The Maid of the Mountains
| Company type | Musical play / Operetta |
|---|---|
| Industry | Theatre / Musical theatre |
| Founded | 1916 |
| Founder | Harold Fraser-Simson (composer), Harry Graham (lyricist), Frederick Lonsdale (librettist) |
| Headquarters | London , United Kingdom |
| Products | Musical theatre productions, recordings, adaptations |
The Maid of the Mountains, initially described as a musical play, is an operetta or an "Edwardian" musical comedy presented in three acts. The score was primarily composed by Harold Fraser-Simson, with supplementary music by James W. Tate. The lyrics were penned by Harry Graham, with additional contributions from Frank Clifford Harris and Valentine. The libretto was authored by Frederick Lonsdale, who later gained recognition for his society comedies such as On Approval. Following a preliminary engagement at the Prince's Theatre in Manchester on 23 December 1916, the production underwent revisions before its London premiere at Daly's Theatre on 10 February 1917.
The production was staged by Robert Evett—who took over after Frank Curzon declined—and directed by Oscar Asche, noted for his direction of the record-breaking Chu Chin Chow. The Maid of the Mountains enjoyed an impressive initial run of 1,352 performances in London. Its closure was primarily due to the female lead, José Collins, suffering from nervous exhaustion. This extraordinarily lucrative engagement played a crucial role in salvaging the financial standing of the George Edwardes estate, then overseen by Evett.
The original 1918 New York staging met with limited success, closing after just 37 performances. Conversely, Asche directed the first Australian production for J. C. Williamson's in 1917 and again in 1923; both productions achieved acclaim comparable to that of the London run and launched soprano Gladys Moncrieff into prominence as Teresa. Significant revivals in London took place in 1921, 1930, and 1942—the latter starring Sylvia Cecil at the London Coliseum—as well as a 1972 West End revival produced by Emile Littler at the Palace Theatre. A notable staging occurred at the Finborough Theatre, London, in December 2006 featuring Anita Louise Combe. Numerous other professional renditions have been performed across various countries.
From the 1930s until around 1970, The Maid of the Mountains maintained popularity among amateur theatre companies throughout Britain.
Background
During World War I, The Maid of the Mountains ranked among the three foremost theatrical successes in London, alongside the revue The Bing Boys Are Here and the musical Chu Chin Chow. Music and scenes from these productions frequently appear in cinematic depictions of this period, symbolizing the cultural atmosphere of the "Great War" years. Other favored shows of that era included Theodore & Co (1916), The Boy (1917), and Yes, Uncle! (1917). Audiences sought lighthearted and uplifting entertainment during wartime, which these musicals delivered effectively.
Memorable songs from The Maid of the Mountains include "Love Will Find a Way", "A Bachelor Gay", "A Paradise for Two", "My Life is Love", and "Live for Today".
The romantic finale, featuring Teresa united with Baldassaré, was a change personally requested by José Collins, as originally Teresa was paired with Beppo. While Teresa’s duets with Beppo remain intact, Baldassaré’s character does not perform any songs.
Synopsis
Set within a mountain bandit encampment, presumably located in Italy, The Maid of the Mountains presents an escapist storyline. Teresa, known as the bandit maid, harbors affection for Baldassaré, the feared leader of the bandits. When Baldassaré resolves to disband his gang, his men implore Teresa to persuade him otherwise. After distributing their loot, Baldassaré instructs Teresa to leave immediately due to their hideout being surrounded. Despite her pleas to stay, she departs reluctantly.
Teresa is subsequently apprehended by General Malona, the local Governor, who offers her freedom if she betrays Baldassaré; she refuses on grounds of "honour among thieves."
Meanwhile, Baldassaré and his followers capture Count Orsino, the new Governor. Disguised in official uniforms, they travel to Santo with plans to rescue Teresa. During this mission, Baldassaré becomes enamored with Angela, daughter of the outgoing Governor, and assumes the identity of the incoming governor. Beppo urges Teresa to convince Baldassaré to escape before their deception is uncovered. Driven by jealousy toward Angela, Teresa exposes Baldassaré’s true identity; consequently, he and his men are arrested and sent to Devil's Island.
Remorseful for her betrayal, Teresa appeals to General Malona for Baldassaré’s release. In prison, Baldassaré realizes his affection for Angela was fleeting and that his true love is Teresa. Forgiving her past actions, he escapes with assistance from Lieutenant Rugini. The narrative concludes on a joyful note for Teresa and Baldassaré.
Roles and Leading Cast
- Teresa – José Collins (1)
- Baldasarre – Arthur Wontner
- General Malona – Mark Lester
- Tonio – Lauri de Frece
- Beppo – Thorpe Bates
- Carlo
- Andrea
- Pietro
- Lieutenant Rugini
- Crumpet
- Mayor of Santo
- Vittoria
- Angela
- Gianetta
- Maria
- Marietta
- Beppiria
- Pepita
(1) José Collins, who portrayed Teresa, the bandit known as the "Maid," during the entire initial production, gained widespread recognition through this character.
Musical Numbers
- 1. "Friends Have to Part" – Opening Chorus
- 2. "Live for Today" – Beppo with male chorus
- 3. "My Life Is Love" – Teresa, Beppo, and bandits
- 4. "Nocturne - Orchestra Farewell" – Teresa
- 5. "Dividing the Spoils" – Chorus
- 6. "Finale Act I" – Full company
- 7. "Introduction & Opening Chorus Act II"
- 8. "Love Will Find a Way" – Teresa
- 9. "Laughing Chorus Dirty Work" – Governor and Tonio
- 10. "A Paradise for Two" – Teresa and Beppo
- 11. "Husbands and Wives" – Vittoria and Tonio
- 12. "A Bachelor Gay" – Beppo
- 13. "Finale Act II"
- 14. "Opening Chorus Act III" – Fisherfolk chorus
- 15. "Good People Gather Round" – Governor, Teresa, and chorus
- 16. "When You're in Love" – Teresa and General Malona
- 17. "Over There and Over Here" – Vittorio and Tonio
- 18. "Finale Act III Friendship and Love" – Teresa and Beppo
Adaptations
In 1932, the musical was transformed into a British film under the direction of Lupino Lane, featuring Nancy Brown as Teresa and Harry Welchman in the role of Baldasarre.
See also
References
- Gammond, Peter (1993). The Oxford Companion to Popular Music. Oxford University Press.
- Larkin, Colin (1994). The Guinness Who's Who of Stage Musicals. Guinness Publishing.
- Details on various productions