Where’s Charley?

Where’s Charley? is a theatre musical with music & lyrics by Frank Loesser and book by George Abbott. The story was based on the play Charley’s Aunt by Brandon Thomas.

The show opened at the St. James Theatre on October 11, 1948 and ran for 792 performances. It was directed by George Abbott. The show starred Ray Bolger (the Scarecrow from the classic 1939 film The Wizard of Oz) as Charley Wykeham, Allyn McLerie as Amy Spettigue, Byron Palmer as Jack Chesney, Doretta Morrow as Kitty Verdun, Paul England as Sir Francis Chesney, and Horace Cooper as Mr Spettigue.

Taking place in 1892, Oxford University students Charley and Jack are excited about their upcoming date with young and attractive Kitty and Amy.

Unfortunately, Charley’s aunt Lucia, who is needed as a chaperone, fails to arrive. In desperation, Charley disguises himself as his aunt so they young ladies can still visit. Trouble ensues when Amy’s stuffy uncle, Mr. Spettigue, falls for Charley (who is dressed up as his aunt). Meanwhile, the real aunt Lucia has arrived. Seeing that someone is in her place, she poses as “Mrs. Beverly Smythe” and soon realizes that Charley is posing as her.

Eventually, the truth is revealed. Jack & Kitty become engaged, as do Charley and Amy. Jack’s father Sir Francis and the real aunt Lucia have rekindled an old love, while Mr. Spettigue is left alone.