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Mexican Hayride

Cover to reissued cast album

A Musical Comedy in 2 Acts, 10 Scenes. Book by Herbert and Dorothy Fields. Music and lyrics by Cole Porter. Staged by Hassard Short. Book directed by John Kennedy. Dances by Paul Haakon. Sets by George Jenkins. Costumes by Mary Grant. Orchestra directed by Harry Levant. Orchestrations by (Robert) Russell Bennett and Ted Royal. Choral Arrangements by William Parson. Produced by Michael Todd.

Opened 28 January 1944 at the Winter Garden, New York, transferred 18 December 1944 to the Majestic Theatre, and closed 17 March 1945 after a total of 481 performances.

Synopsis

It is 'Amigo Americano" week at the Plaza de Toros in Mexico. The cheering spectators are excitedly throwing their hats, coats and sundries to the famous American lady bullfighter, Montana who stands victoriously over the defeated bull. Among the crowd is Joe Bascom, alias Humphrey Fish, an American numbers racket king who happens to be Montana's brother-in-law. In the excitement, someone throws Bascom's coat, containing $10,000, to Montana in the ring.

Meanwhile, Montana is making ready to cut off and throw the bull's ear to the young and handsome American Chargé d'Affaires, David Winthrop, when she spots Bascom. This enrages her and, unthinkingly, she pitches the bull's ear at him in disgust. Joe Bascom is now the "Amigo Americano," ironically rewarded with a week of fêting, adulation and honours.

Bascom, realising he is in no position to receive such publicity and scrutiny, tries to escape his temporary fame. When this proves unsuccessful, he goes under cover. Knowing that she would be ruined if Bascom is exposed, Montana agrees to preserve his disguise. Besides, she and David Winthrop have fallen in love, and she does not want to jeopardise this relationship.

Meanwhile, Bascom has become friendly with Lombo Campos, a speculator who is also Montana's agent. Bascom convinces Campos to take part in a private lottery scheme. Campos uses Bascom's $10,000 (which has been entrusted to him by Montana for safe-keeping and which Joe has been trying to recover), plus $30,000 belonging to Montana, for capital. The Government goes after Campos. Bascom, however, almost succeeds in being undetected until his wife (whom he deserted some years before) bursts in on the scene and exposes him. David, believing that Montana is also working hand in hand with these schemers, breaks off their engagement. With clever manoeuvering, both Bascom and Campos escape and the search for the criminals is on.

In the gardens at Xochimilco, a favourite picnic spot, Bascom and Campos, disguised as Mariachi players, decide to join forces in eluding justice. Montana and David discover them and the chase proceeds to Taxco where Bascom and Campos now masquerade as "Mom and Pop" tortilla vendors. The con men are unmasked and taken back to Mexico City, where they are claimed by their respective governments. Montana and David are reunited and again in love. It is the end of 'Amigo Americano" week — and the end of "Mexican Hayride."

Cast

(in order of appearance):

  • Mrs. Augustus Adamson
  • Lombo Campos
  • Eadie Johnson
  • Augustus, Jr.
  • Mr. Augustus Adamson
  • Joe Bascom, alias Humphrey Fish
  • Montana
  • Picadors: Horton Henderson, Jerry Sylvon.
  • Billy
  • Dagmar Marshak
  • Henry A. Wallace
  • José, head-waiter
  • Lolita Cantine
  • A. C. Blumenthal
  • Tillie Leeds
  • Lydia Toddle
  • Carol, Ex-King of Roumania
  • Mme. Lupescu
  • Miguel Correres
  • David Winthrop
  • Bolero
  • Chief of Police
  • Lottery Boy
  • Mrs. Molly Wincor
  • First Merchant
  • Second Merchant
  • Third Merchant
  • Fourth Merchant
  • Fifth Merchant
  • Woman Vendor
  • Lottery Girl
  • Paul
  • Eleanor
  • Lillian
  • Senor Martinez

Show Girls; Dancing Girls; Dancing Boys; Children

Scenes and settings

Act 1

Scene 1: The Plaza de Toros, Mexico, D.F.
Scene 2: The Bedroom De la Reforma Hotel.
Scene 3: The Bar at Ciro's.
Scene 4: A Street in the Merced Market.
Scene 5: An Outdoor Corridor of the National Palace.
Scene 6: Terrace of the Palace at Chepultepec.

Act 2

Scene 1: Xochimilco.
Scene 2: A Gas Station (on the Paseo de la Reforma).
Scene 3: Taxco.
Scene 4: Terrace of the Palace at Chepultepec.

Musical Numbers:

  1. Entrance of Montana - Principals, Girls and Boys
  2. Dance - Girls, Boys
  3. Dance - Billy
  4. Sing to Me, Guitar - Lolita, Ensemble, Musical Trio
  5. The Good-Will Movement - David, Ensemble
  6. Dance - Billy, Girls and Boys
  7. The Good-Will Movement (reprise) - David, Girls
  8. I Love You - David
  9. Dance - Paul, Eleanor
  10. I Love You (reprise) - David
  11. There Must Be Someone For Me - Montana
  12. Carlotta - Lolita, Ensemble
  13. Dance - Girls and Boys
  14. Girls - Boy, Girls
  15. What a Crazy Way to Spend Sunday - Girls and Boys
  16. Dance
  17. Abracadabra - Montana, Boys
  18. I Love You (reprise) - David
  19. Dance - Girls and Boys, the Mariachi Players
  20. Count Your Blessings - Montana, boys
  21. Toreador Ballet - Paul, Ensemble
  22. Finale - Entire Company

Discography

Original Broadway Cast - Selections - Decca Broadway B0003125-02