Kismet

A Musical Arabian Night

From ChatGPT

"Kismet" is a musical with a book by Charles Lederer and Luther Davis, music by Alexander Borodin (adapted and arranged by Robert Wright and George Forrest), and lyrics by Wright and Forrest. It is based on the 1911 play "Kismet" by Edward Knoblock, which was inspired by the works of the 19th-century Russian composer Alexander Borodin. The story of "Kismet" is set in ancient Baghdad and revolves around the character of Hajj, a street poet and beggar who becomes entangled in the lives of the city's elite. Through a series of comedic and romantic misadventures, Hajj finds himself posing as a powerful prince and is eventually faced with the opportunity to change his destiny. The musical features a lush and melodic score that incorporates themes and melodies from Borodin's classical compositions, including his famous "Polovtsian Dances." Songs like "Stranger in Paradise," "Baubles, Bangles, and Beads," and "And This Is My Beloved" have become standards in the musical theater repertoire. "Kismet" premiered on Broadway in 1953 and was met with critical acclaim, winning multiple Tony Awards, including Best Musical. It has since enjoyed several revivals and international productions, cementing its place as a beloved classic of the American musical theater canon. The enduring popularity of "Kismet" can be attributed to its enchanting story, memorable music, and the timeless appeal of its Arabian Nights setting. The show continues to captivate audiences with its colorful characters, sumptuous orchestrations, and the irresistible allure of its exotic and romantic world.}

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Authors

Original Authors

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Book
...
Lyrics
...
Music
...
Music (adaptation)
...
Source Material

Later Contributors

There are no known writers who contributed to revisions, etc. following the original production.
Genre: Musical Play

Production Highlights

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There are 31 productions in Ovrtur's database.
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Score

Click on the title for info on the song.

Original score

In score but usually not listed in playbills

Cut prior to opening

Added to revised version

Studio Cast Recordings

Recordings listed here were done in the studio specifically to release as recordings. They do not represent cast recordings of a particular production.

  • Studio Cast (1960)
    Bryan Johnson (i) , Rosalind Page , Ross Gilmour , Eula Parker , Michael Sammes
  • Studio Cast (1963)
    Robert Merrill , Adele Leigh , Kenneth McKellar , Ian Wallace , Regina Resnik
  • Studio Cast (1989)
    Valerie Masterson , Donald Maxwell , David Rendall , Richard Van Allan , Rosemary Ashe
  • Studio Cast (8888)
    Eartha Kitt , Johnny Mathis , Sarah Vaughan , Lena Horne , Della Reese

Demos & Pre-Production Recordings

From ChatGPT

"Kismet" is a musical with a book by Charles Lederer and Luther Davis, music by Alexander Borodin (adapted and arranged by Robert Wright and George Forrest), and lyrics by Wright and Forrest. It is based on the 1911 play "Kismet" by Edward Knoblock, which was inspired by the works of the 19th-century Russian composer Alexander Borodin. The story of "Kismet" is set in ancient Baghdad and revolves around the character of Hajj, a street poet and beggar who becomes entangled in the lives of the city's elite. Through a series of comedic and romantic misadventures, Hajj finds himself posing as a powerful prince and is eventually faced with the opportunity to change his destiny. The musical features a lush and melodic score that incorporates themes and melodies from Borodin's classical compositions, including his famous "Polovtsian Dances." Songs like "Stranger in Paradise," "Baubles, Bangles, and Beads," and "And This Is My Beloved" have become standards in the musical theater repertoire. "Kismet" premiered on Broadway in 1953 and was met with critical acclaim, winning multiple Tony Awards, including Best Musical. It has since enjoyed several revivals and international productions, cementing its place as a beloved classic of the American musical theater canon. The enduring popularity of "Kismet" can be attributed to its enchanting story, memorable music, and the timeless appeal of its Arabian Nights setting. The show continues to captivate audiences with its colorful characters, sumptuous orchestrations, and the irresistible allure of its exotic and romantic world.}

More

Authors

Original Authors

...
Book
...
Lyrics
...
Music
...
Music (adaptation)
...
Source Material

Later Contributors

There are no known writers who contributed to revisions, etc. following the original production.
Genre: Musical Play

Source

Based on the 1911 play by Edward Knoblock

Synopsis

No synopsis listed.

Trivia & History

The following Borodin music was used:

  • In the Steppes of Central Asia ("Sands of Time")
  • Symphony No. 2, Movement 1 ("Fate")
  • "Polovtsian Dances" from Prince Igor ("Bazaar of Caravans," "Stranger in Paradise," "He's in Love," "Samaris' Dance")
  • String Quartet No. 2, Movement 2 ("Baubles, Bangles and Beads"), Movement 3 ("And This Is My Beloved")
  • String Quartet No. 1, Movement 4 ("Was I Wazir?")
  • Symphony No. 1, Movement 4 ("Gesticulate")
  • "Serenade" from the Petite Suite ("Night of My Nights")
  • Act III trio from Prince Igor ("The Olive Tree")
  • Aria of Vladimir Galitsky from Prince Igor ("Zubbediya")

The music for "Rhahadlakum" was not taken from Borodin. It was borrowed from a song title "I'm Going Moroccan for Johnny," which Wright and Forrest had written for a nightclub act. Several of the Borodin-derived numbers use only a melodic cell from the source music, upon which Wright and Forrest greatly expanded, while others stick more closely to the source music.

 

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