King's Rhapsody
Encyclopedia
King's Rhapsody is a musical
with book and music by Ivor Novello
and lyrics by Christopher Hassall
.
The musical was first produced at the Palace Theatre, London
, on 15 September 1949 and ran for 841 performances, surviving its author, who died in 1951. It starred Novello in the title role, and Phyllis Dare
as his mistress Marta Karillos, Zena Dare
as his mother, Queen Elana, Vanessa Lee as Princess Cristiane, Robert Andrews as Vanescu, and Olive Gilbert
as Countess Vera.
A 1955 film adaptation
was made, starring Errol Flynn
.
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 book and music by Ivor Novello
Ivor Novello
David Ivor Davies , better known as Ivor Novello, was a Welsh composer, singer and actor who became one of the most popular British entertainers of the first half of the 20th century. Born into a musical family, his first successes were as a songwriter...
and lyrics by Christopher Hassall
Christopher Hassall
Christopher Vernon Hassall was an English actor, dramatist, librettist, lyricist and poet, who found his greatest fame in a memorable musical partnership with the actor and composer Ivor Novello after working together in the same touring company...
.
The musical was first produced at the Palace Theatre, London
Palace Theatre, London
The Palace Theatre is a West End theatre in the City of Westminster in London. It is an imposing red-brick building that dominates the west side of Cambridge Circus and is located near the intersection of Shaftesbury Avenue and Charing Cross Road...
, on 15 September 1949 and ran for 841 performances, surviving its author, who died in 1951. It starred Novello in the title role, and Phyllis Dare
Phyllis Dare
Phyllis Dare born Phyllis Constance Haddie Dones was an English singer and actress who was famous for her performances in Edwardian musical comedy and other musical theatre in the first half of the 20th century....
as his mistress Marta Karillos, Zena Dare
Zena Dare
Zena Dare was an English singer and actress who was famous for her performances in Edwardian musical comedy and other musical theatre and comedic plays in the first half of the 20th century, and for her role as Mrs...
as his mother, Queen Elana, Vanessa Lee as Princess Cristiane, Robert Andrews as Vanescu, and Olive Gilbert
Olive Gilbert
Olive Sarah Gilbert was an operatic singer and actress, who performed in many of Ivor Novello's musicals.-Biography:Gilbert was born in Carmarthen, Wales....
as Countess Vera.
A 1955 film adaptation
King's Rhapsody (film)
King's Rhapsody is a 1955 British musical film directed by Herbert Wilcox and starring Anna Neagle, Errol Flynn and Patrice Wymore. It was based on the musical King's Rhapsody by Ivor Novello.-Cast:* Anna Neagle - Marta Karillos...
was made, starring Errol Flynn
Errol Flynn
Errol Leslie Flynn was an Australian-born actor. He was known for his romantic swashbuckler roles in Hollywood films, being a legend and his flamboyant lifestyle.-Early life:...
.
Musical numbers
- The Dancing Lesson
- Birthday Greetings
- Someday My Heart Will Awake
- National Anthem
- Fly Home, Little Heart
- Mountain Dove
- If This Were Love
- The Mayor of Perpignan
- The Gates of Paradise
- Take Your Girl
- The Violin Began to Play
- Muranian Rhapsody (Ballet)
- Coronation Hymn
- The Years Together, theme from the score, used as a number in the film version.