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Applause The Musical

Music by Charles Strouse
Lyrics by Lee Adams, Book by Betty Comden and Adolph Green

Recommended Resources

Plot Summary & Audition Tips

List of Characters in Applause

Applause Sheet Music (Vocal Selections)

Applause Film Version on DVD

Applause 1970 Original Broadway Cast Rec.

DownloadApplause (Original Broadway Cast Recording) Download The Cast Album!

The story of Applause is similar to that of 42nd Street, but with the audience's sympathy directed the other way.

Late 1960s, Hollywood. One night Margo Channing meets Eve, her "biggest fan". Eve appears to want to be Margo's friend but soon it becomes apparant that she wants to be Margo. Eve ruthlessly climbs the hierarchy, weazeling her way into position as Margo's understudy. Eve makes a pass at Margo's fiance, and eventually wins a Tony of her own. Margo comes to realize that it is not her fame that makes a happy life, and reconciles with Bill.

Audition Preparation Suggestions For Applause

Many characters, including chorus, in Applause must have strong dance ability in jazz/tap.
Margo Channing (Alto, Middle-aged, moves well)
A veteran performer - a very demanding role. Lauren Becall or Kathleen Turner type.
Eve Harrington (Mezzo)
A manipulative chorus girl with her eye on the starring role
Bill Sampson (tenor/baritone, 39)
Margo's director and fiance; confident
Howard Benedict
producer who uses his power to trap Eve
Bonnie (Mezzo)
A Broadway gypsy
Buzz Richards (Tenor, plays banjo)
Margo's playwright friend, has a brief affair with Eve
Karen Richards (Alto)
Buzz's wife
Duane Fox (Baritone)
Margo's hairdresser and confidante
Chorus Singers & Dancers

Applause Links - Related Websites

Audition Preparation Materials

List of Songs in Applause

Applause (Original Broadway Cast Recording) [Remastered] Download The Cast Album!

  • Backstage Babble
  • Think How It's Gonna Be (Bill)
  • But Alive (Margo)
  • The Best Night of My Life (Eve)
  • Who's That Girl? (Margo)
  • Applause (Bonnie, Gypsies)
  • Hurry Back (Margo)
  • Fasten Your Seat Belts (Chorus)
  • Welcome to the Theatre (Margo)
  • Good Friends (Margo, Buzz, Karen)
  • She's No Longer a Gypsy (Bonnie & Gypsies)
  • One of a Kind (Bill)
  • One Hallowe'en (Eve)
  • Something Greater (Margo)

 

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