Harrigan 'N Hart

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Harrigan 'N Hart is a musical with a book by Michael Stewart, lyrics by Peter Walker, and music by Max Showalter. The show is based on the book The Merry Partners by Ely Jacques Kahn, Jr. and material found by Nedda Harrigan Logan. [1]

Contents

The show opened at the Longacre Theatre on January 31, 1985, and closed on February 3, 1985, after 25 previews and 4 performances. [2]

Synopsis

The show follows the rise of Edward Harrigan and Tony Hart, better known as Harrigan & Hart, and their later decline.

Song List

Act I
Act II

Original production

The show was directed by Joe Layton, songs of the period by Edward Harrigan and David Braham, based on material compiled by Nedda Harrigan Logan and The Merry Partners by E.J. Kahn Jr., scenic design by David Mitchell, costume design by Ann Hould-Ward, lighting design by Richard Nelson, music supervision, orchestrations and arrangements by John McKinney, musical director Peter Howard, sound design by Otts Munderloh, production stage manager Mary Porter Hall, choreographed by K.J. Giagni. Presented by Elliot Martin, Arnold Bernhard and The Shubert Organization. [1]

The cast included Harry Groener (Harrigan), Mark Hamill (Hart), Mark Fotopoulos (Stetson, Andrew LeCouvrier, Judge, Jonny Wild, Captain and William Gill), Clent Bowers (Archie White, Sam Nichols, Felix Barker and Uncle Albers), Cleve Asbury (Old Colonel, Billy Gross and Nat Goodwin), Barbara Moroz (The Colonel's Wife, Elsie Fay and Belle), Roxie Lucas (Eleanor and Ada Lewis), Oliver Woodall (Martin Hanley), Christopher Wells (Alfred J. Dugan, Harry Mack, Judge Hilton, and Doctor), Tudi Roche (Annie Braham Harrigan), Kenstom Ames (Chester Fox, Photographer, Newsboy and Newspaperman), Merilee Magnuson (Lily Fay, Adelaide Harrigan and Jurse), Armelia McQueen (Mrs. Annie Yeamons), Amelia Marshall (Jennie Yeamons and Newsgirl), and Christine Ebersole (Gerta Granville).

Frank Rich of The New York Times found the show dull and "aimless", [1] and so did audiences, as it closed after 25 previews and four regular performances. [2]

Awards and nominations

Original Broadway production

YearAwardCategoryNomineeResult
1985 Tony Award Best Book of a Musical Michael Stewart Nominated
Drama Desk Award Outstanding Actor in a Musical Mark Hamill Nominated
Harry Groener Nominated

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References

  1. 1 2 3 Rich, Frank. "Stage: Harrigan 'n Hart Opens at the Longacre", The New York Times, February 1, 1985, accessed October 1, 2014
  2. 1 2 Harrigan 'n Hart, Internet Broadway Database, accessed October 1, 2014