The Merry WidowAct I

No.1VAL

Though far from my best as a speaker of wit I can make no boast – I lift a glass, ever eager to praise our ambassador and host. His door open, his hand extended to receive one and all that come. In quarters, elegent and splendid we find a home awa y from home.

CHORUSA salute to dear Baron Zeta and to our home away from home.

ZETAYour high regard and deep devotion renew my faith in human kind; a bid for favor and promotion could not be further from your mind. But today we celebrate our nation, the tiny country we so adore, for on this momentous occasion out king has turned ninety-four. Though far away from Pontevedro, we drink to show the world that we from top to toe remain as ever Pontevedro in Paree!

TUTTIThough far away from Pontevedro, we drink to show the world that we from top to toe remain as ever

Pontevedro in Paree!

ZETALet me invite you to the ballroom.

No. 2NATALIE

Alone at last! Now listen well.

CAMILLEYou hold the keys to heav'n or hell.

NAT.I have but one word to say.

CAM.One word alone could make my day.

NAT.Not that! The word you seek I must hold inside.

CAM.Am I to bow and blindly obey? I love so powerful to be denied?

NAT.Too late for love! I come with a purpose: it's time you get married.

CAM.Get married!

NAT.I've thought it over...

CAM.Wed someone else? How can it do? I love only you, love only you.

NAT.Oh hush! Say not so! Or if it must be said, then say it low! A proud and respectable wife, that role

have I take for life. With firm resolve and resistence, your charms I must keep at a distance. No matter the cost or the pain, a tug or twist of the knife, that role I retain: a proud and respectable wife. Sweet

nothings that I adore, the messages soft and sweet, are wicked and furthermore just possibly indiscreet. However hard, we must for-go the thrill of that forbidden game; the hidden spark, the inner glow can

turn into a raging flame. Even magic castles in the air will tumble down in half a day. A paradise beyond repair: The fairest flowers fade away.

CAM.My ears can hardly believe! Can you be in fact so naïve? A husband at home is no reason to squander a springtime in season. Is rapture to go by the board? Are moonlight and music taboo? Is passion to claim no reward because of your odd point of view? Though flowers are bound to fade, and castles

will tumble down, persistence may yet persuade my queen to accept the crown.

NAT.However hard, we must for-go the thrill of that forbidden game. The hidden spark, the inner glow can turn intoa raging flame. Even magic castles in the air will tumble down in half a day, a paradise beyond repair: the fairest flowers fade away.

CAM.No, not a jot shall we for-go of that inviting game, the hidden spark, that inner glow now bursting into flame. Castles in the air are here to stay, a paradise that two can share, forever ours; the fairest flowers bloom today!

No. 3SONIA

Words of little worth! Praises to the sky! Enough of that! Say no more!

CASCADASo heavenly, so down to earth! Dazzling to the eye!

ST. BRIOCHEBut who could see and not adore such perfection?

SON.You gentlemen are too polite. I wonder how sincere. Yet how you perservere! Please say no more!

ST. B, CAS, CHORUSThe beauty of a starry night! And music to the ear unheard before!

SON.You follow oh so amorous! Each day the numbers mount. Would I be quite so glamorous without my

bank account? Your inner fire I seem to stir. With what are you in love? My beauty, charm, and character, or none of the above? Now of course I could be wrong, though I dear the reverse: the power

of your song is inspired by my purse.

ST. B, CAS, CHORUSOh! No! No no, no no!

SON.Forgive me if I tease. The prize pick or Paree, down on their knees, eager to please. Pardon a lady if

she wonders if you also are not fortune hunters. Ah!

ST.B, CAS.Down upon our kness; anything you please, all eager to please

CHORUSThe prize pick of Paree, down on our knees, eager to please.

SON.Even the bashful lover grows bold, drawn by the glitter of gold.

CHORUSDrawn by your beauty, we come to compete, all of us falling at your feet.

ST.B, CAS.Drawn by your charm, we come to compete.

SON.What magic do you see in me? A vision of romance? Or is your passion possibly more focused on finance? With chivalry you vie for me, I have to wonder which would still repine and sigh for me had I not struck it rich? Though you aim to please no matter; your attentions hardly flatter.

TUTTI MENPalpitating. Some would say calculating, here we're waiting, ready to make a pitch.

CHORUSThe prize pick of Paree! Down on our knees, eager to please.

ST.B, CAS.Down on our knees, anything to please. All eager to please.

SON. Are you asking why? Make a sadder widow sigh with your chatter. Some may seize, Not I!

ST. B.The woman of my fantasies!

CAS.Why stand upon formalities?

TUTTI MENYou shall be mine by and by!

No. 4

DANILOThe talents of an attaché, I have applied to get head;

each troublesome communiqué I stick into the files unread. 'Twould never do to over-do. A little time one must keep free.

I go to work at half-past two and have been known to stay till three. Until I get a healthy raise, official parties I protest;

I know a dozen better ways to entertain the foreign guest. When bored with waiting on the great, with kissing hands and rubbing brass,

the dull routine I delegate and go to join the leisure class. The darkened boulevards invite

a man to stroll into the night, to float upon the winding stream that carries you to Chez Maxim.

I saunter out to see the high-life or Paree,Those jewels of the nation of spicy reputation,Do-do, Margot, Gi-gi, Lu-lu, Frou-frou, Fi-fi.

The girls ---------------------- nightly for camaraderie.The darlings of my dreams assemble at Maxim's

Those captivating creatures put down by prudes and preachers,Do-do, Margot, Gi-gi, Lu-lu, Frou-frou, Fi-fi,

Whom natives term politely, Café Society.

No. 5

DANILLOWhat's up?

ANNANot all that long ago you went your separate way; I rallied from the blow

DAN.Back when. Too bad.

BOTHSo here we are today.

DAN.What's new?

ANNAA world for you and me, was never meant to be.. There's not a lot now left to say.

DAN.How nice.. how sad.

BOTHThe past is over, the rift beyond repair

dissolved forever the dream we used to share.The love you whispered, the life that might have been,

the second chance will never come again.

ANNANo reason to recall the days gone by

never shall I waste a sigh. Then we were young and still immature

youth is an ill that will will cure.

DAN.No reason to recall the days gone by

never shall I waste a sigh.

ANNAWe were naïve in trusting fate,

but saw the light before too late.

DAN.What now?

ANNAAnd so by chance we meet, now colder, more blasé. Like strangers in the street

DAN.What new? How sad.

BOTHWe nod and go our way.

DAN.Bye-bye!

ANNAYou do resemble so a friend I used to know an episode finished and complete.

DAN.How nice. Back when.

BOTHThe past is over, the rift beyond repair.

ANNADissolved forever the dream we used to share.

BOTHThe love you whispered, the life that might have been, the second chance will never come again. The

second chance never comes again.

No. 6 : Finale Act I

CHORUSAll on edge for the priceless privilege! We are waiting in a stew to see who dances first with you.

Decide! Announcing the news, a partner you must choose! So name the lucky fellow who will lead the dance with you.

SONIAI shall have to toss a penny!

What a vast selection! How to choose among to many,

each of such perfection.As I can't make up my mindother partners you can find

who will grace the grand cotillion.

DANILO(Yes, but none with fifty-million. Odd, they all happen to be free.)

CHORUSLook around, you will see none to equal me.

DAN.(Like mosquitos they attack, I must get them off her back.)

Friends I see you short of dancers, I shall return with several answers.

CASCADAOh pins and needles we await a nod from the belle of the ball.

Yet here you appear to procrastinate, and seem merely bored by it all.

DAN.Women long have fought for equal rights, the power to pick and choose.

Tonight to have won such a worthy fight, that right you are wrong to refuse.

CAS. DAN.For such an honour For such a pleasure

BOTHWe politicians run a hot campaign

CAS DANI'm the stronger candidate. Put me on the party slate.

BOTHYou are to vote who tonight is to reign.

CAS DANI alone deserve the vote. Pick a stallion, not a goat.

BOTHThe nincompoops have their hopes up in vain.

CHORUSPut me on the party slate, you are to vote who tonight is to reign.

SONAlthough you expect me to cast a vote,

I find I am still in a fix.A party I love with a passion,

But balk when you talk politics.More serious that the affairs of state,

this choosing a partner to dance.To find the mysterious candidate, I'd best go ahead, take a stance.

CAS DANFor such an honour... For such a pleasure....

SON.In fighting form the rank and file advance.

Each at my command, still I am at a standstill.Am I to sift and assess at a glance?

Each at my command, still I am at a stand still.

CAS. DAN.Each at your command still! You are at a standstill.

SON. TUTTI MENAm I to sift and assess at a glance? But my deserts you can tell at a glance.

SON.I suppose I must. I gather you are starving for the pleasure. Ah, but shall I proceed?

LADIESLadies pick! Ladies pick!

DAN.I have brought the help you need. To melody in waltz-time, come! Recapture days of spring-time,

wine of rapture. As the twirling progresses, the dancing floor spins to the silken caresses of violins. A mystery and wonder set to motion by the magic of the potion, cry surrender! Come along!

LADY IWill you dance? It's our song.

DAN.As you glide in a dream, in a trance, on a tide flowing on with the dance, you're a-twirl in a world ever thrilling, filled with the lilt of romance. To a tune sweeter yet than before, arm in arm with the girl I

adore. With a smile, with a sigh, in a spell, you and I are alone on a crowded floor.

LADIESI would stand in line for more.

TUTTITo melody in waltz-time, come! Recapture days of spring-time, wine of rapture. As the twirling progresses, the dancing floor spins to the silken caresses of violins. A mystery and wonder set to

motion by the magic of the potion, cry surrender, cry surrender! To the melody in waltz-time, come along!

DAN.I serve my native land by day, and orders from the top I obey.

But let us get this straight, my friends, there comes a point were duty ends.

CAS. DAN.Madame, may I be hopeful?... You'd find no man more grateful...

SON.(I fear it's gone beyond a game.)

DAN.(The moths have fluttered 'round the flame.)

SON.This must reach a conclusion.

NATALIEMay I present your solution?

DAN.Good Lord! One more of the same!

NAT.This paragon can polka and partner a polonaise,

his footwork in the mazurka is guaranteed to amaze.His savoire faire in the ballroom I've tested out myself.

In every way très distingué, too good to remain on the shelf.So young and so handsome and brighter than some.

In conversation he can pack a punch.One reflection I would rate him the current candidate.

Forget the rest, he's the best of the bunch.

MEN, CAS. MEN, DAN.Lady, lady I entreat. Here's a fellow at your feet.

TUTTI MENForget the rest, I'm the best of the bunch!

SON.I'm unimpressed by the best of the bunch.

NAT.Forget the rest, he's the best of the bunch!

CAMILLEThis round of praise is far too much...

SON.I understand too well! Yet, I would choose another, the who's trying to appear as if he doesn't know I'm

here. May I have the pleasure?

DAN.I? Thanks, but no. I do not dance.

SON.Cannot I persuade you to try?

DAN.Am I correct? You give the dance to me?

SON.Of course, but why?

DAN.Then if the dance belongs to me, I am to use it as I choose. If you object, speak up!

SON.Go on...

NAT, CAM, MENWhat does he mean?

DAN.This dance, for which I offer humble thanks, is yours for just ten thousand francs! All the money goes

to a worthy cause... Do I detect a pregnant pause?

NAT, CAM, MENTen thousand francs?

CAS.For just a dance?

DANA piddling sum! It's all your own.

MENTen thousand francs!

ST.BThe man is mad!

DAN.Is no one even taking out a loan?

MENTen thousand francs! He must be joking.

DAN.Off they go... in a state of disarray, they discreetly slink away as soon as there's a price to pay.

Although upon the whole they love you heart and soul, when time to pay, they slink away with manly self-control.

CAM.This thrust of his I mean to parry. The ten thousand francs I'll have to pay.

NAT.You're in love with her!

CAM.I'm doing what you told me...

NAT.You're impossible!

DAN.There goes the last and you are free. So now, here on our own, will you not dance with me?

SON.I'm not in the mood.

DAN.What of my night? You gave it to me.

SON.That is all well and good... I'm not dancing tonight.

DAN.Violins play, soft rhythms invite. Can you resist their delight?

SON.I'm not dancing! … Oh you're a horrible man! You dance so devinely!

DAN.One does what he can.

END ACT I.

Act IINo. 7

SONIAYou mustn't leave, for it's barely evening, and furthermore a native holiday. Let's celebrate with songs

our people sing that take us back to home so far away.

CHORUSMi Velimo danser, danser Velimo. Mi Velimo danser, danser Velimo.

Free and proud, celebrate with singing! Send a shout through the mountains ringing! (Hei!)Free and proud, celebrate with singing! Send a shout through the mountains ringing! (Hei!)

Mi Velimo danser, Velimo. Hei!

SON.Back home, we tell a fairy tale, a story some remember well, about a phantom forest maid; her name

was Vilya, so 'tis said.

There lived in the forest that shadows enfold, a nymph known as Vilya with hair spun of gold.Beheld by a hunter who strayed from the field, alas! Little wonder his fate then was sealed.

Passion here-to-for denied no longer could the young man hide.Vale and hill echo to his love song still.

“Vilya, oh Vilya, my life my desire! Love I would follow through water and fire.Vilya, oh Vilya, I call, I implore; come and be mine ever more.”

CHORUS“Vilya, oh Vilya, my life my desire! Love I would follow through water and fire.

Vilya, oh Vilya, I call, I implore; come and be mine ever more.”

SON.The woodmaid extended her hand with a wave, that beckoned the hunter to come to her cave.The lad was so stirred that he wept with delight. In rapture he kissed unaware of his plight.

Weary of his simple charms, she vanished leaving empty arms.Vale and hill echo to his love song still.

“Vilya, oh Vilya, my life my desire! Love I would follow through water and fire.Vilya, oh Vilya, be mine as before! Stay in my arms ever more.”

CHORUS“Vilya, oh Vilya, my life my desire! Love I would follow through water and fire.

Vilya, oh Vilya, be mine as before! Stay in my arms ever more.”

CHORUSMi Velimo danser, danser Velimo. Mi Velimo danser, danser Velimo.

Free and proud, celebrate with singing! Send a shout through the mountains ringing!Free and proud, celebrate with singing! Send a shout through the mountains ringing!

Mi Velimo danser, Velimo. Hei!

No. 8

SONIAListen! Learn about the girl and the rugged rider:

will he gallop round the world, never there beside her?Battle lines are clearly drawn:

He must roam no longer.If she slyly leads him on, love is bound to conquer.

DANILOHow can he take on a bride with so many miles to ride?

SON.How can he resist her smiles, nevermind those many miles?

Cavalier, you go too far, galloping to parts unknown.Leaping to the saddle, charging off to battle, gallivanting on your own!

What a perfect beast you are! I can think of no defense.You would go and leave her fretting in a fever...have you now a grain of sense?

DAN.Later comes the rider back. High his horse is prancing!

Lo! He's on another track, ready for romancing.Now the girl draws up with pride... Ho! And off she flounces.

“Sir, you chose to take a ride – Now the ball rebounces.”Rider merely gives a shrug, “See you later, it's been nice.

Though you gave my heart a tug, I am not returning twice.”

SONRider, if you only knew! Do I have to spell it out?

SON.Is a bit of teasing truly so displeasing? Does a lady have to shout? What is one to do with you? Why not settle and stay? I could love you dearly if you were but merely here and not so far away.

DAN.Though a bit of teasing can be rather pleasing, how is he to turn about? What is one to do with you? Should I settle down and stay? I could love you dearly if you were but merely here and not so far away.

SON. I could love you dearly if you were but merely here and not so far away.

No. 9

DANILO POPOFF, ST.BRIOCHE, CASCADA, NISCH, KHADJA, NOVIKOVICH You are baffled? And bewildered!

DAN. POP, ST.B, CAS, NIS, KHA, NOV. Not a glimmer? Not a clue.

DAN.To the winning combination that will keep a woman true.

POP.For and answer.

DAN, ST.B, CAS, NIS, KHA, NOV.Scientific.

POP.Fully tested

DAN, ST.B, CAS, NIS, KHA, NOV.Guaranteed!

DAN, POP.What we need is quite specific, yes!

TUTTIA formula to succeed.

DAN.A handy guide for home or office...

TUTTIHow to steer an erring spouse.

POP.For a man about the town or novice.

TUTTIFor the tiger and the mouse.

POP.A master plan of operation.

TUTTIHow to take and hold the reins.

CAS.The card to play for each occasion.

TUTTIWhen to gather up the gains.

DAN.A dozen ways to beat the system.

TUTTIBasic standard repertoire.

ST.B.The naked facts and how to twist 'em.

TUTTIFor the ballroom or boudoir.

NIS.The tart retort and when to turn it.

TUTTIWords that either make or break;

DAN, POP, ST.B, CAS.The bonus and the way to earn it,

TUTTIWhen to give and when to take.

DAN, POP.Oh the man of today has to know, what to do just to stay in the show, to remain nonchalant, debonair, in a fight...

CAS, NIS, KHAD, NOV.Oh, the women! Hang the women!

TUTTI...where all is fair.

DAN, POP.Since the hey days of Adam and Eve, women's way you would blush to believe. In the battle of wits you had best call it quits – as the French put it, “C'est la guerre!”

ST. B.Daffy women! Darling women! Oh, the women! Blow the women!NIS.Oh, the women! Darling women! Always, always back to women...CAS, KHAD, NOV.Oh, the women! Darling women! Oh, the women! Blow the women!

DANILO POPOFF, ST.BRIOCHE, CASCADA, NISCH, KHADJA, NOVIKOVICH It is urgent. It is vital!

DAN. POP, ST.B, CAS, NIS, KHAD, NOV. It's a challenge! It's an art!

DAN.How to keep your rightful title to a woman's wayward heart.

POP.Be submissive.

DAN, ST.B, CAS, NIS, KHA, NOV.They rebuff you... They retreat.

DAN, POP.You must cultivate finesse I you would...

TUTTI...sit in the driver's seat.

DAN.The pampered pet requires caresses.

TUTTIWhen you pat her she will purr.

POP.A diamond now and then impresses,

TUTTISomething nice to go with fur.

ST. B.The minx demands a sterner master,

TUTTIDomineering and sever.

NIS.The velvet glove invites disaster.

TUTTIShe will snigger, she will sneer.

DAN.The solid stand, the firm position,

TUTTIThose you have to have on hand.

ST. B.The talents of a politician,

TUTTIIn contition, on command.

NIS.A time for tears, a time for laughter.

TUTTINo two darlings are the same.

DAN, POP, ST. B, CAS,You scrutinze the prize you're after when you start to play the game.

DAN, POP.Oh the man of today has to know, what to do just to stay in the show, to remain nonchalant, debonair, in a fight...

CAS, NIS, KHAD, NOV.Oh, the women! Hang the women!

TUTTI...where all is fair.

DAN, POP.Since the hey days of Adam and Eve, women's way you would blush to believe. In the battle of wits you had best call it quits – as the French put it, “C'est la guerre!”

ST. B.Daffy women! Darling women! Oh, the women! Blow the women!NIS.Oh, the women! Darling women! Always, always back to women...CAS, KHAD, NOV.Oh, the women! Darling women! Oh, the women! Blow the women!

TUTTI (in turn)Women, women, etc. ...ah! Oh the man of today has to know what to do just to stay in the show, to

remain nonchalant, debonair, in a fight where all is fair. Since the heydays of Adam and Eve, women's ways you would blush to believe. In the battle of wits, you had best call it quits – as the French put it,

“C'est la guerre!”

DAN.Oh the man of today has to know what to do just to stay in the show, to remain nonchalant, debonair, in a fight...

THE REST (in turn)Women!

TUTTI...all is fair! Since the heydays of Adam and Eve, women's ways you would blush to believe. In the

battle of wits you had best call it quits – as the French put it, “C'est la guerre!”

No. 11

NATALIEThis has to end.

CAMILLEHow you torment me!

NAT.You draw it out, procrastinating. So take the plunge, why keep a widow waiting?

CAM.I shall propose, although my heart is breaking.

NAT.I know it hurts to say goodbye. The pill is bitter, hard to swallow. Yet so we must. We live a lie that

only grief and shame can follow.

CAM.But such a final separation!

NAT.Too long we've fed the fire of temptation.

CAM.Give the command! I shall obey.

NAT.There speaks the man I count as my friend.

CAM.One parting kiss though!

NAT.Relapsing already?

CAM.Oh, why? Why must it end?

CAM.Born on the breeze of April, and wrapped in green of May,

full as the rose in flower, my love perfumes the day.It carries me to islands where music fills the air,

a land of golden sunshine, because you're always there.That paradise enchanted, am I to wave goodbye?

The rose so nemwly planted, can you allow to die?I beg a parting favor, oh, darling, grant to me

one final kiss to savor for all eternity;One final kiss to savor for all eternity.

NAT.Oh, Camille!

CAM.Valencienne!

NAT.Go quickly... Please! So moving! I had not planned on this.

CAM.In parting... my darling... grant a final kiss.

NAT.NO! ...not here!

CAM.Come! Close at hand I know a place where a hidden door invites inside. There fearlessly we can

embrace, tasting delicate delights denied. Friendly dark will hide joy that no tongue will tell. Come, open paradise again with a tender kiss and then farewell.

NAT.Enchanment! How can a girl resits it?

CAM.Come! Let us find the hidden door to the place where we shall kiss once more.

NAT.A magic moment... a secret door!

BOTHThere shall you and I enter love's magic spell.

CAM.Come! Open paradise again with a tender kiss and then...

BOTHFarewell!

No. 12

DANILO and POPOFFHa! Ha!

SONIAWhy do you take us by surprise? It's Anna and Camille!

POP.Can I no longer trust my eyes?

DAN.It's Anna and Camille! I know what this implies! My mind and senses start to reel!

POP.I saw my wife in there!

NAT.You want me?

POP.I must be insane.

NAT.What's going on? Please do explain.

DAN.Not Anna and Camille!

CAM.No need to make a scene.

POP.This tiny keyhole I was looking through, and what I saw was clear enough.

SON.Not very chivalrous of you.

DAN.(But it gets results)

POP.And what I heard, I swear upon my life... this woman chaser... was making love...

SON.You hear him addressing Me!

DAN.Oh Anna!

POP.I could have sworn the lady was my wife!

SON.My dear, 'twould appear our secret is out.

SON, CAM.A close escapre after much stress and strain!

DAN.A growing jealousy I try to contain

ZETAI start to wonder if I am insane.

NIS.How well I get along by using my brain.

SON.To spy is a dangerous thing to do. We risk finding out what is all to true. My sweet, go ahead, repeat

what you said. Though uttered in private, recall, reconstrue.

CAM.Must I go public?

DAN.This turns into torment!

CAM.Well, since you leave me no alternative, that precious moment I'll try to relive.

Born on the breeze of April, and wrapped in green of May, Full as the rose in flower, my love perfumes the day.

It carries me to islands where music fills the air,a land of golden sunshine, because you're always there.

That paradise enchanted...

SON.By turning round the serenade, the baron's fears we have allayed. Ah. Stubborn friend, your tongue still is tied? ...You chose to pay the price of pride. ...Where is your sense of rivalry? Rivalry?

NAT.A camoflage, a masquerade, I have no cause to feel betrayed. Ah! But the pang that hurts deep inside! How can he sing to her the song he sighed to me? How can he sing to her the song he sighed to me? Sighed to me?

CAM....am I to wave goodbye? The rose so newly planted can you allow to die? I beg a lasting favor: oh darling, grant to me one further kiss to savor for all eternity, one further kiss to savor for all eternity. Grant to me!

NIS.She puts me through the paces, damnable serenade! She goes to his embraces; pride has been repaid. Am I to leave her, meekly step aside? I must control my fever, contain my jealousy. I must control my fever and contain my jealousy. Jealousy!

KHAD.My wife is back in my good graces; my fears had not the slightest basis. Sweet is the serenade that makes the shadows fade. How could I not believe her all that a should be? How could I not believe her true to me? True to me!

SON.So putting an end to silly surmising...

CHORUSThere's more to know!

SON.My news for some may be surprising... Camille and I...

CAM.Me? Her?

NAT.Oh, no!

SON.Have just become engaged.

DAN.Dear God!

POP.How's that?

CHORUSSo he's the happy man!

NAT. CAM. DAN. POP.Oh NO! Dear God! Do tell! That's that!

SON.(I handled that one rather well. I think of fifty million reasons.)

NAT.(We now are minus fifty million.)

CAM.You go too far. I cannot acquiesce.

SON.But then Valencienne's in a hell of a mess.

POP.Are you determined?

NAT.Have you no concern?

SON.Why should we not?

POP.But when so many oppose?

SON.Do you?

DAN.Not in the least! No, that's the way it goes. You know your mind; I'm delighted. Though I should

add...

SON.You wish to add?...

DAN.Fall in love daily, get engaged rarely, get married never!

CAM.In circles of diplomacy (I bow to present company) the promised bliss of marriage we tend to disparage too often when the knot is tied, a fond acquaintence will decide to make it a threesome. Look around,

you'll see some. Perhaps we should be lenient on comforts so convenient, that need so little preparation. Depending on your point of view, as soon as two have said, “I do,” they should return to

circulation. I see no impropriety: the spice of life is in variety.

SON.We plan to marry, so to speak, in the Parisian way. The height of chic, c'est magnifique! In the Parisian way. So understanding and polite, in the Parisian way. My dear, I'll not be home tonight! We play the

Parisian way. C'est Paree, oui! Ooh-la la la la la! C'est la vie, oui! Ooh- la la la la la! Oh, no! A sanctum safe and sound is not what we are bound for, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no! La, la,

la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la! La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la! It's not what we are bound for!

NAT.La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la! It's not what they are bound for!

CHORUS, SYL, OLGA, PRAS, CAM, POP, KHAD, NOV.C'est Paree, oui! Ooh-la la la la la! C'est la vie, oui! Ooh-la la la la la! Oh, no! A sanctum safe and

sound is not what they are bound for, no sirree!

NAT.A married life of sheer delight in the Parisina way. The wife goes left, the husband right, in the Parisian way. The have a gorgeous time, of course, in the Parisian way! Then get the most divine divorce in the

Parisian way!

SON, NAT. C'est Paree, oui! Ooh-la la la la la! C'est la vie, oui! Ooh- la la la la la! Oh, no! A sanctum safe and

sound is not what we (they) are bound for, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no! La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la! La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la! It's not what we (they) are bound for!

CHORUS, SYL, OLGA, PRAS, CAM, POP, KHAD, NOV.C'est Paree, oui! Ooh-la la la la la! C'est la vie, oui! Ooh-la la la la la! Oh, no! A sanctum safe and

sound is not what they are bound for, no sirree!

DAN.This is sheer insanity! One minute more and I'll explode. Break it off! Have you gone mad? No, no,

this will never do; keep your head and temper too. Self-control will pull you through. A tale of old has come to mind. You ought to find it quite amusing.

SON.Of course. Go on, you have the floor. Nothing, trust, that we have heard before. Tell your story.

DAN.Here's my story. A Prince and Princess, ill-fated, in days long ago, far away, in love were – alas! -

separated for reason that grieve me to say. The Prince was as poor as a peasant, too proud, he was loath to propose. The next episode is unpleasant – through silence, hard feelings arose. In anger, she sought

to get even – a step that would seem without sense. Her hand to another she'd given before he could make his defense. A blow to the Prince, but matter, for at last he had cast off the hex. He cries, now I see you're no better, than the rest of your treacherous sex. They met later on quite at random. Ah ha!

His hear now was healed. The pain has become a mere phantom, our hero is playing the field. “A fool would remain broken-hearted! Be happy,” he said, “as shall I.” With these final words he departed, as

I shall do now – good bye!

SON.You're going off, but where?

DAN.Out for a breath of air. The darlings of my dreams are awaiting at Maxim's, those captivating creatures

put down by prudes and preachers: Do-do, Margot, Gi-gi, Lu-lu, Frou-frou, Fi-fi, whose fascinating features light up because of me.

SON.He loves me alone, now I know! C'est Paree, oui! Ooh-la la la la la! C'est la vie, oui! Ooh-la la la la la! Oh, no! An ordinary wedding is not where we are heading, no no no no no no no no no no! La, la,

la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la! La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la! No, it's not where we are heading!

NAT.La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la! La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la! No it's not where they are heading, no

sirree!

CHORUS, SYL, OLGA, PRAS, CAM, POP, KHAD, NOV.C'est Paree, oui! Ooh-la la la la la! C'est la vie, oui! Ooh-la la la la la! Oh, no! An ordinary wedding

is not where they are heading, no sirree!

No. 14

THE GIRLS AT MAXIM'SEver bright and ever sprightly, for delight we gather nightly. Do-do, Margot, Gi-gi, Lu-lu, Frou-frou,

Fi-fi...

ZO-ZOEt moi! In the land of the operetta we are high upon the throne. God has given the grisette a place to

call her very own.

ALL GIRLSNever is grisette without men to light her cigarette. With a fret, a wink, a pout, she'll get the mink she's

out to get.

ZO-ZOTo the wicked, wicked city we have drifted from afar. Heaven help us! What a pity we must live on

caviar.

ALL GIRLSEver bright and ever sprightly, for delight we gather nightly.

ZO-ZODo-do, Margot, Gi-gi, Lu-lu, Frou-frou, Fi-fi... et moi! Brought to you by Franz Lehar, here we

sparkle, here we star. On the set and on the stage, Les grisettes are all the rage.

ALL GIRLSBrought to you by Franz Lehar, here we sparkle, here we star. On the set and on the stage, Les grisettes

are all the rage.

ZO-ZOLong before the discoteque, we flock into the cabarets. Painted by Toulouse Lautree, we're boulevard

habituées.

ALL GIRLSTo the beat of Offenbach, life begins at ten o'clock. To the strains of Johann Strauss, we order drinks

upon the house.

ZO-ZOThough unlisted on the menu, we excite the appetite. Call for local ladies when you care to order

something light.

ALL GIRLSEver bright and ever sprightly, for delight we gather nightly.

ZO-ZODo-do, Margot, Gi-gi, Lu-lu, Frou-frou, Fi-fi, et moi!

ALL GIRLSBrought to you by Franz Lehar, here we sparkle, here we star. On the set and on the stage, Les grisettes are all the rage. On the town or tète-a-tète, eh. Voila! Les belles grisettes! Ritantouri, tantiri, meet the

girls of gay Paree!

No. 14b

TUTTIBrought to you by Franz Lehar, here we (men: they) sparkle, here we (they) star. On the set and on the

stage, Les grisettes are all the rage. On the town or tète-a-tète, eh. Voila! Les belles grisettes! Ritantouri, tantiri, meet the girls of gay Paree!

No. 17

DANILOStrings are playing, softly saying, “I love you.”

Hearts are beating, both repeating, “Love me too.” Ev'ry sigh unspoken sends a message through,Tells of two in harmony, a dream come true.

SONIATogether as we glide, impossible to hide

Those incandescent signs that tell of joy unknown before.No sweet words need I recall, a silent signal says it all:

You are the one alone that I adore...

BOTHEvery sigh unspoken sends a message through,

Tells of two in harmony, a dream come true.

No. 18

SONIAOh the man of today has to know...

POPOFFWhat to do just to stay in the show...

DANILOTo remain nonchalant, debonair, in a fight...

TUTTIWhere all is fair. Since the heydays of Adam and Eve, women's way you would blush to believe. In

the battle of wits you had best call it quits, as the French put it, “C'est la guerre!”