Of Thee I Sing Music by George Gershwin; Lyrics by Ira Gershwin; Book by George S. Kaufman and Morrie Ryskind Premiere: Music Box Theatre, New York City, December 26, 1931
George Gershwin remains, almost three-quarters of a century after his untimely death at age 38, America's most revered composer of popular music. OLO is proud to introduce this composer into its repertoire with his 1931 political spoof Of Thee I Sing, the first musical to win a Pulitzer Prize and the longest-running of Gershwin's two dozen shows.
John P. Wintergreen has been chosen by his party as its presidential candidate and provided a running mate…what's his name…oh, yes…Alexander Throttlebottom. After conducting a poll, the party determines that, after money, it is love that is of the greatest interest to the public. To win the most votes, bachelor Wintergreen must find romance and get married. The party committee holds a contest—the captivating Southern belle, Diana Devereaux, is the winner. Unfortunately, Wintergreen has his heart set on secretary Mary Turner, who can sew and bake corn muffins. With Mary at his side, Wintergreen wins the presidency. Diana sues, gets hold of the French ambassador, and causes an international incident, at least until Wintergreen comes up with a solution in the truest fashion of Gilbert and Sullivan.
Gershwin's score—rooted as much in operetta as musical comedy—includes the opening march "Wintergreen for President," the campaign song "Love is sweeping the country," Diana's waltz-time lament "Jilted, jilted," and the title song, "Of thee I sing," one of the composer's most recognized and beloved tunes. The show's book, in its witty satire on politics and government, was a revelation. Famed New York Times theatre critic Brooks Atkinson wrote, "After this play was produced, it became increasingly difficult for librettists to write like imbeciles." Ohio Arts Council
