Fine and Dandy (musical)

Fine and Dandy is a musical with music by Kay Swift, lyrics by Paul James (a pseudonym for James P. Warburg), and a book by Donald Ogden Stewart. It premiered on Broadway in 1930.

The plot centers around Joe, a construction worker, who accidentally invents a revolutionary construction technique. This leads to unexpected wealth and social complications as he tries to navigate high society and win the affection of a debutante, Nancy. The musical satirizes the excesses of wealth and the clash between the working class and the upper class during the Roaring Twenties.

Fine and Dandy is notable for its innovative use of jazz-influenced music and its witty, satirical lyrics. Key musical numbers include "Fine and Dandy," the title song, and "The Jig Hop." While not considered a long-running success in its original Broadway production, Fine and Dandy is remembered for its sophisticated score and its reflection of the social and economic climate of its time. Revivals have occurred over the years, demonstrating continued interest in its score and themes. The show provides a glimpse into the musical theater landscape during the early years of the Great Depression.