Hart version ( 1937)

The play takes place at the time of the New Deal in a showman colony on Long Iceland, New York. Vaudeville performer who go to summer on tour, let their children as well as destitute home. The local sheriff finds that the offspring is better off in a state "work farm". However, the " Babes" want to help and make a show like this to earn their living themselves. The whole project fails due to the disagreement between the " Babes" and their " Producer" on the appearance of a black pair of brothers. Then there is no way more on the "work farm" over, but the " Babes" do not lose hope. Unexpected help comes from a French transatlantic aviator who near their home village suffers a crash landing and developed strong sympathies for the " Babes".

George Oppenheimer version ( 1959)

Bunny Byron has a problem with her co-owner of Fleming, who not only has the final say in the Summer Theater on Cape Cod, she is also indebted to him. In the case of seasonal failure it runs the risk of losing the last portions of the theater. The young people who work during the summer in the theater, Bunny have fallen in love and want to help her to keep the theater. Since the set- piece from the co-owner is liable to be a flop, they rehearse secretly own revue. They get support finally from the show's producer Steve Edwards, who recognizes the talent of young people.

Well-known musical numbers

• My Funny Valentine
• The Lady Is a Tramp
• Johnny One Note
• Where or When
• I Wish I Were in Love Again
• Imagine

Filming

The eponymous film version of 1939 ( German Title: Music is our world ) by Busby Berkeley with Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney is based on the musical. Of the score or the score only two songs were taken.