Overview
Synopsis
Mrs. Murray (of the Murray Hill Murrays) has taken many young women under her charge during the Revolutionary War. As they reside in Murray House, sewing uniforms for General George Washington鈥檚 army, some of the young women make acquaintance with British soldiers, homesick and looking for companionship. Mrs. Murray is quick to discourage the ladies from entertaining the British soldiers, but when Washington sends word to Mrs. Murray that she must try to detain the British troops for as long as possible, it is up to Mrs. Murray and her lovely ladies to charm the soldiers and delay their marching. Can the ladies save the day? Dearest Enemy is a historical comedy and the first of eight book musicals written by the duo of Rodgers & Hart. Please note that this guide is based on the original 1925 production, not the 2001 restoration production.
Show Information
- Book
- Herbert Fields
- Music
- Richard Rodgers
- Lyrics
- Lorenz Hart
- Based on the Play/Book/Film
- Based on a true American Revolutionary War incident.
- Category
- Musical
- Age Guidance
- Youth (Y)/General Audiences (G)
- Number of Acts
- 2
- First Produced
- 1925
- Genres
- Comedy, Historical/Biographical
- Settings
- Period, Unit/Single Set
- Time & Place
- New York, 1776
- Cast Size
- large
- Orchestra Size
- Large
- Dancing
- Some Dance
- Licensor
- None/royalty-free
- Ideal For
- Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, College/University, High School, Mostly Male Cast, Includes Young Adult, Mature Adult, Late Teen, Adult Characters, Large Cast
Context
Plot
Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lead |
Female |
Soprano |
|
|
Lead |
Male |
Tenor |
|
|
Lead |
Female |
Soprano |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Soprano |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Tenor |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Baritone |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Tenor |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Tenor |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Tenor |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Tenor |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Tenor |
|
|
Featured |
Female |
Soprano |
|
|
Featured |
Female |
Mezzo-Soprano |
|
|
Featured |
Female |
Soprano |
|
|
Ensemble |
Either Gender |
Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Baritone, Bass |
Songs
ACT ONE
- Heigh-ho, Lackaday - Polly, Caroline, Adele, Mrs Murray & Girls
- War Is War - Mrs Murray & Girls
- I Beg Your Pardon - Jane & Harry
- Cheerio - Sir John, Harry, Generals & Officers
- Full Blown Roses - Mrs Murray, Generals, Officers & Girls
- The Hermits - Mrs Murray & General Tryon
- Here in My Arms - Betsy & Sir John
- Finale Act I (Tho' We've No Authentic Reason) - Company
ACT TWO
- Gavotte - Officers & Girls
- I'd Like to Hide It - Betsy & Girls
- Where the Hudson River Flows - Mrs Murray, Generals Tryon and Howe, Officers & Girls
- Bye and Bye - Betsy & Sir John
- Old Enough To Love - General Tryon & Girls
- Sweet Peter - Jane, Harry, Officers & Girls
- Here's a Kiss - Betsy & Sir John
ACT THREE
- Opening Act III (Epilogue) - Ensemble
- Bye & Bye (Reprise) - Jane, Harry & Betsy
- Here in My Arms (reprise) - Betsy
- Finale - Company
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.
Monologues
Scenes
Key Terms
The revolt of the American colonies against Great Britain, beginning in 1775 with the Battles of Lexington and Concord and ending at Yorktown in 1781.
Description of material not protected by copyright law.
Videos
Quizzes
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
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Guide Written By:
Emma Houlahan
Canadian vocalist and actor now based in London.