Lucky Stiff
Encyclopedia
Lucky Stiff is a musical farce
. It was the first collaboration for the team of Lynn Ahrens
(book and lyrics) and Stephen Flaherty
(music). The show is based on the 1983 novel The Man Who Broke the Bank at Monte Carlo by Michael Butterworth
. It was created and performed at Playwrights Horizons
off-Broadway
in 1988, and won the Richard Rodgers Award for that year.
, the cast featured Stuart Zagnit
, Mary Testa
, and Julie White
.
The musical was produced at the Olney Theatre
, Olney, Maryland
, in May 1989, starring Evan Pappas. It won the Helen Hayes Award
for Best Musical and Pappas won as Best Actor in a Musical.
A 1994 studio cast recording included Judy Blazer as Annabel, Jason Graae
as Vinnie, Debbie Shapiro Gravitte as Dominique, Paul Kandel
as Luigi, Evan Pappas as Harry, Mary Testa as Rita, Barbara Rosenblatt as the Landlady/Ensemble, Mary Stout as the Spinster/Ensemble, Bruce Winant as the Boarder/Ensemble, and Patrick Quinn
as the Monte Carlo Emcee/Ensemble.
In 1994, the musical had its British debut at the Theatre Royal in Lincoln
in the English midlands, and in 1997 it had a West End
production, starring Frances Ruffelle
, Paul Baker
, and Tracie Bennett
, directed by Steven Dexter
. It was revived for five performances as part of the York Theatre's Musicals in Mufti staged concert series in October 2003, with Zagnit, Testa, and several of the other original Playwrights Horizons cast members, as well as Malcolm Gets
as Harry and Janet Metz as Annabelle.
Lucky Stiff had its New Zealand premiere on Friday 27 January 2011 at the Havelock Town Hall, Marlborough. Sell-out finale on Saturday 5th February. Directed by Gillian Palmer, the Havelock Theatre Company presented its first musical production.
By arrangement with Hal Leonard Australia Pty on behalf of Dramatists Play Services Inc, New York.
Harry was played by Steven Leov. Annabel by Sarah Ritchie.
Ten characters as a sort of Greek Chorus
warn the audience of the numerous plot twists to come. One of them, a man wearing dark glasses and silk pajamas, is murdered. (Something Funny's Going On)
Act I
English shoe salesman, Harry Witherspoon, who normally spends his Friday night taking inventory in the shoe shop and dreaming of a better life (Mr. Witherspoon's Friday Night), gets a telegram summoning him to a solicitor's office, (Mr. Harry Witherspoon's Friday Night). There Harry finds himself the recipient of a six million dollar inheritance. He learns that Anthony Hendon, an uncle that he never met has left him this estate. There is a condition. Harry must follow the instructions which have been pre-recorded on a cassette tape. He must take Uncle Anthony’s corpse on vacation to Monte Carlo. If Harry is unwilling to do this, the money will go to his Uncle's favorite charity
, the Universal Dog Home of Brooklyn
. Harry, who seriously dislikes dogs, reluctantly accepts the challenge and travels to Monte Carlo with the cassette tape, a heart-shaped box and Uncle Anthony’s corpse in a wheelchair. A taxidermist has dressed the corpse so that it appears alive.
Meanwhile, in Atlantic City, an optometrist, Vinnie Di Ruzzio, is visited by his legally blind sister, Rita La Porta. She confuses her brother by showing him a newspaper article about "Shoe Salesman Inherits Six Million Dollars from Casino Manager". Vinnie is told that Rita had a lover. Her lover Tony was her husband's casino manager. Rita reveals to her brother that because of her poor eyesight she accidentally shot and killed Tony. She also explains that she has embezzled six million dollars worth of diamonds from her husband, and that the heart shaped box containing the diamonds is gone. Rita also confesses to her shocked brother that she has blamed the embezzlement on him and there is a possible hit out on him. Together, they embark for Monte Carlo to find Harry and retrieve the money before Rita's husband does something nasty. (Rita's Confession)
During his travels, Harry encounters Luigi Gaudi, a flashy Italian
who offers to be his tour guide. Harry realises that a mysterious young woman is watching him and taking notes. He describes the sights to the dead uncle. (Good to Be Alive)
Harry arrives in Monte Carlo and begins to take his uncle around. Although frustrated at the specific things he must do he decides that he is "Lucky" to be there. Later he notices that he is being followed by the same young woman from the train. He confronts her and discovers that she is Annabel Glick, a representative of the Universal Dog Home of Brooklyn. It appears that there is a loophole in Anthony’s will. Annabel is there to make sure Harry conforms to every part of the will, and to make sure that he doesn't make the smallest mistake. If he does, she'll take the uncle, finish the trip with him, and get the money. Harry vows not to relinquish it, and Annabel highlights the conflict. (Dogs Versus You)
Vinnie and Rita arrive in Nice. As Rita calls hotels in the Monte Carlo area to find the one Harry is staying in, Vinnie calls his wife. Vinnie tells his wife, Mary Alice, that he will not be home for dinner because his sister has taken him to Europe. Mary Alice hangs up on Vinnie's call. (The Phone Call) Rita finds the right hotel, and books two rooms right down the hall from Harry.
Meanwhile, Harry spends the day taking his uncle all sorts of places around town (with Annabel right behind them). Buying new clothes, gambling, a museum, skydiving, fishing, scuba diving... (A Day Around Town (Dance))
That night, Harry, Annabel, and Luigi Gaudi find themselves at a glamorous French
nightclub
(Monte Carlo!). Uncle Anthony has arranged for a special surprise for Harry in the form of sexy performer Dominique du Monaco. She sings a huge cabaret number that has everybody bumping (Speaking French). Dominique tells Harry that Anthony has arranged for them to spend many prepaid hours together. She sits in the empty seat next to Harry (as was specified in the will). As Dominique teaches Harry a continental toast, Annabel, alone, sings about wishing she had a dog with her (Times Like This). Dominique exits with Harry, and Annabel follows. (Monte Carlo! (Reprise))
While Harry is having fun in the casino, Rita La Porta has disguised herself as a maid. She searches Harry's hotel room for the diamonds, while Vinnie stands nervously nearby. Vinnie leaves. When Harry returns with Uncle Anthony, Rita hides in the closet. Harry leaves the corpse in the hotel room, and goes gambling. He is followed by Miss Glick. As he leaves, he says goodbye to "Uncle Anthony." Squinting from the closet, Rita can barely make out the shape of a man in a wheelchair. Rita tucks away her unbecoming glasses, and steps out to face who she believes to be a living Tony. After begging forgiveness and speaking of love, she kisses Hendon's hand and discovers he is really dead (Fancy Meeting You Here).
Harry is on a winning streak at the casino
(thanks to Hendon's friend's infallible system for roulette
), when a livid Rita arrives. She has the corpse with her, and a gun. She wants the diamonds, and she intends to kill for them. (Act I Finale: Good to Be Alive)
Prologue:
The cast as a Greek Chorus
briefly reminds the audience of where they left off. (Something Funny's Going On (Reprise))
Act II
Harry manages to break away from Rita. Annabel and Harry grab Uncle Anthony and run. Rita's gun goes off accidentally as her brother tries to restrain her. Rita turns the crowd on Vinnie, and she escapes after Harry.
Chaos ensues as Harry and Annabel try to hide from Rita and protect Uncle Anthony. In the fray, a drunken maid mistakes Uncle Anthony for a pile of laundry and wheels him away. When Harry and Annabel discover he is missing they're frantic. If they can't find Uncle Anthony they'll lose everything! All around Monte Carlo, Annabel, Harry, Rita and Vinnie search for each other, the heart-shaped box and the missing corpse. During this sequence, Vinnie meets the shapely Dominique du Monaco, who is most interested in his search for the money. (Him, Them, It, Her)
Unable to locate Uncle Anthony, Annabel and Harry return to Harry's room. Several people attempt to get a cash reward for bringing people in wheelchairs. None of them are Uncle Anthony. Harry and Annabel open a bottle of Anthony's champagne, and let down their guard. Annabel makes a toast to the both of them, saying that it was Nice suffering through the week with him. Their relationship mellows.
That night, Harry has a terrible nightmare. Everyone is a dog/human. His landlady welcomes him back. Rita threatens him with a machine gun. Luigi taunts him. Annabel echoes the sentiment of "Nice Meeting You." His dead uncle gets out of his wheelchair and tap dances while everyone else forms a kickline. (Welcome Back, Mr. Witherspoon)
Harry wakes up, horrified. Annabel pops up next to him and comforts him. Both are apparently nude. They are shocked to find themselves in bed together. The drunk maid enters the bedroom with Uncle Anthony. Harry and Annabel exchange a quick moment of joy before becoming embarrassed again. Annabel goes to the bathroom to get dressed. Harry mulls over the situation (A Woman in My Bathroom). As Annabel is about to leave, Rita LaPorta enters, gun in hand. She is now wearing her glasses and realises that the corpse is in fact not her lover, but a dead stranger.
There is a knock at the bedroom door. The mysterious Luigi Gaudi (fulfilling his role as a deus ex machina
) enters and proclaims that he is the real Uncle Anthony. He explains how the man in the chair (the real Luigi Gaudi) was murdered and why Harry was dispatched to Monte Carlo. (Confessions #2 (Reprise)) Anthony also reveals that the six million dollars in diamonds is actually sewn inside the corpse. The heart-shaped box actually contains the heart of the dead man. Anthony explains that Luigi wished his heart be buried at sea. Vinnie along with Dominique du Monaco burst into the room, both dressed as maids, Vinnie carrying a gun. He tells the group that he plans to start a new life in Europe with Dominique. Vinnie demands the diamonds. Rita hands him the heart-shaped box. Assuming the diamonds are still in the box, Vinnie and Dominique exit. Tony gives Annabel a cheque for $10,000. This is Luigi Gaudi's life savings. The cheque is made out to Luigi Gaudi's favourite charity, the Universal Dog Home of Brooklyn. Tony gives Harry a gift of $500 and tells him that he still has the rest of the week prepaid and Luigi's infallible roulette system. Before Tony can talk to Rita, she backs Harry and Annabel into a closet. Rita apologises to Tony for everything. Rita and Tony forgive each other. They take the diamond-laden corpse, and depart. (Fancy Meeting You Here (Reprise))
Harry and Annabel are left alone, with Uncle's infallible system for roulette, an all-expense paid week in Monte Carlo, and each other. Harry locks the door. In a rare moment for both of them, we see Harry persuading Annabel to stay on for Uncle's all-expense paid week. Harry and Annabel kiss. The End (Finale Act II: Good to Be Alive)
Act II
Farce
In theatre, a farce is a comedy which aims at entertaining the audience by means of unlikely, extravagant, and improbable situations, disguise and mistaken identity, verbal humour of varying degrees of sophistication, which may include word play, and a fast-paced plot whose speed usually increases,...
. It was the first collaboration for the team of Lynn Ahrens
Lynn Ahrens
Lynn Ahrens is an American writer and lyricist for the musical theatre, television and film. She has collaborated with Stephen Flaherty for many years...
(book and lyrics) and Stephen Flaherty
Stephen Flaherty
Stephen Flaherty is an American composer of musical theatre. He works most often in collaboration with the lyricist/bookwriter Lynn Ahrens...
(music). The show is based on the 1983 novel The Man Who Broke the Bank at Monte Carlo by Michael Butterworth
Mike Butterworth
Mike Butterworth was a British comic book writer, best known for his comic strip The Rise and Fall of the Trigan Empire in the British weeklies Ranger and Look and Learn...
. It was created and performed at Playwrights Horizons
Playwrights Horizons
Playwrights Horizons is a not-for-profit Off-Broadway theater located in New York City dedicated to the support and development of contemporary American playwrights, composers, and lyricists, and to the production of their new work....
off-Broadway
Off-Broadway
Off-Broadway theater is a term for a professional venue in New York City with a seating capacity between 100 and 499, and for a specific production of a play, musical or revue that appears in such a venue, and which adheres to related trade union and other contracts...
in 1988, and won the Richard Rodgers Award for that year.
Productions
Lucky Stiff premiered off-Broadway at Playwrights Horizon on April 1988 for 15 performances. Directed by Thommie WalshThommie Walsh
Thomas Joseph “Thommie” Walsh III was an American dancer, choreographer, and director.-Biography:Born in Auburn, New York, Walsh was interested in dance from the age of five, but seriously considered foregoing it as a career when he was rejected by Juilliard...
, the cast featured Stuart Zagnit
Stuart Zagnit
Stuart Zagnit is an American character actor. He has worked in all areas including Broadway, Off-Broadway, Regional, National Tours,television, films, commercials and voice-overs.-Theatre:*2011: The Merry Wives of Windsor - Brooklyn, NY - Sir John Falstaff*2009: How The Grinch Stole...
, Mary Testa
Mary Testa
Mary Testa is an American stage actress. She is a two-time Tony Award nominee, for performances in revivals of Leonard Bernstein's On the Town and 42nd Street ....
, and Julie White
Julie White
Julie White is an American actress. She is known for her role in Grace Under Fire and for her role as Judy Witwicky in the Transformers film series.-Personal life:...
.
The musical was produced at the Olney Theatre
Olney Theatre
Located just north of Washington, D.C. in Montgomery County, Maryland, the Olney Theatre Center for the Arts offers a diverse array of professional productions year-round that enrich, nurture and challenge a broad range of artists, audiences and students...
, Olney, Maryland
Olney, Maryland
Olney, a census-designated place and an unincorporated area of Montgomery County, Maryland, USA, is located in the north central part of the county, twenty miles north of Washington, D.C. It was largely agricultural until the 1960s, when growth of the Washington suburbs led to its conversion into...
, in May 1989, starring Evan Pappas. It won the Helen Hayes Award
Helen Hayes Award
A Helen Hayes Award is a theater award named for the famed actress Helen Hayes to recognize excellence in professional theater in the Washington, D.C. area since 1983. The awards are managed by Linda Levy Grossman. and presented by the Washington Theatre Awards Society.-Awards:The Helen Hayes...
for Best Musical and Pappas won as Best Actor in a Musical.
A 1994 studio cast recording included Judy Blazer as Annabel, Jason Graae
Jason Graae
Jason Graae is an American actor noted for his musical theater performances but with a varied career spanning Broadway, opera, television and film...
as Vinnie, Debbie Shapiro Gravitte as Dominique, Paul Kandel
Paul Kandel
Paul Kandel is an American musical theatre actor and tenor singer best known for his work as the Gypsy leader Clopin in the 1996 Disney film The Hunchback of Notre Dame. He also has appeared on Broadway a number of times, having appeared in Jesus Christ Superstar as King Herod, Titanic, The Who's...
as Luigi, Evan Pappas as Harry, Mary Testa as Rita, Barbara Rosenblatt as the Landlady/Ensemble, Mary Stout as the Spinster/Ensemble, Bruce Winant as the Boarder/Ensemble, and Patrick Quinn
Patrick Quinn
Patrick Dominic Quinn was an American actor and a former president of the Actors' Equity Association. Quinn's father was a mortician....
as the Monte Carlo Emcee/Ensemble.
In 1994, the musical had its British debut at the Theatre Royal in Lincoln
Lincoln, Lincolnshire
Lincoln is a cathedral city and county town of Lincolnshire, England.The non-metropolitan district of Lincoln has a population of 85,595; the 2001 census gave the entire area of Lincoln a population of 120,779....
in the English midlands, and in 1997 it had a West End
West End theatre
West End theatre is a popular term for mainstream professional theatre staged in the large theatres of London's 'Theatreland', the West End. Along with New York's Broadway theatre, West End theatre is usually considered to represent the highest level of commercial theatre in the English speaking...
production, starring Frances Ruffelle
Frances Ruffelle
Frances Ruffelle is an English musical theatre actress and recording artist. Her mother is Sylvia Young, the founder of the famous theatre school at which Frances trained, and her daughter is recording artist Eliza Doolittle. Her younger sister is actress Alison Ruffelle...
, Paul Baker
Paul Baker
David Paul Baker is an English former professional footballer.-Playing career:A centre-forward, Baker was a member of the famous Wallsend Boys Club as a youngster, and was subsequently spotted playing for Bishop Auckland, turning professional with Southampton in June 1984 at a cost of £4,000 to...
, and Tracie Bennett
Tracie Bennett
Tracie Bennett is an English stage and television actress. She trained at the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts in Clapham, London...
, directed by Steven Dexter
Steven Dexter
Steven Dexter is a theatre director and writer. Born in South Africa, he moved to London in 1984 and studied at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art.- West End productions :...
. It was revived for five performances as part of the York Theatre's Musicals in Mufti staged concert series in October 2003, with Zagnit, Testa, and several of the other original Playwrights Horizons cast members, as well as Malcolm Gets
Malcolm Gets
Hugh Malcolm Gerard Gets is an American actor. He is best known for his role as Richard in the American television sitcom Caroline in the City. Gets is also a dancer, singer, composer, classically trained pianist, vocal director, and choreographer. He has a small part in the film adaptation of...
as Harry and Janet Metz as Annabelle.
Lucky Stiff had its New Zealand premiere on Friday 27 January 2011 at the Havelock Town Hall, Marlborough. Sell-out finale on Saturday 5th February. Directed by Gillian Palmer, the Havelock Theatre Company presented its first musical production.
By arrangement with Hal Leonard Australia Pty on behalf of Dramatists Play Services Inc, New York.
Harry was played by Steven Leov. Annabel by Sarah Ritchie.
Synopsis
Prologue:Ten characters as a sort of Greek Chorus
Greek chorus
A Greek chorus is a homogenous, non-individualised group of performers in the plays of classical Greece, who comment with a collective voice on the dramatic action....
warn the audience of the numerous plot twists to come. One of them, a man wearing dark glasses and silk pajamas, is murdered. (Something Funny's Going On)
Act I
English shoe salesman, Harry Witherspoon, who normally spends his Friday night taking inventory in the shoe shop and dreaming of a better life (Mr. Witherspoon's Friday Night), gets a telegram summoning him to a solicitor's office, (Mr. Harry Witherspoon's Friday Night). There Harry finds himself the recipient of a six million dollar inheritance. He learns that Anthony Hendon, an uncle that he never met has left him this estate. There is a condition. Harry must follow the instructions which have been pre-recorded on a cassette tape. He must take Uncle Anthony’s corpse on vacation to Monte Carlo. If Harry is unwilling to do this, the money will go to his Uncle's favorite charity
Charitable organization
A charitable organization is a type of non-profit organization . It differs from other types of NPOs in that it centers on philanthropic goals A charitable organization is a type of non-profit organization (NPO). It differs from other types of NPOs in that it centers on philanthropic goals A...
, the Universal Dog Home of Brooklyn
Brooklyn
Brooklyn is the most populous of New York City's five boroughs, with nearly 2.6 million residents, and the second-largest in area. Since 1896, Brooklyn has had the same boundaries as Kings County, which is now the most populous county in New York State and the second-most densely populated...
. Harry, who seriously dislikes dogs, reluctantly accepts the challenge and travels to Monte Carlo with the cassette tape, a heart-shaped box and Uncle Anthony’s corpse in a wheelchair. A taxidermist has dressed the corpse so that it appears alive.
Meanwhile, in Atlantic City, an optometrist, Vinnie Di Ruzzio, is visited by his legally blind sister, Rita La Porta. She confuses her brother by showing him a newspaper article about "Shoe Salesman Inherits Six Million Dollars from Casino Manager". Vinnie is told that Rita had a lover. Her lover Tony was her husband's casino manager. Rita reveals to her brother that because of her poor eyesight she accidentally shot and killed Tony. She also explains that she has embezzled six million dollars worth of diamonds from her husband, and that the heart shaped box containing the diamonds is gone. Rita also confesses to her shocked brother that she has blamed the embezzlement on him and there is a possible hit out on him. Together, they embark for Monte Carlo to find Harry and retrieve the money before Rita's husband does something nasty. (Rita's Confession)
During his travels, Harry encounters Luigi Gaudi, a flashy Italian
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
who offers to be his tour guide. Harry realises that a mysterious young woman is watching him and taking notes. He describes the sights to the dead uncle. (Good to Be Alive)
Harry arrives in Monte Carlo and begins to take his uncle around. Although frustrated at the specific things he must do he decides that he is "Lucky" to be there. Later he notices that he is being followed by the same young woman from the train. He confronts her and discovers that she is Annabel Glick, a representative of the Universal Dog Home of Brooklyn. It appears that there is a loophole in Anthony’s will. Annabel is there to make sure Harry conforms to every part of the will, and to make sure that he doesn't make the smallest mistake. If he does, she'll take the uncle, finish the trip with him, and get the money. Harry vows not to relinquish it, and Annabel highlights the conflict. (Dogs Versus You)
Vinnie and Rita arrive in Nice. As Rita calls hotels in the Monte Carlo area to find the one Harry is staying in, Vinnie calls his wife. Vinnie tells his wife, Mary Alice, that he will not be home for dinner because his sister has taken him to Europe. Mary Alice hangs up on Vinnie's call. (The Phone Call) Rita finds the right hotel, and books two rooms right down the hall from Harry.
Meanwhile, Harry spends the day taking his uncle all sorts of places around town (with Annabel right behind them). Buying new clothes, gambling, a museum, skydiving, fishing, scuba diving... (A Day Around Town (Dance))
That night, Harry, Annabel, and Luigi Gaudi find themselves at a glamorous French
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
nightclub
Nightclub
A nightclub is an entertainment venue which usually operates late into the night...
(Monte Carlo!). Uncle Anthony has arranged for a special surprise for Harry in the form of sexy performer Dominique du Monaco. She sings a huge cabaret number that has everybody bumping (Speaking French). Dominique tells Harry that Anthony has arranged for them to spend many prepaid hours together. She sits in the empty seat next to Harry (as was specified in the will). As Dominique teaches Harry a continental toast, Annabel, alone, sings about wishing she had a dog with her (Times Like This). Dominique exits with Harry, and Annabel follows. (Monte Carlo! (Reprise))
While Harry is having fun in the casino, Rita La Porta has disguised herself as a maid. She searches Harry's hotel room for the diamonds, while Vinnie stands nervously nearby. Vinnie leaves. When Harry returns with Uncle Anthony, Rita hides in the closet. Harry leaves the corpse in the hotel room, and goes gambling. He is followed by Miss Glick. As he leaves, he says goodbye to "Uncle Anthony." Squinting from the closet, Rita can barely make out the shape of a man in a wheelchair. Rita tucks away her unbecoming glasses, and steps out to face who she believes to be a living Tony. After begging forgiveness and speaking of love, she kisses Hendon's hand and discovers he is really dead (Fancy Meeting You Here).
Harry is on a winning streak at the casino
Casino
In modern English, a casino is a facility which houses and accommodates certain types of gambling activities. Casinos are most commonly built near or combined with hotels, restaurants, retail shopping, cruise ships or other tourist attractions...
(thanks to Hendon's friend's infallible system for roulette
Roulette
Roulette is a casino game named after a French diminutive for little wheel. In the game, players may choose to place bets on either a single number or a range of numbers, the colors red or black, or whether the number is odd or even....
), when a livid Rita arrives. She has the corpse with her, and a gun. She wants the diamonds, and she intends to kill for them. (Act I Finale: Good to Be Alive)
Prologue:
The cast as a Greek Chorus
Greek chorus
A Greek chorus is a homogenous, non-individualised group of performers in the plays of classical Greece, who comment with a collective voice on the dramatic action....
briefly reminds the audience of where they left off. (Something Funny's Going On (Reprise))
Act II
Harry manages to break away from Rita. Annabel and Harry grab Uncle Anthony and run. Rita's gun goes off accidentally as her brother tries to restrain her. Rita turns the crowd on Vinnie, and she escapes after Harry.
Chaos ensues as Harry and Annabel try to hide from Rita and protect Uncle Anthony. In the fray, a drunken maid mistakes Uncle Anthony for a pile of laundry and wheels him away. When Harry and Annabel discover he is missing they're frantic. If they can't find Uncle Anthony they'll lose everything! All around Monte Carlo, Annabel, Harry, Rita and Vinnie search for each other, the heart-shaped box and the missing corpse. During this sequence, Vinnie meets the shapely Dominique du Monaco, who is most interested in his search for the money. (Him, Them, It, Her)
Unable to locate Uncle Anthony, Annabel and Harry return to Harry's room. Several people attempt to get a cash reward for bringing people in wheelchairs. None of them are Uncle Anthony. Harry and Annabel open a bottle of Anthony's champagne, and let down their guard. Annabel makes a toast to the both of them, saying that it was Nice suffering through the week with him. Their relationship mellows.
That night, Harry has a terrible nightmare. Everyone is a dog/human. His landlady welcomes him back. Rita threatens him with a machine gun. Luigi taunts him. Annabel echoes the sentiment of "Nice Meeting You." His dead uncle gets out of his wheelchair and tap dances while everyone else forms a kickline. (Welcome Back, Mr. Witherspoon)
Harry wakes up, horrified. Annabel pops up next to him and comforts him. Both are apparently nude. They are shocked to find themselves in bed together. The drunk maid enters the bedroom with Uncle Anthony. Harry and Annabel exchange a quick moment of joy before becoming embarrassed again. Annabel goes to the bathroom to get dressed. Harry mulls over the situation (A Woman in My Bathroom). As Annabel is about to leave, Rita LaPorta enters, gun in hand. She is now wearing her glasses and realises that the corpse is in fact not her lover, but a dead stranger.
There is a knock at the bedroom door. The mysterious Luigi Gaudi (fulfilling his role as a deus ex machina
Deus ex machina
A deus ex machina is a plot device whereby a seemingly inextricable problem is suddenly and abruptly solved with the contrived and unexpected intervention of some new event, character, ability, or object.-Linguistic considerations:...
) enters and proclaims that he is the real Uncle Anthony. He explains how the man in the chair (the real Luigi Gaudi) was murdered and why Harry was dispatched to Monte Carlo. (Confessions #2 (Reprise)) Anthony also reveals that the six million dollars in diamonds is actually sewn inside the corpse. The heart-shaped box actually contains the heart of the dead man. Anthony explains that Luigi wished his heart be buried at sea. Vinnie along with Dominique du Monaco burst into the room, both dressed as maids, Vinnie carrying a gun. He tells the group that he plans to start a new life in Europe with Dominique. Vinnie demands the diamonds. Rita hands him the heart-shaped box. Assuming the diamonds are still in the box, Vinnie and Dominique exit. Tony gives Annabel a cheque for $10,000. This is Luigi Gaudi's life savings. The cheque is made out to Luigi Gaudi's favourite charity, the Universal Dog Home of Brooklyn. Tony gives Harry a gift of $500 and tells him that he still has the rest of the week prepaid and Luigi's infallible roulette system. Before Tony can talk to Rita, she backs Harry and Annabel into a closet. Rita apologises to Tony for everything. Rita and Tony forgive each other. They take the diamond-laden corpse, and depart. (Fancy Meeting You Here (Reprise))
Harry and Annabel are left alone, with Uncle's infallible system for roulette, an all-expense paid week in Monte Carlo, and each other. Harry locks the door. In a rare moment for both of them, we see Harry persuading Annabel to stay on for Uncle's all-expense paid week. Harry and Annabel kiss. The End (Finale Act II: Good to Be Alive)
Major characters
- Harry Witherspoon - a shy, English shoe salesman
- Annabel Glick - a representative of the Universal Dog Home of BrooklynBrooklynBrooklyn is the most populous of New York City's five boroughs, with nearly 2.6 million residents, and the second-largest in area. Since 1896, Brooklyn has had the same boundaries as Kings County, which is now the most populous county in New York State and the second-most densely populated...
- Rita LaPorta - a hard-edged, legally blind woman
- Luigi Gaudi - a mysterious, boisterous Italian
- Vinnie Di Ruzzio - Rita La Porta's oppressed brother; an optometrist
- Dominique du Monaco - a French nightclub singer
- Landlady - of Harry's apartment house
- Boarder - a tenant in Harry's apartment house
- Monte CarloMonte CarloMonte Carlo is an administrative area of the Principality of Monaco....
Emcee - The dead body of Anthony Hendon - Harry's newly-murdered uncle, fixed up so he looks alive
Musical numbers
Act I- Something Funny's Going On
- Mr. Witherspoon's Friday Night
- Rita's Confession
- Good To Be Alive
- Lucky
- Dogs Versus You
- A Day Around Town (Dance)
- Phone Call
- Monte Carlo
- Speaking French
- Times Like This
- Fancy Meeting You Here
- Finale Act One
Act II
- Something Funny's Going On (Reprise)
- Him, Them, It, Her
- Nice
- Welcome Back, Mr. Witherspoon (Harry's Nightmare)
- A Woman In My Bathroom
- Nice (Reprise)
- Confession #2
- Finale