As their scheme to blackmail Joey and Vera grows more complicated, Ludlow convinces Gladys to persist. Rodgers’ simple, catchy melody made this tune a favorite for jazz musicians, including Chet Baker and André Previn.
Den of Iniquity
Despite the tepid reviews of their new club, Vera and Joey revel in their happy, if unconventional, arrangement. Lorenz Hart’s racy lyric, a daring departure from the virtuous love duets then found in operetta and Broadway, established Pal Joey as a frank, urbane theatrical experience for adults.
Zip
While interviewing Joey about his grand opening, reporter Melba Snyder is unphased, revealing the trade secrets she once learned from renowned stripper Gypsy Rose Lee.
Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered
Caught up in her new relationship with Joey, Vera is astonished by her own feelings. Introduced by Vivienne Segal in the original 1940 Broadway production of Pal Joey, “Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered” (often shortened to “Bewitched”) remains one of Rodgers & Hart’s most enduring songs. Sophisticated, rueful and a bit naughty, “Bewitched” presents a vivid portrait of a seasoned adult … Read More
What Is a Man?
After Joey insults her, Vera contemplates the nature of men, wryly assessing her own past relationships as she considers pursuing a new one.
I Could Write a Book
While admiring a wire-haired terrier in a pet store window, Joey and Linda begin a friendly conversation. Joey recounts the “story of his life” and tells Linda she inspires him to tell more. Rodgers & Hart’s simple love song, sung somewhat disingenuously in the musical, became a standard in the Great American Songbook. Notable pop versions include recordings by Harry … Read More
You Mustn’t Kick It Around
After maneuvering his way into an emcee gig, Joey Evans leads a group of chorus dancers in rehearsal for that night’s show.
2008 Broadway Revival
Before making its way to Broadway in 2008, a new production of Pal Joey, with a revised book adapted by Richard Greenberg, premiered at the Huntington Theatre in Boston in 1992 with Donna Murphy as Vera. The same book had been used for the staged concert at New York City Center for its 1995 Encores! presentation starring Peter Gallagher and … Read More
1995 New York City Center
This staged concert, part of New York City Center’s Encores! series, played a limited engagement in May 1995. Starring Peter Gallagher and Patti LuPone, the production also featured Ned Eisenberg, Vicki Lewis and Daisy Prince, with Bebe Neuwirth singing Melba’s show-stopping strip number, “Zip.” The show featured a newly-adapted book by Richard Greenberg, with direction by Lonny Price and musical … Read More
1980 West End Revival
Led by stars of British stage and screen Sian Phillips and Denis Lawson, the West End’s first revival of Pal Joey opened on September 25, 1980 at the Albery Theatre, where it ran for a year under the direction of Rob Walker.