Miss Hook of Holland
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Introduction to "Miss Hook of Holland"
"Miss Hook of Holland" premiered in London’s West End at the Prince of Wales Theatre on January 31, 1907, running for an impressive 462 performances until March 7, 1908. Described as a "Dutch Musical Incident," this two-act musical comedy features music and lyrics by Paul Rubens, with a book co-written by Rubens and Austen Hurgon. Produced by Frank Curzon, it starred Harry Grattan as Ludwig Schnapps, Isabel Jay as Sally Hook, and G.P. Huntley as Mr. Hook. A tale of romance and mischief set in a Dutch cheese market and liqueur distillery, its catchy tunes like "Little Miss Wooden Shoes" and playful spirit captivated Edwardian audiences, marking a successful debut for Rubens and a hit that toured globally, including a 1907 Broadway run and a 1914 revival with Phyllis Dare.
The Creative Team Behind the Show
Paul Rubens composed the sprightly score and lyrics, co-writing the book with Austen Hurgon, whose theatrical savvy shaped its farce. Frank Curzon produced, bringing polish to the Prince of Wales stage, while Isabel Jay’s radiant Sally Hook and Harry Grattan’s comedic Schnapps led the cast. G.P. Huntley shone as the liqueur-rich Mr. Hook, with Walter Hyde as the dashing Bandmaster van Vuyt and Phoebe Mercer as the scheming Miss Voss. Supporting players like George Barrett as Simon Slinks and Eva Kelly as Gretchen added zest. The team’s synergy Rubens’ melodies, Hurgon’s wit, and Curzon’s flair crafted a lighthearted romp that bridged operetta and musical comedy, delighting with Dutch flair and a touch of Edwardian charm.
A Dutch Delight of Mischief and Romance
In the bustling cheese market of Arndyk, Sally Hook, daughter of wealthy distiller Mr. Hook, thrives on her invention: the liqueur "Cream of the Sky." When her father drops the secret recipe, loafer Simon Slinks snags it, selling it to Captain Adrian Paap, who loves Sally and hopes it’ll win her favor. Sally, however, pines for Bandmaster van Vuyt, singing "The Sleepy Canal" with him. At the Amsterdam distillery fete, Paap and van Vuyt vie for her, while foreman Ludwig Schnapps flirts with maid Mina ("A Pink Petty from Peter"). Songs like "Fly Away, Kite" and "A Little Bit of Cheese" pepper the chaos, ending with Sally choosing van Vuyt, the recipe restored, and Hook’s empire intact a whimsical whirl of love and Dutch ingenuity.
Performance and Reception
Opening to a crowded house, "Miss Hook of Holland" ran 462 performances, a triumph in a busy 1907 season alongside "The Merry Widow." The Times praised its “taking ditties” and Huntley’s “inimitable” Hook, while critics lauded Jay’s charm and Rubens’ “excellent” score though some found its plot slight. Audiences adored the comedy and costumes Jay’s self-designed frock a highlight packing the Prince of Wales for over a year. Its Broadway stint hit 119 shows, and a 1914 revival with Phyllis Dare refreshed its appeal. A cast recording captured its tunes, cementing a warm reception that saw it outshine peers like "The Girls of Gottenberg," a cheerful escape that danced into Edwardian hearts with Dutch zest.
Legacy in West End Theatre
"Miss Hook of Holland"’s 462 performances laid a foundation for Rubens’ later hits like "The Balkan Princess," its success outpacing many 1907 rivals spurring a 1907 Australian tour and Broadway run. The 1914 revival and a children’s "Little Miss Hook" version broadened its reach, while amateur groups adored it through the 1950s via Concord Theatricals licenses. Though not a perennial like "Les Misérables," its cast recordings and MIDI files endure, with "Little Miss Wooden Shoes" a nostalgic echo. A bridge from Victorian operetta to modern musical comedy, it remains a charming Edwardian artifact in West End lore less a titan than a delightful Dutch detour, its legacy tied to Rubens’ early genius and a bygone era’s whimsy.