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LogoThe Roar of the Greasepaint & the Smell of the Crowd

A Musical Entertainment in 2 Acts. Book, music and lyrics by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley.

Theatre Royal, Nottingham - August 3, 1964 (season)
Shubert Theatre, Broadway - 16 May, 1965 (231 perfs)

In style, similar to Stop the World I Want To Get Off, this is an allegorical piece in which the irrepressible Cocky and the imperious Sir play the "game" [of life] in a small arena-like area. Cocky, the little man, always plays by the rules, while the conniving Sir always ignores them and goes his own way. Towards the end, Cocky with the help of Negro begins to assert himself and eventually he and Sir agree that the "game" should be a draw.

Cast:

Male - 6; Female - 1+; Plus chorus

Original UK Cast

Cocky: NORMAN WISDOM. Sir: WILLOUGHBY GODDARD. The Kid: SALLY SMITH. The Girl: DILYS WATLING. The Negro: CY GRANT. The Bully: Bruce Wells

The Urchins: Sheila White, Jacqueline Goodman, Gillian Hoyle, Elizabeth White, Diane Dragisic, Roberta Rex, Sonya Petrie, Denise Garvin, Susan Whitnell, Wendy Padbury, Zena Keller, Ann Holloway, Elaine Paige

Original US Cast

Cocky: ANTHONY NEWLEY. Sir: CYRIL RITCHARD. The Kid: SALLY SMITH. The Girl JOYCE JILLSON. The Negro: GILBERT PRICE. The Bully: Murray Tannenbaum.

The Urchins: Rawley Bates, Lori Browne, Lori Cesar, Jill Choder, Gloria Chu, Kay Cole, Marlene Dell, Boni Enten, Mitzi Feinn, Pamela Gruen, Linda Rae Hager, Cyndi Howard, Laura Michaels, Debbie Palmer, Heather Taylor.

Musical Numbers:

  1. The Beautiful Land - The Urchins
  2. A Wonderful Day Like Today - Sir, Cocky, The Urchins
  3. It Isn't Enough - Cocky, The Urchins
  4. Things to Remember - Sir, The Kid, The Urchins
  5. Put It in the Book - The Kid, The Urchins
  6. This Dream - Cocky
  7. Where Would You Be Without Me? - Sir, Cocky, The Kid
  8. Look At That Face - Sir, The Kid, The Urchins
  9. My First Love Song - Cocky, The Girl
  10. The Joker - Cocky
  11. Who Can I Turn To (When Nobody Needs Me)? - Cocky
  1. A Funny Funeral
  2. That's What It Is To Be Young - The Urchins
  3. What a Man! - Cocky, Sir, The Kid, The Urchins
  4. Feeling Good - The Negro, The Urchins
  5. Nothing Can Stop Me Now! - Cocky, The Urchins
  6. Things to Remember (reprise) - Sir
  7. My Way - Cocky, Sir
  8. Who Can I Turn To? (reprise) - Sir
  9. The Beautiful Land (reprise) - The Urchins
  10. Sweet Beginning - Cocky, Sir
Detail from Theatre Poster

Orchestration:

Violin 1 & 2; Cello; Bass; Reed 1, 2 3, 4 & 5; Horn 1 & 2; Trumpet 1 & 2; Trombone; Percussion; Guitar 1 & 2; Harp; Piano