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Marguerite (musical)
Encyclopedia
Marguerite is a musical
with a book by Alain Boublil
, Claude-Michel Schönberg
and Jonathan Kent
, lyrics by Alain Boublil
and Herbert Kretzmer
, and music by Michel Legrand
, with original French lyrics by Boublil. Based on the romantic novel La Dame aux Camélias by Alexandre Dumas, fils
, the musical updates the story to 1940s German-occupied Paris
. It tells the tale of a 40-year-old ex-singer and her affair with a young musician who is mixed up with the French Resistance
, whilst she is the mistress of a Nazi officer. It began previews at the Theatre Royal Haymarket in London
on 7 May 2008 and had its press night on 20 May 2008. Co-authors and producers Boublil and Schönberg announced an early closing date of 13 September 2008 (it had been scheduled to run through 1 November 2008).
There is to be a new production of Marguerite, in Ostrava, Czech Republic. The official opening is planned for December 2010. This production is set to be entirely different from the original staging in London and will be completely rewritten by Alain Boublil and Marie Zamora. The new musical numbers written by Legrand and completely new orchestration is added by William D. Brohn. This new version is produced by the subsidized theatre NDM (National Moravian Silesian Theatre) in Czech with lyrics by Michael Prostejovsky. The Czech creative team is led by director Gabriela Haukvicova.
The Original version of the show is having one of its first out of London stagings, and is being produced in Guildford from the 12-15 January 2011 by PH Productions. It features Becky Van-Orden as Marguerite and Oliver Trumble as Armand, supported by a cast of 16. The production is at The Mill Studio.
. The citizens of Paris sing about Marguerite, who was once a well-known lady of Parisian society ("Come One Come All").
, Georges, brings a band in. The band consists of Armand, his sister Annette, her boyfriend Lucien and their friend Pierrot. Annette, Lucien and Pierrot are members of the resistance
. Armand recalls seeing Marguerite sing years before, and being captivated. Marguerite is delighted to learn that they are a swing band and encourages everyone to leave the table and dance while Annette sings "Jazz Time". Marguerite becomes flirtatious with all of the men, which enrages her lover, Otto. Armand attempts to calm the situation by playing "China Doll," Marguerite's biggest hit, and Marguerite is persuaded to sing.
An air raid siren sounds and a distant explosion shakes the room. Everyone runs off to the shelter
except for Marguerite. Armand is the last to leave and the two are left alone. Armand tells Marguerite that he knows that she only pretends to be happy, and Marguerite confesses that she does not love Otto. As they move towards each other, a bomb shatters the French windows
and the electricity goes out. Marguerite and Armand share a passionate kiss as the all-clear siren sounds ("China Doll (Reprise)"). The guests return, shaken but unharmed. Armand leaves, and Marguerite promises to meet him the next day.
In her bedroom, Marguerite reflects on her feelings for Armand ("The Face I See"). Otto enters and tries to confess his love for her, but she changes the subject. Otto becomes enraged and reminds her that even if she doesn't love him, she is still his mistress.
The next day, the band members reflect on the changing state of Paris, while Armand sings of his new passion for Marguerite ("Time Was When"). A Nazi band is playing at the same bandstand and the crowd joins in ("The World Begins Today") Armand waits for Marguerite ("Waiting") but when she does arrive it is only to tell him that their relationship can never be.
Lucien and Annette are at home listening to coded radio messages when they hear that the French government will force Jews to wear an identifying mark. This worries Lucien as he is Jewish. Annette says she will speak to her resistance contact about leaving Paris. Pierrot arrives, carrying various food items that he had stolen from the party. When Pierrot leaves, he is stopped by the police. They discover the stolen food in his bag and send him away to a concentration camp.
Armand sings of his love for Marguerite ("Intoxication"). The song becomes a trio between Armand, Marguerite and Otto.
At the concentration camp, Pierrot is tortured ("Day by Day (Part One)"). He manages to buy his way out of trouble by giving the Nazis the name and address of a Jew – Lucien.
Annette goes to see Armand. She has train tickets and wants him to leave Paris with her. Lucien bursts in and explains the situation - he must leave Paris at once. While Armand packs his bags, Marguerite comes to his flat and they make love ("I Am Here").
That night, Annette and Lucien wait for Armand at the train station. Lucien leaves, but Annette stays behind, promising to join him later ("Take Good Care of Yourself").
Annette meets her resistance contact, who gives her a briefcase full of documents and tells her to smuggle them out of Paris. He warns her that Armand is having an affair with a Nazi officer's lover, making him a danger to her and himself. This worries Annette ("Take Good Care of Yourself (Reprise)"). Annette goes to Armand's flat, arriving at the same time as Hermann, who captures her after finding incriminating documents in her bag.
Otto is sitting in a darkened room with Marguerite's love letters, singing about his feelings ("I Hate the Very Thought of Women"). When Marguerite arrives home, he confronts her with the letters. Hermann brings in Annette, who is covered in cuts and bruises. Otto promises to stop torturing Annette if Marguerite writes a letter to Armand saying that she will never see him again. Marguerite complies, hoping that Armand will understand ("The Letter"). Armand reads the letter and is distraught ("What’s Left of Love").
There is a big New Year's Eve party and the chanteuse sings ("Paris"). Marguerite accompanies Otto, against her will. Armand attends, disguising himself with a mask. As the fireworks ring in the new year, Armand shoots Otto dead. The crowd sing of change again ("Day by Day (Part Three)").
Without Otto to support her, Marguerite visits Georges and asks him to help her find work as a singer, but he refuses. He confesses that he had only pretended to be her friend so that he could mingle with the upper class. Distraught, Marguerite leaves ("How Did I Get to Where I Am?").
Paris is liberated ("Day by Day (Part Four)"), and the French turn on the Nazi sympathizers. They attack Marguerite in her home "(Come One Come All (Reprise)"). Armand, Annette, Lucien and Pierrot rush in and break up the mob. Armand sends Pierrot to find a doctor. He tells her that Annette explained the circumstances under which Marguerite wrote that the letter, and forgives her. They confess their love for each other, but it is too late, and Marguerite dies in Armand's arms ("Finale"). He picks her up and carries her off.
Act II
called it "magnifique", stating that it was everything "a proper West End musical should be", and particularly praised Henshall's performance. Richard Littlejohn
however was more critical, describing it as "not a patch on Les Mis". The Sunday Telegraph said it was a "remarkable production" that "raises that bar for modern musicals". The Daily Telegraph
praised the leading actors, as did The Independent
and The Times
.
Musical theatre
Musical theatre is a form of theatre combining songs, spoken dialogue, acting, and dance. The emotional content of the piece – humor, pathos, love, anger – as well as the story itself, is communicated through the words, music, movement and technical aspects of the entertainment as an...
with a book by Alain Boublil
Alain Boublil
Alain Boublil is a musical theatre lyricist and librettist, best known for his collaborations with the composer Claude-Michel Schönberg for musicals on Broadway and London's West End...
, Claude-Michel Schönberg
Claude-Michel Schönberg
Claude-Michel Schönberg is a French record producer, actor, singer, songwriter, and musical theatre composer, best known for his collaborations with the lyricist Alain Boublil.These include the musicals:...
and Jonathan Kent
Jonathan Kent (director)
Jonathan Kent is an English theatre director and opera director. He is best known as a director/producer partner of Ian McDiarmid at the Almeida Theatre from 1990 to 2002.-Early life:...
, lyrics by Alain Boublil
Alain Boublil
Alain Boublil is a musical theatre lyricist and librettist, best known for his collaborations with the composer Claude-Michel Schönberg for musicals on Broadway and London's West End...
and Herbert Kretzmer
Herbert Kretzmer
Herbert Kretzmer OBE is a South African-born English journalist and lyric writer. He is perhaps best known as the lyricist for the English-language musical adaptation of Les Misérables.-Journalist:...
, and music by Michel Legrand
Michel Legrand
Michel Jean Legrand is a French musical composer, arranger, conductor, and pianist...
, with original French lyrics by Boublil. Based on the romantic novel La Dame aux Camélias by Alexandre Dumas, fils
Alexandre Dumas, fils
Alexandre Dumas, fils was a French author and dramatist. He was the son of Alexandre Dumas, père, also a writer and playwright.-Biography:...
, the musical updates the story to 1940s German-occupied Paris
Paris
Paris is the capital and largest city in France, situated on the river Seine, in northern France, at the heart of the Île-de-France region...
. It tells the tale of a 40-year-old ex-singer and her affair with a young musician who is mixed up with the French Resistance
French Resistance
The French Resistance is the name used to denote the collection of French resistance movements that fought against the Nazi German occupation of France and against the collaborationist Vichy régime during World War II...
, whilst she is the mistress of a Nazi officer. It began previews at the Theatre Royal Haymarket in London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
on 7 May 2008 and had its press night on 20 May 2008. Co-authors and producers Boublil and Schönberg announced an early closing date of 13 September 2008 (it had been scheduled to run through 1 November 2008).
There is to be a new production of Marguerite, in Ostrava, Czech Republic. The official opening is planned for December 2010. This production is set to be entirely different from the original staging in London and will be completely rewritten by Alain Boublil and Marie Zamora. The new musical numbers written by Legrand and completely new orchestration is added by William D. Brohn. This new version is produced by the subsidized theatre NDM (National Moravian Silesian Theatre) in Czech with lyrics by Michael Prostejovsky. The Czech creative team is led by director Gabriela Haukvicova.
The Original version of the show is having one of its first out of London stagings, and is being produced in Guildford from the 12-15 January 2011 by PH Productions. It features Becky Van-Orden as Marguerite and Oliver Trumble as Armand, supported by a cast of 16. The production is at The Mill Studio.
Prologue
August 25, 1944Liberation of Paris
The Liberation of Paris took place during World War II from 19 August 1944 until the surrender of the occupying German garrison on August 25th. It could be regarded by some as the last battle in the Battle for Normandy, though that really ended with the crushing of the Wehrmacht forces between the...
. The citizens of Paris sing about Marguerite, who was once a well-known lady of Parisian society ("Come One Come All").
Act I
March 3, 1942. It is Marguerite’s 40th birthday and she is celebrating with her friends, who are living in blissful ignorance of the war ("Let the World Turn"). As dinner is served, Marguerite's former talent agentTalent agent
A talent agent, or booking agent, is a person who finds jobs for actors, authors, film directors, musicians, models, producers, professional athletes, writers and other people in various entertainment businesses. Having an agent is not required, but does help the artist in getting jobs...
, Georges, brings a band in. The band consists of Armand, his sister Annette, her boyfriend Lucien and their friend Pierrot. Annette, Lucien and Pierrot are members of the resistance
French Resistance
The French Resistance is the name used to denote the collection of French resistance movements that fought against the Nazi German occupation of France and against the collaborationist Vichy régime during World War II...
. Armand recalls seeing Marguerite sing years before, and being captivated. Marguerite is delighted to learn that they are a swing band and encourages everyone to leave the table and dance while Annette sings "Jazz Time". Marguerite becomes flirtatious with all of the men, which enrages her lover, Otto. Armand attempts to calm the situation by playing "China Doll," Marguerite's biggest hit, and Marguerite is persuaded to sing.
An air raid siren sounds and a distant explosion shakes the room. Everyone runs off to the shelter
Air-raid shelter
Air-raid shelters, also known as bomb shelters, are structures for the protection of the civil population as well as military personnel against enemy attacks from the air...
except for Marguerite. Armand is the last to leave and the two are left alone. Armand tells Marguerite that he knows that she only pretends to be happy, and Marguerite confesses that she does not love Otto. As they move towards each other, a bomb shatters the French windows
French Windows
-Personnel:*Sonny Condell – guitar, vocals*Neil MacColl – electric & acoustic guitars*Simon Edwards – bass*Graham Henderson – synthesizer, organ, accordion, mandola, backing vocals*Roy Dodds – drums & percussion*Helen Boulding – backing vocalsProduction...
and the electricity goes out. Marguerite and Armand share a passionate kiss as the all-clear siren sounds ("China Doll (Reprise)"). The guests return, shaken but unharmed. Armand leaves, and Marguerite promises to meet him the next day.
In her bedroom, Marguerite reflects on her feelings for Armand ("The Face I See"). Otto enters and tries to confess his love for her, but she changes the subject. Otto becomes enraged and reminds her that even if she doesn't love him, she is still his mistress.
The next day, the band members reflect on the changing state of Paris, while Armand sings of his new passion for Marguerite ("Time Was When"). A Nazi band is playing at the same bandstand and the crowd joins in ("The World Begins Today") Armand waits for Marguerite ("Waiting") but when she does arrive it is only to tell him that their relationship can never be.
Lucien and Annette are at home listening to coded radio messages when they hear that the French government will force Jews to wear an identifying mark. This worries Lucien as he is Jewish. Annette says she will speak to her resistance contact about leaving Paris. Pierrot arrives, carrying various food items that he had stolen from the party. When Pierrot leaves, he is stopped by the police. They discover the stolen food in his bag and send him away to a concentration camp.
Armand sings of his love for Marguerite ("Intoxication"). The song becomes a trio between Armand, Marguerite and Otto.
At the concentration camp, Pierrot is tortured ("Day by Day (Part One)"). He manages to buy his way out of trouble by giving the Nazis the name and address of a Jew – Lucien.
Annette goes to see Armand. She has train tickets and wants him to leave Paris with her. Lucien bursts in and explains the situation - he must leave Paris at once. While Armand packs his bags, Marguerite comes to his flat and they make love ("I Am Here").
That night, Annette and Lucien wait for Armand at the train station. Lucien leaves, but Annette stays behind, promising to join him later ("Take Good Care of Yourself").
Act II
Marguerite and Armand meet in a park, as the crowd sing of change ("Day by Day (Part Two)"). Otto calls upon Hermann, a fellow Nazi officer, to have Marguerite followed. Marguerite goes to see Armand ("Dreams Shining Dreams"). She tells him that she must leave early because Otto has invited guests. He becomes angry and throws her love letters all over his flat as she goes.Annette meets her resistance contact, who gives her a briefcase full of documents and tells her to smuggle them out of Paris. He warns her that Armand is having an affair with a Nazi officer's lover, making him a danger to her and himself. This worries Annette ("Take Good Care of Yourself (Reprise)"). Annette goes to Armand's flat, arriving at the same time as Hermann, who captures her after finding incriminating documents in her bag.
Otto is sitting in a darkened room with Marguerite's love letters, singing about his feelings ("I Hate the Very Thought of Women"). When Marguerite arrives home, he confronts her with the letters. Hermann brings in Annette, who is covered in cuts and bruises. Otto promises to stop torturing Annette if Marguerite writes a letter to Armand saying that she will never see him again. Marguerite complies, hoping that Armand will understand ("The Letter"). Armand reads the letter and is distraught ("What’s Left of Love").
There is a big New Year's Eve party and the chanteuse sings ("Paris"). Marguerite accompanies Otto, against her will. Armand attends, disguising himself with a mask. As the fireworks ring in the new year, Armand shoots Otto dead. The crowd sing of change again ("Day by Day (Part Three)").
Without Otto to support her, Marguerite visits Georges and asks him to help her find work as a singer, but he refuses. He confesses that he had only pretended to be her friend so that he could mingle with the upper class. Distraught, Marguerite leaves ("How Did I Get to Where I Am?").
Paris is liberated ("Day by Day (Part Four)"), and the French turn on the Nazi sympathizers. They attack Marguerite in her home "(Come One Come All (Reprise)"). Armand, Annette, Lucien and Pierrot rush in and break up the mob. Armand sends Pierrot to find a doctor. He tells her that Annette explained the circumstances under which Marguerite wrote that the letter, and forgives her. They confess their love for each other, but it is too late, and Marguerite dies in Armand's arms ("Finale"). He picks her up and carries her off.
Original London principal cast
- Marguerite — Ruthie HenshallRuthie HenshallValentine Ruth Henshall , better known as Ruthie Henshall, is an English singer, dancer, and actress best known for her work in musical theatre. Henshall attended the Laine Theatre Arts school in Epsom, Surrey before making her first professional appearance on stage in 1986...
- Armand — Julian OvendenJulian OvendenJulian Ovenden is an English stage, television and film actor and singer. He is one of three children of Canon John Ovenden, chaplain to Queen Elizabeth II....
- Otto — Alexander HansonAlexander Hanson (actor)Alexander Hanson is a British stage actor who has appeared in numerous plays and musicals in the West End, and recently on Broadway.-Personal life:Hanson is an alumnus of Guildhall School of Music and Drama...
- Lucien — Simon Thomas
- Annette — Annalene Beechey
- Pierrot — Matt Cross
- Georges — Andrew C Wadsworth
- Chanteuse — Gay SoperGay SoperGay Soper is an English actress.She is perhaps best known for her performance in the musical Godspell with David Essex, Julie Covington and Jeremy Irons as well as Mme. Thenardier on the Complete Symphonic Recording of Les Misérables. She also performed all the voices for The Flumps, a famous...
- Hermann — Keiron Crook
Song list
Act I- Come One Come All – Ensemble
- Let the World Turn – Marguerite, Georges, Ensemble
- Jazz Time – Annette, Armand, Lucien, Pierrot, Ensemble
- China Doll – Marguerite
- China Doll (Reprise) – Armand, Marguerite
- The Face I See – Marguerite
- Time Was When – Lucien, Annette, Pierrot, Armand
- The World Begins Today – Ensemble
- Waiting – Armand, Marguerite
- Intoxication – Armand, Marguerite, Otto
- Day by Day (Part One) – Ensemble
- I Am Here – Marguerite, Armand
- Take Good Care of Yourself – Annette, Lucien
Act II
- Day by Day (Part Two) – Marguerite, Armand, Otto, Ensemble
- Dreams Shining Dreams – Marguerite, Armand
- Take Good Care of Yourself (Reprise) – Annette
- I Hate the Very Thought of Women – Otto
- The Letter – Marguerite, Otto
- What’s Left of Love - Armand
- Paris - Chanteuse, Marguerite, Otto, Armand, Pierrot, Lucien
- Day by Day (Part Three) – Ensemble
- How Did I Get to Where I Am? – Marguerite
- Day by Day (Part Four) – Ensemble
- Come One Come All (Reprise) – Ensemble
- Finale – Marguerite, Armand
Reception
Marguerite was received positively by the critics. The Daily MailDaily Mail
The Daily Mail is a British daily middle-market tabloid newspaper owned by the Daily Mail and General Trust. First published in 1896 by Lord Northcliffe, it is the United Kingdom's second biggest-selling daily newspaper after The Sun. Its sister paper The Mail on Sunday was launched in 1982...
called it "magnifique", stating that it was everything "a proper West End musical should be", and particularly praised Henshall's performance. Richard Littlejohn
Richard Littlejohn
Richard William Littlejohn is an English author, broadcaster and journalist. He is noted for his Conservative views and currently writes a twice-weekly column for the Daily Mail....
however was more critical, describing it as "not a patch on Les Mis". The Sunday Telegraph said it was a "remarkable production" that "raises that bar for modern musicals". The Daily Telegraph
The Daily Telegraph
The Daily Telegraph is a daily morning broadsheet newspaper distributed throughout the United Kingdom and internationally. The newspaper was founded by Arthur B...
praised the leading actors, as did The Independent
The Independent
The Independent is a British national morning newspaper published in London by Independent Print Limited, owned by Alexander Lebedev since 2010. It is nicknamed the Indy, while the Sunday edition, The Independent on Sunday, is the Sindy. Launched in 1986, it is one of the youngest UK national daily...
and The Times
The Times
The Times is a British daily national newspaper, first published in London in 1785 under the title The Daily Universal Register . The Times and its sister paper The Sunday Times are published by Times Newspapers Limited, a subsidiary since 1981 of News International...
.
Footage
External links
Marguerite Czech Republic - http://www.ndm.cz/aktuality.php#akt368- Official website
- Footage of the Press Launch Day for the Original London production. Musical extracts and interviews with the cast and talent plus the only interview with Michel Legrand. Filmed by Sean James Cameron with Interviews by Glenn Rice
- Theatre Royal Haymarket website
- Marguerite at London Theatre Breaks