Du Barry Was a Lady

Du Barry Was a Lady is a musical comedy with music and song lyrics by Cole Porter. The book was inspired by Herbert Fields and BG DeSylva, who also produced the show. The premiere took place on 6 December 1939 at the 46th Street Theatre in New York. It was one of five Broadway musicals ( Anything Goes, Red, Hot and Blue, Panama Hattie, Something for the Boys) for the Cole Porter composed and in which Ethel Merman played the lead role. Also starring Betty Grable and Bert Lahr were seen. The first performance in London's West End was held at Her Majesty's Theatre on 22 October 1942.

Action

Louis Blore, toilet attendant Club Petite in New York, won $ 75,000 in a lottery and then quit his job. For a long time he has his eye on the nightclub singer May Daly, but which is in love with a certain Alex Barton. Alex is the brother of May's friend Alice and unhappily married.

In an attempt to clear his rival by KO - drops out of the way, Louis confuses the glasses and takes the drink itself to itself. During his unconsciousness Louis dreams that he is the King Louis XV. May Daly and his mistress, the Countess du Barry is. He pursues May through the gardens and the Versailles boudoirs of the 18th century, however, remains unsuccessful with his promotion. Again waking up he realizes that Alex is the right man for May. With the rest of his lottery profits he pays Alex Barton's divorce and returns to his old place in the club Petite.

Well-known musical numbers

  • Do I Love You
  • Well, Did You Evah?
  • Friendship

Filming

The film adaptation from 1943 under the title Du Barry Was a Lady by Roy Del Ruth, among other things with Gene Kelly is based on the musical.

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