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Cranks

Cover to original cast recording

Revue written and devised by John Cranko: Music by John Addison.

New Watergate Theatre, London - 19 December, 1955. Transferred to St Martin's Theatre, London - 1 March, 1956. Transferred to the Duchess Theatre 28 May, 1956 (Total 223 performances)

Synopsis

This landmark revue was first performed just before Christmas 1955 and upon receiving glowing reviews it quickly moved into the West End to the St. Martin's Theatre. Written and devised by John Cranko, a respected choreographer of the Sadler's Wells Ballet Company and John Addison who composed the score, Cranko's new wave revue had a style and approach of its own, and this followed the choice of musical accompaniment - a harpsichord, doubled with a piano, and a harp.

The cast were a deliberate mix. One black male and a white female joined two white men: Anthony Newley, with a score or so non-singing films under his belt, and ballet dancer Gilbert Vernon. The remaining two other performers were the American Hugh Bryant making his first appearance in Britain and Annie Ross, the jazz singer: both were replacements for the West End transfer but featured in the cast recording.

Cranks transferred to the Duchess Theatre in May and finally went to the Lyric, Hammersmith where it stayed until mid September eventually totaling a respectable 223 performances in London. Two months later it opened, cast intact, on Broadway at the Bijou Theatre.

Cast:

Hugh Bryant; Anthony Newley, Annie Ross and Gilbert Vernon:
Décor by John Piper and Lighting by Michael Northern.

Musical Numbers:

    1. Who's Who and Adrift - Gilbert Vernon, Annie Ross, Hugh Bryant and Anthony Newley
    2. Where Has Tom Gone? - Hugh Bryant, Anthony Newley and Annie Ross
    3. Cold Comfort - Anthony Newley
    4. Passacaglia - Orchestra
    5. Who Is It Always There - Annie Ross and Anthony Newley
    6. Chiromancy - Hugh Bryant
    7. New Blue - Annie Ross
    8. Valse Anglaise - Annie Ross, Hugh Bryant and Anthony Newley
    9. Don't Let Him Know You - Hugh Bryant, Anthony Newley and Annie Ross
    10. Sea Song - Hugh Bryant
    11. Telephone Tango - Anthony Newley, Annie Ross and Gilbert Vernon
    12. I'm The Boy You Should Say "Yes" To - Anthony Newley and Annie Ross
    13. Metamorphosis - Hugh Bryant, Annie Ross, Anthony Newley and Gilbert Vernon6
    14. Would You Let Me Know? - Annie Ross and Anthony Newley
    15. Dirge - Hugh Bryant
    16. Arthur, Son Of Martha - Gilbert Vernon, Annie Ross, Anthony Newley and Hugh Bryant
    17. Goodnight - Cast

Discography:

Original London Cast - H.M.V. - CLP 1082