Ben Franklin in Paris
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Ben Franklin in Paris is a musical with a book and lyrics by Sidney Michaels and music by Mark Sandrich, Jr.. Two songs were contributed by Jerry Herman.
The story is a somewhat fictionalized account of Benjamin Franklin's adventures in the French capital. Seeking support for the Colonies' war against England, he arrives in Paris, where he enlists the aid of an old friend, Madame La Comtesse Diane de Vobrillac, a confidante to King Louis XVI. Franklin's hopes of winning the king's support seem dashed when British forces capture Philadelphia but rally when the Colonists are victorious at Saratoga. At home, his son William, the governor of New Jersey, sides with the enemy, and the traitorous act upsets the elder Franklin's plans. To regain the upper hand, he offers to marry Diane, but she rejects him. Knowing he faces death by hanging, Franklin nevertheless decides to go to England, hoping his act of martyrdom will win him posthumous support. Diane learns of the plan and intercedes with the King, who eventually welcomes Franklin in his new position of the Ambassador of the United States of America to France.
After 13 previews, the Broadway production, directed and choreographed by Michael Kidd, opened on October 27, 1964 at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, where it ran for 215 performances. The cast included Robert Preston and Susan Watson, who was replaced by Rita Gardner soon after opening night. Michaels was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Author of a Musical.
An original cast recording was released by Capitol Records.
[edit] Song List
Act I
- We Sail the Seas
- I Invented Myself
- Too Charming (Music and lyrics by Jerry Herman)
- What Became of Old Temple
- Half the Battle
- A Balloon Is Ascending
- To Be Alone With You (Music and lyrics by Jerry Herman)
- You're In Paris
- How Laughable It Is
- Hic Haec Hoc
- God Bless the Human Elbow
Act II
- When I Dance With the Person I Love
- Diane Is
- Look for Small Pleasures
- I Love the Ladies
- To Be Alone With You
