Definition
Redhead is a 1959 American musical comedy with music by Albert Hague, lyrics by Dorothy Fields, and a book co‑written by Herbert and Dorothy Fields. It premiered on Broadway and was produced by the Rodgers and Hammerstein Organization.
Overview
The musical opened at the 46th Street Theatre (later the Brooks Atkinson Theatre) in New York City on February 25, 1959. It ran for 452 performances, closing on March 13, 1960. The production was directed by Robert Lewis, choreographed by Bob Fosse, and starred Gwen Verdon in the title role of a circus performer named Lili Vanessi. Redhead received critical acclaim and won five Tony Awards, including Best Musical and Best Actress in a Musical for Verdon.
The plot is set in a 1920s circus and follows Lili Vanessi, a daring trapeze artist who discovers that she is the heir to a large fortune, prompting a series of comedic attempts to claim her inheritance while navigating romantic entanglements and circus intrigue.
Etymology/Origin
The title Redhead refers directly to the protagonist’s distinctive red hair, which serves as a visual and narrative motif throughout the show. The word “redhead” itself is an English noun denoting a person with red hair; in the context of the musical it functions as a descriptive identifier for the lead character.
Characteristics
- Musical Style: The score blends traditional Broadway melodic structures with elements of 1920s jazz and circus music, reflecting the period setting and the theatrical environment of a traveling circus.
- Key Numbers: Notable songs include “The Redhead,” “No One Is Alone,” “You Do Something to Me” (a rendition of a Cole Porter standard inserted for the stage production), and “The Great Love Story.”
- Choreography: Bob Fosse’s choreography incorporates stylized, angular movements and tap sequences that highlight Verdon’s athleticism as a former dancer and circus performer.
- Design: Set and costume design by Cecil Beaton evoke the vibrant, flamboyant atmosphere of a 1920s circus, with bold colors and period‑appropriate attire.
- Awards: The production earned five Tony Awards (Best Musical, Best Actress, Best Direction, Best Choreography, Best Scenic Design) and was nominated for additional categories such as Best Costume Design.
Related Topics
- Gwen Verdon – American dancer and actress, lead performer in Redhead.
- Bob Fosse – Choreographer and director known for his work on Redhead and later Broadway productions.
- Dorothy Fields – Lyricist and librettist, one of the few women prominent in mid‑20th‑century American musical theatre.
- Albert Hague – Composer of the musical’s score.
- Broadway musical theatre of the 1950s – Historical context for the production’s style and reception.
- Tony Awards – The major theatre awards that recognized Redhead in 1959.