Saratoga (musical)

Saratoga is a musical with music by Harold Arlen, lyrics by Johnny Mercer, and a book by Edna Ferber. It is based on Ferber's 1941 novel Saratoga Trunk.

The musical tells the story of Clio Dulaine, the illegitimate daughter of a New Orleans Creole woman and a wealthy Texan, and her quest for social acceptance and revenge against her father's family. She travels to Saratoga Springs, New York, during the height of the racing season, accompanied by her devoted servant, Cupidon. In Saratoga, she meets and falls in love with Clint Maroon, a rough-and-tumble cowboy.

Saratoga premiered on Broadway at the Winter Garden Theatre on December 7, 1959, and closed on April 9, 1960, after 80 performances. The original cast included Howard Keel as Clint Maroon and Carol Lawrence as Clio Dulaine. Despite the impressive talent involved, including Ferber writing the book, the production was troubled and critically panned. The score, while considered strong by some, was not enough to overcome the issues with the book and direction.

The show is rarely performed, although some of its songs, like "Love Held Lightly" and "The Men Who Run the Country", have found some life outside the original production.