|
The Maid of the Mountains is a light opera or musical play, which opened at Daly's Theatre in London on February 10, 1917. The lyrics were by Harry Graham, music by Harold Fraser-Simpson, with additional pieces by F. Clifford Harris. It went through 1,352 performances on its initial London run – closing mainly because of the nervous exhaustion of female lead, José Collins. A production in New York City, however, was not a success, only running for 37 performances. The show has had major London revivals in 1921, 1930, 1942 and 1971. The Maid of the Mountains was one of the three big musical hits of World War I (the other two being The Bing Boys Are Here and Chu Chin Chow), and music or scenes from these have been included as background in many films set in this period. StoryThe Maid of the Mountains is an escapist story set in a mountain bandit camp. A bandit leader, Baldasarre, and Theresa, who loves him, live there. The local Governor, General Malona, captures Theresa and promises her freedom if Baldasarre is captured. Theresa, on learning of Baldasarre's fickleness, exposes him, and he is sent to Devil's Island. All ends well after Theresa arranges for his escape with her to the mainland. Principal cast
José Collins, who sang the part of Teresa, the bandit "Maid", throughout the original run, became a star as the result of her performance. Songs
References
|
