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The Maid of the Mountains

A musical comedy in 3 acts; Lyrics by Harry Graham.: Music by H. Fraser-Simson : Book by Frederick Lonsdale

Palace Theatre, Manchester - 23 December, 1916
Daly's Theatre, London 10 February, 1917 (1352 perfs)
Casino Theatre, Broadway - 11 September, 1918 (37 perfs)

Synopsis

José Collins as Theresa
José Collins as Thérèse

The Maid of the Mountains happily has secured a place as one of the world's best known Musical Comedies. In addition to successful tours throughout the United Kingdom it has been performed throughout the United States of America, Canada, South Africa, Australia and, in fact, most of the countries of the world. To Miss José Collins is due to a very considerable degree the success which the play has obtained, but its delightful music has also contributed to its wonderful popularity.

The story of the play opens in the lair, high up in the mountains, of Baldassaré, the famous Brigand of whom the whole country lives in fear. The men are resent fully discussing the decision of their Chief to disband and they endeavour to persuade Teresa, whom they accuse of being in love with Baldassaré, to dissuade him. Baldassaré. enters and commands his followers to make ready to depart. The spoils of many raids are brought out and divided amongst them and Baldassaré, giving Teresa her share in money, tells her that she must go at once for their hiding place is surrounded. She pleads to be allowed to stay and then goes sadly, singing: Farewell.

When leaving the mountains Teresa is captured and, being recognised as one of the famous band, is taken to the Palace of Santo. General Malona, the Governor of the State, greatly hopes to capture the Brigands before the expiration of his term of office, and uses every effort to make Teresa disclose the whereabouts of their Chief; but in vain. Teresa says "there is honour among thieves,' and sings the beautiful song "Love Will Find a Way".

Meanwhile, Baldassaré, together with some of his band, has seized the new Governor, Count Orsino, who was on his way through the mountains to the capital, and overpowered his escort. Donning the uniforms of the unfortunate captives, whom they secure in their cave, the Brigands proceed to Santo to rescue Teresa. Baldassaré meets and falls in love with Angela, the daughter of the retiring Governor, and becomes heedless of his danger in remaining in the town. Beppo, one of the Brigands who has always been in love with Teresa, asks her aid to persuade Baldassaré to leave the capital lest they all be discovered. He again declares his love for her and they sing. the duet:- Friendship and Love.

BEPPO's song of cheer "Live For Today"

Whilst Baldassaré is philandering with Angela, Tonio, another of the Brigands, discovers his wife in Vittoria, the fiancée of General Malona and they sing an amusing duet, "Husbands and Wives."

Beppo enters with the ladies of the Court, who sympathise with him because of his hopeless love, but he cheerfully tells them that he can love them all now as he is a "Bachelor Gay".

The Brigands again endeavour to make Baldassaré leave the town, but he refuses to leave Angela. Teresa, mad with jealousy, turns to the crowd and denounces the,, new Governor" as Baldassaré, the Brigand Chief they have long tried to catch. He and his companions are arrested. In the last Act we see Teresa, who sadly regrets the betrayal of Baldassaré, seated on the shore of an island gazing towards the mainland. All the fisher-folk enter with songs of welcome to await the arrival of the Governor and his friends. Teresa pleads with the General to release Baldassaré and they sing the charming duet, - New Moon.
BEPPO sings "A Bachelor Gay"
to the Maidens of Santo

Vittoria and Tonio, finding they still are in love with each other, become reconciled and plan how they will spend the time during his absence in the Island Prison, and they sing Over There and Over Here.

In the loneliness of his imprisonment Baldassaré realises his regard for Angela was only a passing infatuation, and that he loves Teresa, the Maid of the Mountains. He forgives her betrayal of him and, with the assistance of Lieutenant Rugini, the Governor of the Prison, they escape by boat. The Lieutenant also helps Tonio and his wife to leave the Island; the other Brigands having escaped previously by swimming to the mainland.

Cast of Characters:

Teresa
Tonio
General Malona
Baldasare
Beppo
Carlo
Andrea
Pietro
Lieutenant Rugini
Crumpet
Mayor of Santo
Vittoria
Angela
Gianetta
Maria
Marietta
Beppiria
Pepita

Musical Numbers:

  1. Friends Have To Part - Opening Chorus
  2. Live For Today - Beppo and chorus of men My Life Is Love - Teresa, Beppo and bandits
  3. Nocturne - Orchestra Farewell - Teresa
  4. Dividing the Spoils - Chorus
  5. Finale Act I - Company
  6. Introduction & Opening Chours Act II Love Will Find A Way - Teresa
  7. Laughing Chorus Dirty Work - Governor and Antonio
  8. A Paradise For Two - Teresa and Beppo
  9. Husbands and Wives - Vittoria and Antonio
  10. A Bachelor Gay - Beppo
  11. Finale Act II
  12. Opening Chorus Act III - Chorus of Fisherfolk
  13. Good People Gather Round - Governor, Teresa and Chorus
  14. When You're In Love - Teresa and General Malona
  15. Over There and Over Here - Vittorio and Antonio
  16. Finale Act III Friendship and Love - Teresa and Beppo

Synopsis of scenery

Act 1 - In the Mountains
Act 2 - Courtyard of the Governor's Palace
Act 3 - On An Island

Discography:

Studio Cast recording - Hyperion label CDA67190