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.
You Are So Fair
On-again, off-again sweethearts Gus and Dolores express their complicated feelings for one another in this comical “lovers’ spat” number.
The Lady Is a Tramp
With its witty, ironic Lorenz Hart lyric and unforgettable Richard Rodgers melody, “The Lady Is a Tramp” has earned a place of honor in the Great American Songbook. A playful satire of New York’s high society, the song embraces simplicity and skewers pretention. Notable artists who have recorded the song include Shirley Bassey, Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga, Bing Crosby, … Read More
All At Once
Part of Rodgers & Hart’s original 1937 score to Babes in Arms, this flirtatious duet about growing up was introduced by Mitzi Green and Ray Heatherton. In the song, Val and Billie look back on the highlights of their lives, playfully remarking that their falling in love was inevitable.