Bravo Giovanni is a musical theatre with a book by A. J. Russell, lyrics by Ronny Graham, and music by Milton Schafer. It is based upon Howard Shaw's 1959 novel, The Crime of Giovanni Venturi. The musical was conceived as a vehicle for opera star Cesare Siepi, and the story concerned a family-owned Italian restaurant's efforts to compete with a restaurant chain.[Bordman, 683]
Background
After three previews, the
Broadway theatre production, directed by
Stanley Prager and
choreographed by
Carol Haney, opened on May 19, 1962, at the Broadhurst Theatre, where it ran for 76 performances. The cast included
Cesare Siepi,
Michele Lee,
David Opatoshu, George S. Irving,
Maria Karnilova,
Lainie Kazan, Larry Fuller, and
Baayork Lee.
The show received Tony Award nominations for Best Composer and Lyricist, Best Choreography, and Best Conductor and musical director.
An cast album was released by Columbia Records.
Synopsis
Giovanni Venturi is the owner of a small, family-style
trattoria in
Rome. When a branch of the upscale Uriti
restaurant chain store opens up next door and threatens him with
bankruptcy, his friend Amadeo suggests he tunnel from his basement to the Uriti basement kitchen, steal food from the dumbwaiter, and serve it in his place at reduced prices in order to stay competitive. Giovanni and his girlfriend Miranda successfully build the tunnel, and their efforts are profitable.
Song list
- Act I
-
"Rome"
-
"Uriti"
-
"Breachy's Law"
-
"I'm All I've Got"
-
"The Argument"
-
"Signora Pandolfi"
-
"The Kangaroo"
-
"If I Were the Man"
-
"Steady, Steady"
-
"We Won't Discuss It"
-
"Ah, Camminare"
- Act II
-
"Breachy's Law" (Reprise)
-
"Uriti Kitchen"
-
"Virtue Arrivederci"
-
"Bravo, Giovanni"
-
"One Little World Apart"
-
"Connubiality"
-
"Miranda"
Awards and nominations
Original Broadway production
Notes
-
Bordman, Gerald (2001). American Musical Theater: A Chronicle. New York: Oxford University Press.
-
Shaw, Howard (1959). The Crime of Giovanni Venturi. New York: Henry Holt and Company.
External links
