Julie Andrews (Debut) "STARLIGHT ROOF" at 12 years of age 1947 London Program

Description

This is a rare programme (playbill) from the Original West End production of VAL PARNELL's musical revue "STARLIGHT ROOF" at the Hippodrome in London. (The production opened October 22nd, 1947 and ran for 649 performances.) ..... The musical revue marked the professional debut of 12 year-old JULIE ANDREWS, who amazed the audience with an astonishingly assured rendition of the classic aria "Je Suis Titania" (also known as the "Polonaise") from Ambroises Thomas' "Mignon". The day after opening night, newspapers were ablaze with stories about the "singing prodigy with pigtails". Cecil Wilson in the "Daily Mail" wrote, "Julie Andrews, 12 year-old coloratura soprano, stopped the show in her first West End appearance. She left the theater with cheers and applause ringing in her ears." Critic Lionel Hale similarly enthused, "Miss Julie Andrews sings with the prodigious assurance of an infant prodigy." As far afield as Tasmania, Australia, newspapers ran stories about the "pigtailed little girl in white socks and dancing pumps who ran light-heartedly on to the stage and astounded the seasoned first-night audience with her ... amazing range". Appearing nightly in "Starlight Roof" for its twelve-month run, Julie was thrust into the national, if not international, limelight. She was even given the ultimate British honor of being invited to appear in the annual Royal Variety Performance of 1948 where, apart from singing her customary aria, she was charged with leading the assembled cast and audience in the closing royal anthem. (Reprinted from the liner notes of Decca Records' "Britain's Youngest Prima Donna - Julie Andrews") ..... In addition to JULIE ANDREWS, the
cast included VIC OLIVER, PAT KIRKWOOD, FRED EMNEY, MARILYN HIGHTOWER, WILLIAM VAUX, FRANK BERNASKI, BARBARA PERRY, JERE McMAHON, WALLY BOAG, LUCILLE GAYE, JEAN CARSON, SID RAILTON, CHRIS DRAPER, ERNIE BROOKS, DOUGLAS QUAYLE, JEANETTE HUGHES and MICHAEL BENTINE ..... CREDITS: Comedy Scenes and Dialogue by MATT BROOKS; Music by GEORGE MELACHRINO; Lyrics by ERIC MASCHWITZ; Orchestra conducted by REGINALD COLE; Sets designed by LEON DAVEY; Costumes designed by LUCIEN BERTAUX; Additional Designs by ALEC SHANKS; Choreographed by JOAN DAVIS; Comedy Directed by CHARLES HENRY; Staged by ROBERT NESBITT; Produced by VAL PARNELL ..... DETAILS: The eight page program measures 5" X 7 1/4" inches and includes full production credits, cast list, scenes, schedule of upcoming attractions and the Official Theatre Guide of London, but no cast photos and bios ..... CONDITION: With the exception of minor edge wear, this program is in excellent condition and will make a wonderful addition to the collection of any musical theatre aficionado or historian. This item will be carefully packaged in a protective, carded sleeve and backed by stiff cardboard.
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