Redhead (Musical)

Redhead is a Broadway musical set in London in the 1880s, around the time of Jack the Ripper. It is a murder mystery in the setting of a waxworks museum. The music was composed by Albert Hague & the lyrics by Dorothy Fields, who with her brother, Herbert, and Sidney Sheldon were responsible for the story. The leading parts were taken by Gwen Verdon and Richard Kiley, and the original production was particularly notable for its direction and choreography by Bob Fosse, who was married to Verdon at the time. The show opened at the 46th Street Theatre, New York, on February 5, 1959, and ran for 452 performances.

Original Broadway Cast

• Ruth LaRue - Pat Ferrier
• Howard Cavanaugh - William Le Massena
• Maude Simpson - Cynthia Latham
• Sarah Simpson - Doris Rich
• George Poppett - Leonard Stone
• Inspector White - Ralph Sumpter
• Essie Whimple - Gwen Verdon
• Tom Baxter - Richard Kiley
• May - Joy Nichols
• Tilly - Pat Perrier
• Alfy (Stage Doorman) - Lee Krirger
• Sir Charles Willingham - Patrick Horgan

Songs

• "At the Simpson Sisters' Waxworks"--Ensemble
• "The Right Finger of My Left Hand"--Essie
• "Just For Once"--Essie, Tom, and George
• "Merely Marvelous"--Essie
• "Uncle Sam Rag"--George and Ensemble
• "'Erbie Fitch's Twitch"--Essie
• "Not Enough Woman For Me"--Tom and George
• "Behave Yourself"--Essie, Maude, Sarah, and Tom
• "Look Who's In Love"--Essie and Tom
• "Just Enough Woman For Me"--Tom and Ensemble
• "Essie's Vision"--Essie and Ensemble
• "Two Faces In the Dark"--Tenor and Ensemble
• "I'm Back in Circulation"--Tom
• "We Loves Ya, Jimey"--Essie, May, Tilly, and Ensemble
• "Pick-Pocket Tango"--Essie and Jailer
• "I'll Try"--Essie and Tom
• "Finale"--Essie, Tom, and Company

Reference

Guinness Who's Who of Stage Musicals - editor Colin Larken ISBN 0-85112-756-8

Playbill of 46th Street Theatre

Broadway musicals | Musicals