Babes in Arms (Guare Version)
Babes in Arms (Guare Version)
Music by Rodgers, Richard | Lyrics by Lorenz Hart | Book by Rodgers & Hart | Adapted by John Guare
The 1937 version of Rodgers & Hart's BABES IN ARMS is the quintessential 'Hey, kids, let's put on a show!' musical, boasting one of the greatest scores ever written. A group of teenagers are left without adult supervision when their folks hit the vaudeville summer circuit, and the local sheriff is determined to send the loafers to a work farm. But the determined kids talk the sheriff into a two-week reprieve, just enough time to produce their own show and prove their mettle. The son of a wealthy Southerner agrees to bankroll the production but only on the condition that the two black kids (roles created by the legendary Nicholas Brothers) not appear in the show. The other kids are outraged, but of course the show must go on and does, in a succession of comeuppance, reconciliation and romance. The old-fashioned virtues of a 30's musical comedy are peppered with socio-political issues which have remained resonant for more than six decades, and which later became the hallmark of Rodgers' collaboration with Hammerstein. But it's the sophisticated jocularity that make his musicals with Hart utterly unique, propelling these talented teens in their onward march toward self-discovery. The 1959 adaptation by George Oppenheimer is also available. Please specify which version you would like when ordering.
Participate in the R&H Online Community.Leave comments or talk with other fans in the forum!

About The Show

News for Babes in Arms (Guare Version)

Production Info


Create/Order Merch for Babes in Arms (Guare Version)

To request the rights to make merchandise for this show email brian.sherman@rnh.com.

News for Babes in Arms (Guare Version)

Tuesday May 2 marked the 100th anniversary of the birth of Lorenz Hart, one of this country's greatest and most cherished lyricists... read more

Irving Berlin said it best: "Tuneful, tasteful/Soulful, smart/Music - Rodgers/Lyrics - Hart." read more

Think of your favorite Rodgers & Hammerstein musicals and PIPE DREAM will probably not be the first title to come to mind. In fact, you may not even know it. But in its time, it was one of the most eagerly anticipated new shows to reach Broadway, promising another banquet of R&H hit songs and setting box office records. It opened in November of 1955. Then it disappeared. What happened? Read more →
In the fall of 2010 we ran a contest through our SOUND OF MUSIC Facebook page to give away a trip for two to Salzburg Austria, the location where the movie and stage musical takes place and where the movie was filmed 46 years ago. Read the blog from the winner's trip.
Read more →
I had the incredible honor of visiting Salzburg in October 2011 with members of the von Trapp family. We were there to attend the premiere of the first stage production of THE SOUND OF MUSIC ever done in the city where the story is set, and to preside over the opening of a new exhibition. – BERT FINK

Read more →
Select artwork to see description. Learn About Our Artwork  

Trivia for Babes in Arms (Guare Version)

 Press for Babes in Arms (Guare Version)

  • Quotes
"The show is charming, the numbers sizzle, what more can you ask?" — The Cincinnati Enquirer, January 01, 1998
"BABES IN ARMS is almost too enjoyable for a theatergoer's good!" — Ben Brantley, The New York Times, January 01, 1999
"A score that is altogether superb...fresh, youthful, and utterly captivating." — The New York Times, January 01, 1937
"Pace, humor and presence that belies its age...there hasn't been a musical written in this decade with anywhere near as many first class numbers." — The Day, January 01, 2007
"Pace, humor and presence that belies its age...there hasn't been a musical written in this decade with anywhere near as many first class numbers." — The Day, January 01, 1986
"It is cheering to rediscover the authentic joys of this 1937 Rodgers and Hart musical. An exhilarating hymn to youth... Hart's acerbic wit perfectly counterpoints Rodgers' innate romanticism, and his lyrics are a triumph of ingenious wordplay." — Michael Billington, The Guardian, January 01, 2007
"A pleasant outing featuring one of Broadway's most memorable scores."

— Jonas Schwartz — Jonas Schwartz, Theatermania, January 01, 2003

Videos for Babes in Arms (Guare Version)

  • Image
  • Image

Musical Numbers for Babes in Arms (Guare Version)

Song #
Song Name
Character Name
Play
Other Versions
1
Overture
The Orchestra, Emma and Nat Blackstone, and Maizie and Dan Lamar
2
Where Or When
Val and Billie
3
Babes In Arms
The Gang
4
I Wish I Were In Love Again
Gus and Dolores
5
Babes In Arms (Reprise)
Sheriff and the Gang
6
Light On Our Feet
Irving and Ivor
7
Way Out West
Baby Rose and the Quartette
8
My Funny Valentine
Billie
9
Johnny One-Note
Baby Rose
10
Johnny One-Note Ballet
The Gang
11
Entr'Acte
Orchestra
12
Imagine
Baby Rose and the Quartette
13
All At Once
Val and Billie
14
Imagine (Reprise 1)
Peter and the Quartette
15
Peter's Journey Ballet
Peter and the Company
16
Imagine (Reprise 2)
Peter and the Quartette
17
The Lady Is A Tramp
Billie
18
You Are So Fair
Gus and Dolores
19
The Lady Is A Tramp (Reprise)
Billie
20
Specialty Acts
The Gang
21
Finale Ultimo
The Company

Awards for Babes in Arms (Guare Version)

Vocal Range of Characters:

Shop for Babes in Arms (Guare Version)

Photos for Babes in Arms (Guare Version)

// Photos

Shows similar to Babes in Arms (Guare Version)

Writers Notes for Babes in Arms (Guare Version)


Written By: Ray Heatherton

"It was very exciting: hearing and seeing that fabulous score come alive, having the thrill of introducing 'Where Or When' in the first eight minutes of the show, being the first 'Funny Valentine' (my character's name was 'Valentine'). Our cast included Alfred Drake, Mitzi Green, a chorus boy named Dan Dailey who later became a star, the Nicholas Brothers who were then appearing at the Cotton Club, though they were both just kids, and my future wife.

What else do I remember about BABES IN ARMS? Coming fresh from radio where I had been singing with some modest success to audition for the new Rodgers and Hart musical; walking through the stage door in Shubert Alley, backstage of the Shubert Theatre; presenting myself to the stage manager and waiting for my cue to go out on the big, bare stage; looking out on a sea of blackness, where we all know the monsters who devour poor performers like me dwell. The stage manager announced my name and I stepped out of the wings, hat in had (my security blanket) and sang a ballad -- I don't remember which one. Then a voice from the back asked if I had a rhythm number. I responded with an old Rodgers and Hart tune, 'I've Got Five Dollars' from one of their earlier shows.

When I finished my songs a voice said, 'Thank you very much' and I walked off -- not knowing whether they liked me or despised me. As I got to the wings, little Larry Hart, who had run from the audience up the side aisle to backstage, grabbed me by the arm and with great enthusiasm said, 'You're the one we want, now don't ask for too much money, you're great!' -- the most beautiful words I ever heard!"


Performance Tools for Babes in Arms (Guare Version)

Stage Promotions:

Stage Promotions offers custom T-Shirts, Posters, and Program Covers for BABES IN ARMS (Guare Version). Order Merchandise for BABES IN ARMS directly from Stage Promotions online.


Rental Materials for Babes in Arms (Guare Version)

STANDARD

  • BABES (GUARE) - Orchestration Package (18 Books)
    • 1 – PIIANO I
    • 1 – PIANO CONDUCTOR SCORE
    • 1 – PIANO II
    • 1 – REED I (Flute and Piccolo)
    • 1 – REED II (Oboe and English Horn)
    • 1 – REED III (Alto Sax, Flute, Clarinet)
    • 1 – REED IV (Alto Sax and Clarinet)
    • 1 – REED V (Tenor Sax and Clarinet)
    • 1 – REED VI (Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Bassett Horn [Opt.])
    • 1 – TRUMPET I
    • 1 – TRUMPET II
    • 1 – TRUMPET III
    • 1 – TROMBONE
    • 1 – DRUMS/PERCUSSION (1 Player - see list below)
    • 1 – VIIOLIN I (Divisi)
    • 1 – VIOLIN II (Divisi)
    • 1 – CELLO (Divisi)
    • 1 – BASS
  • BABES IN ARMS (Guare) Pre Production package
    • 1 – PIANO CONDUCTOR SCORE
    • 1 – Libretto/vocal Books
  • BABES (GUARE) - Rehearsal Set (22 Books)
    • 20 – Libretto/vocal Books
    • 1 – Logo CD
    • 2 – PIANO CONDUCTOR SCORE

ADDITIONAL

  • Babes In Arms (GUARE Version) - Libretti/Vocal Books 10 pack
    • 10 – Libretto/vocal Books

Cast Requirements for Babes in Arms (Guare Version)

PRINCIPALS
3 Girls
5 Boys
1 Man

FEATURED
2 Women
3 Boys
3 Men

ENSEMBLE
Singing-dancing ensemble as desired.

CHARACTERS
Val LaMar - our hero
Billie Smith - our heroine
Marshall Blackstone - Val's best friend
Dolores Reynolds - the Sheriff's daughter
Gus Fielding - a forceful friend of the Sheriff's daughter
Baby Rose - a former Hollywood child star
Irving de Quincy - half of an Afro-American dance team
Ivor de Quincy - his little brother, the other half of the dance team
Peter - who believes in Communism
Lee Calhoun - the son of a rich Southern Colonel
Beauregard Calhoun - his little brother
The Gang - Boys and Girls of the Ensemble
Dan LaMar - Val's dad, a vaudevillian
Maizie LaMar - Val's mom, a vaudevillian
Nat Blackstone - Marshall's dad, a vaudevillian
Emma Blackstone - Marshall's mom, a vaudevillian
Sheriff Reynolds - Dolores' father
Rene Flambeau - a French aviator
Phil McCabe - a radio announcer
Booker Vanderpool
Pinkie
Sam Reynolds
Lincoln Vanderpool
Dr. Snyder

Set Requirements for Babes in Arms (Guare Version)

BABES IN ARMS takes place in Seaport, Long Island during the Great Depression.

SPECIFIC LOCATIONS
The LaMars' House in Seaport, Long Island
The Oscar W. Hemmingway Post of the American Legion
The Clubhouse
The Living Room of the Calhoun mansion
The Old Red Barn
A Barn on the Work Farm
The LaMar's Field

Materials Notes

Traps, 2 Timpani, Vibes, Xylophone, Gong, Sleigh Bells, Muffled Drum, Horse Whip, Cowbells, Chinese (Temple) Blocks, Wood Block, Oriental Drum

Featured News

100 Years Of Lorenz Hart

Tuesday May 2 marked the 100th anniversary of the birth of Lorenz Hart, one of this country's greatest and most cherished lyricists...

Read More
Soulful...smart...rodgers...hart

Irving Berlin said it best: "Tuneful, tasteful/Soulful, smart/Music - Rodgers/Lyrics - Hart."

Read More