CLO-CLO (1924) (Music by Franz Lehár: Book and lyrics by Bela Jenbach) Presented in London at the Shaftesbury Theatre opening 9 June, 1925 (95 perfs) with English lyrics by Douglas Furber and additional songs by Max Darewski SYNOPSIS Clo-Clo, a Parisian revue star, has troops of admirers: her favourite, Maxime, has youth but no money, and Severin (the mayor of Perpignan) the opposite! Severin's wife intercepts a begging letter from Clo-Clo calling him "Little Daddy", believes her his. love-child and decides to mother Clo-Clo. Severin is amazed at them appearing together, but stands by Clo-Clo when she is arrested for punching a policeman - and even when she is happily united with Maxime. STORY Cloclo is in love with Maxime (Benjamin Dutton), a penniless young man who loves her in return, but doesn’t seem able to support her in the manner she thinks worthwhile. Therefore, she also enjoys the company of Severin Cornichon, the mayor of Perpignan. Cornichon is married but childless. Consequently, when Cloclo sends him a “more money please” letter, which is instead opened by his wife Melousine, she interprets the “Dear Daddy” to mean that the letter writer is his love-child. So nothing will do but for Cloclo to come to live with them. Hilarity ensues. Before leaving for the country, Cloclo has a slight run-in with a local policeman, who wants to arrest her. But of course, that cannot happen, now that she is presumed to be the daughter of the house in Perpignan. “Momma” engages the services of a piano teacher, Chablis, who promptly falls headover-heels for Cloclo. This also upsets Brigitte the cook, as well as Rosalie the chambermaid. In the midst of this farce, poor Severin celebrates his birthday, with neither wife nor pretend-child to adore him as he should be, even though he gifts Cloclo with a new name — Babette. She doesn’t appreciate his thoughtfulness, being still in thrall to Maxime, who suddenly appears, along with the Parisian policeman. Oops! Cloclo is promptly hauled away, setting off the gay finale in, of all places, a jailhouse. But all does work out well for everyone, and all the couples are properly paired off. A racy 'modern' score, with jazz and Java rhythms alongside some fetching waltzes. Principals: 2 Female, 3 Male, SATB Chorus. Sets: 2 MUSICAL NUMBERS include: 1. Till the Band Goes Home 2. Girls Are So Young 3. Parisien Blues 4. Tonga Bay 5. Marry Me Do! 6. I'll Dream of You Orchestra: 222. Sax 2/423/Perc/Cel/Hp/Strings Language Version: G Cast Recording
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