The Baroness Fiddlesticks is a two-act 1904 Broadway musical with a book by George de Long.[1][2][3] It was directed by Al M. Holbrook.[4] The show's music was composed by Emil Bruguiere, with lyrics by de Long.[1][2] The show opened on November 21, 1904, and ran for 25 performances at the Casino Theatre before closing on December 10, 1904.[2][5]
The show took place in contemporary England and was billed as "a musical satire on society".[3] Harry Lehr asked that his name be removed from one of the show's songs.[6]
The show was mired in controversy, mostly surrounding eighteen-year-old Anna Fitzhugh being cast in the show's titular role.[3] One financial backer objected to her casting, and she was removed from the show by the end of its first week on Broadway.[3] However, the other cast members supported Fitzhugh, saying she had been "very badly used".[3] Many of the cast members put in their two-week notice by November 25.[3] At the same time, conductor Arthur Weld had resigned.[3]
London musical hall entertainer Patrina is invited to a house party at Mashaway's country estate.[3] However, she decides to attend the event as the Baroness Fiddlesticks.[3] Mashaway, who wants to make his name as a member of the stock exchange, comes at odds with Patrina's masquerade.[3]
Character | 1904 Broadway[4] |
---|---|
Patrina/Baroness Fiddlesticks | Anna Fitzhugh |
Mashaway | John E. Henshaw |
Maurel Trenchant | Tony Asher |
Geraldine | Nella Bergen |
Mrs. McGurk | Mary Ten Broeck |
Isabelle | Toby Claude |
Cholly | Walter A. Cluxton |
Marionetta | Anna Johnston |
Jenkins | Gustav Koldovski |
Archer | Richie Ling |
Jack Elkins | Alden McClaskie |
Monty | Edna McClure |
The Duchess of Reelboro | Minnie Methot |
Algy | Mae Sherwood |
The order of songs is unknown, and they are thus presented alphabetically.[3][7]
The New York Evening World praised Bruguiere's score as "worthwhile" saying that he "would undoubtedly have been able to get [the show] produced even if he had been broke". Brooklyn Life, the Galveston Daily News, and the Louisville Courier-Journal also praised the show's music. Both the Daily Times and Evening World papers were critical of the show's book.[3]
The New York Times called the show "a decided hit" and praised its costuming.[3]
Fitzhugh and the rest of the cast generally seemed to garner positive reviews.[3]