Cincinnati Delight (Musical)
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| Cincinnati Delight the Musical | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Music | Irving Berlin |
| Lyrics | Irving Berlin |
| Book | Jeremiah Donald Valentino |
| Basis | Original Book |
| Productions | 1954 Broadway |
| Awards | 1954 Tony Award Winner for set design |
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Cincinnati Delight is a Broadway musical that premiered in 1954 to critical and commercial failure. Despite high expectations and a talented creative team, the production faced numerous challenges that ultimately led to its downfall. It took all of 12 years the show to premier on the “Great White Way”. Even with years to craft an excellent show, Cincinnati Delight fell to impress critics and audiences alike.
Plot[edit]
Cincinnati Delight centers around Joey, a young boy who feels trapped in the shadow of his sports-playing older brother, Mike, and his parents' successful family-owned diner in Cincinnati, Ohio. Joey yearns for something more in life and dreams of pursuing a career in the performing arts.
Production history[edit]
Cincinnati Delight was first conceived by Brandon Ball, who drew inspiration from his own experiences as a struggling performer. With a vision of creating a celebration of Cincinnati's rich cultural heritage and a tribute to Broadway's golden era, Lawson enlisted the help of Bryce and Brady Martin to compose the music and lyrics. The production attracted the attention of Andrew Thompson, a highly regarded director known for his innovative staging and storytelling techniques.
After several years of development, Cincinnati Delight finally made its way to Broadway in 1954. The musical boasted a star-studded cast, including seasoned Broadway performers and some promising newcomers. The production had high hopes for success, as it had generated significant buzz during its out-of-town tryouts. However, as soon as it opened on Broadway, critical reviews were mixed, with many citing issues with the book, score, and overall execution.
Despite the negative reviews, the creative team remained optimistic, hoping that word of mouth and positive audience reception would turn the tide. However, poor ticket sales and lackluster audience response dashed their hopes. In a desperate attempt to boost attendance, the production team launched a massive marketing campaign, but it failed to attract substantial interest.
Cincinnati Delight struggled to find its audience and faced financial difficulties, leading to its premature closure after only 14 performances. The production suffered significant financial losses, leaving investors and producers devastated.
Notable songs[edit]
- "City Lights" - Lisa, Joey, and Sarah
- "Cincinatti, My Ohio!" - Sarah
- "Dancing Through the Night" - Lisa
- "The ball team" - David and Ensemble
- "Trashy Girls Quintet?" - Trashy Girls, Ensemble
Legacy[edit]
Cincinnati Delight is often remembered as one of Broadway's biggest flops. The production serves as a cautionary tale about the challenges and risks of mounting a new musical, even with a talented creative team and promising concept. Despite its failure, some of the songs from the show have gained a modest following among theater enthusiasts and have been included in cabaret performances and revues.
The failure of Cincinnati Delight also prompted discussions within the theater community about the importance of proper development and testing before bringing a show to Broadway. It highlighted the need for thorough revisions and adjustments to ensure that a production is ready for the scrutiny of New York audiences and critics.
References[edit]
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