FANNY Music & Lyrics - Harold Rome : Book by S. N. Behrman, Joshua Logan: Based on a trilogy by Marcel Pagnol : Cesar; Fanny : Marius Majestic Theatre, Broadway - November 4, 1954 (888 perfs) Theatre Royal, Drury Lane - 15 November, 1956 STORY: The teen-age love of Marius and Fanny has matured under the rueful guidance and encouragement of Cesar, Marius' arrogant yet appealing tavern-keeper father. Fanny loves Marius with all her heart, but he cannot fully accept her devotion. He is continually torn between his yearning for Fanny, his duty as an only son, and adventure calling him to sea. Marius gives in to the mystery of the sea and signs for a five-year voyage. His father disowns him, but Fanny bravely gives in to her rival. In the passion of their goodbye Marius almost changes his mind. However, Fanny sends him on his way, knowing it is the only way to save their love. Soon thereafter Fanny discovers she is to bear a child. Panisse, an older man and wealthy sail maker, has made previous marriage proposals to Fanny. In desperation she turns to him, and they are married. Having suspected the situation all along, Panisse is delighted at the prospect of the child's arrival. Convinced it will be a boy, Panisse digs out letters to make his shop-front sign read "& Son." Cesar and Panisse, dedicated old-world (often fiery) friends, band together to see to the boy's upbringing. On Cesario's first birthday, Marius returns and attempts to claim both Fanny and his son. Fanny finds it difficult to spurn her lover once more, but Cesar discovers them and drives him off. It is twelve years later. Like his true father before him, Cesario yearns for the sea and runs away to join Marius. This proves to be a final blow to an ageing and ill Panisse. Marius returns the boy to the Panisse home. The final moments are happy, and Panisse's dying wish is that Fanny and Marius be reunited. MUSICAL NUMBERS: 1. Never Too Late for Love 2. Cold Cream Jar Song 3. Octopus Song 4. Restless Heart 5. Why Be Afraid to Dance? 6. Shika, Shika 7. Welcome Home 8. I Like You 9. I Have to Tell You 10. Fanny 11. The Sailing 12. Oysters, Cockles and Mussels 13. Panisse and Son 14. Wedding Dance 15. Birthday Song 16. To My Wife 17. The Thought of You 18. Love Is a Very Light Thing 19. Other Hands, Other Hearts 20. Be Kind to Your Parents 21. Cesario's Party INSTRUMENTATION: Violin A-C (2), D-B (mandolin), viola, cello, bass, flute (pic), oboe (Eng. horn), clar (bass clar), flute (clar), clar (bassoon), horns I-II, trumpets I-II, III, trombone I, II, harp, percussion, concertina, piano-celeste. CAST: 28 parts, 9 principals. Total cast 20-40. Fanny and Marius, young lovers who act and sing. Panisse and Cesar, men of the world who must act very well and sing respectably. Honorine, Fanny's mother, must sing and act. Other principals and small ensemble carry a comparatively light load.
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