Make a Wish (musical)

Make a Wish is a musical with music by Hugh Martin, lyrics by Ralph Blane, and a book by Preston Sturges, based on his 1937 film The Good Fairy.

Synopsis

The story centers on Janette, a young orphan in Paris who works as a theater usherette. Due to her innocence and naiveté, she is given a stock portfolio by a kind lawyer. Complications arise when she attempts to help people using the money, leading to mistaken identities and romantic entanglements. Believing she must prove her virtue to the lawyer, she invents a fake fiancé, which sets off a series of comedic events.

Production History

Make a Wish premiered on Broadway at the Winter Garden Theatre on April 18, 1951, and closed on June 30, 1951, after 102 performances. The production was directed by John C. Wilson and choreographed by Gower Champion. The original cast included Nanette Fabray as Janette, Stephen Douglass as Paul, and Melville Cooper as Bibi.

Musical Numbers

The score includes songs such as:

• "Make a Wish"
• "Overnight Express from Paris"
• "Dis donc, dis donc"
• "What I Was Warned About"
• "When I Am Free to Travel"
• "I Wanna Be Good"
• "Love Is Just Around the Corner"
• "The Tour Eiffel"
• "Who Gives a Sou?"
• "It May Not Be Good for You"

Reception

While the score was generally well-received, the book by Preston Sturges was considered weak, and the production ultimately failed to find a substantial audience. Despite the short run, the musical has retained some interest due to its talented creative team and charming score.

Recordings

An original cast recording was released, preserving the score and performances from the initial Broadway production.

Licensing

The rights to perform Make a Wish are managed by licensing houses and are available for amateur and professional productions.