High Society
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Introduction to "High Society"
"High Society" premiered in London’s West End at the Victoria Palace Theatre on October 27, 1987, running for 420 performances until October 1988. Adapted from Philip Barry’s 1939 play "The Philadelphia Story" and the 1956 MGM film, this musical features music and lyrics by Cole Porter, with a book by Richard Eyre. Starring Natasha Richardson as Tracy Lord and Trevor Eve as C.K. Dexter Haven, it brought 1930s Long Island glamour to the stage. Revived in 2005 at the Shaftesbury Theatre and in 2015 at The Old Vic with Kate Fleetwood, it remains a fizzy celebration of love, wealth, and wit.
The Creative Team Behind the Show
Richard Eyre, soon to lead the National Theatre, wrote the book and directed the 1987 production, infusing it with sharp theatricality. Cole Porter’s timeless score including "True Love" and "Well, Did You Evah?" was arranged by musical director Michael Reed. The 2005 revival, directed by Ian Talbot, starred Katherine Kingsley, while Maria Friedman’s 2015 Old Vic staging, with choreography by Nathan M. Wright, featured a lush in-the-round design. Each version leaned on Porter’s melodies and a stellar cast, from Jerry Hall’s 2005 Mother Lord to Jamie Parker’s 2015 Mike Connor.
A Swellegant Romantic Romp
Set in 1938 Oyster Bay, "High Society" follows socialite Tracy Lord, who’s set to wed dull executive George Kittredge. Her ex-husband, Dexter Haven, crashes the festivities to win her back, while tabloid reporter Mike Connor, covering the wedding, falls for her too. Tracy’s champagne-fueled antics skinny-dipping with Mike ignite farce, jealousy, and revelations. Her precocious sister Dinah and lecherous Uncle Willie stir the pot, leading to a morning-after reckoning. Love triumphs as Tracy reunites with Dexter, Mike pairs with Liz Imbrie, and the wedding bells ring anew, all to Porter’s effervescent tunes.
Performance and Reception
The 1987 debut earned warm applause, with Natasha Richardson’s Tracy a standout Variety praised its “elegant fizz,” fueling a solid 420-show run. The 2005 Shaftesbury revival, post-Regent’s Park, ran 147 performances, with critics split on Jerry Hall’s casting but charmed by the score. The 2015 Old Vic production, closing August 22, dazzled with five-star Daily Mail raves for its “uncomplicated super show,” running 105 performances and earning Olivier nods. Each incarnation drew crowds with its Porter panache, though some found the plot frothy.
Legacy in West End Theatre
"High Society" bridges classic musical comedy and modern staging, its Porter songbook “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" enduring beyond its runs. The 1987 production predated Broadway’s 1998 take, while 2005 and 2015 revivals, plus tours, kept it alive. Though not a record-breaker like "Les Misérables," its 672 total West End performances and 1956 film tie-in (starring Grace Kelly and Bing Crosby) ensure lasting appeal. Staged globally, from Australia to Sweden, it’s a West End gem of high-class hijinks and melodic sophistication.