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Alice May is the archetype of the Gilbert and Sullivan prima donna. She ran away with her music teacher as a girl and landed in Australia, becoming that country's leading comic opera singer. As the head of her own company she toured Australia and New Zealand, eventually making her way to Britain via India, where she entered into successful partnerships and productions. Before she drank down the last of her last days in St. Louis--minus the music teacher--she had traveled oceans and brought down not a few houses. This biography brings it all within view, and helps fill-out the picture we have of a former period in musical theater.
List of contents
Chapter One THE MYSTERIOUS MISS MAY Chapter Two GREEN GIRL IN A GOLDEN LAND Chapter Three NEW DIRECTIONS, NEW ROLES Chapter Four TOAST OF THE ANTIPODES Chapter Five INDIAN ADVENTURE Chapter six CROWNED WITH SUCCESS Chapter Seven WORKING FOR D’OYLY CARTE Chapter Eight ALLY PALLY TO THE ALHAMBRA Chapter Nine PRIMA DONNA IN THE PROVINCES Chapter Ten STARTING AFRESH IN AMERICA Chapter Eleven PLAYING THE CASINO Chapter Twelve “A PERFECT KATISHA” Chapter Thirteen DOWNWARD SPIRAL
About the author
Adrienne Simpson
Summary
This biography tells the story of Alice May, a touring prima donna in the nineteenth century who travelled from England to Australia, New Zealand, India and the US, taking part in pioneering performances of the popular light operas of the day. Along the way she took part in many premieres, including the first production of Gilbert and Sullivan's The Sorcerer and the first authorised American production of The Mikado . This colourful life story will appeal to theatre historians, fans of the melodrama, burlesque, and the musical stage.
