Pal Joey
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Discovering "Pal Joey" on the West End
"Pal Joey" is a groundbreaking musical with music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Lorenz Hart, and a book by John O’Hara, based on his short stories. Known for introducing Broadway’s first anti-hero, this tale of ambition and amorality made its mark on London’s West End with two notable productions: its premiere in 1954 at the Princes Theatre and a revival in 1980 at the Albery Theatre (now the Noël Coward Theatre). Both runs brought Joey Evans’s cynical charm to British audiences, blending jazzy tunes with a dark, witty narrative that defied musical comedy norms.
The Story of Joey Evans
Set in late 1930s Chicago, "Pal Joey" follows Joey Evans, a slick-talking nightclub emcee with dreams of owning his own venue. He woos naive Linda English but ditches her for Vera Simpson, a wealthy, married older woman who funds his nightclub, Chez Joey. As Joey rides high, a blackmail scheme by dancer Gladys and her ex threatens to unravel his plans. Vera thwarts the plot but tires of Joey’s antics, ending their affair and leaving him alone unrepentant and still scheming. It’s a sharp, unsentimental tale of a cad who never reforms.
A Creative Milestone
Rodgers and Hart’s score contrasts brassy nightclub numbers with sophisticated ballads, reflecting Joey’s dual worlds. Hits like “Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered” and “I Could Write a Book” became standards, their irony amplifying the story’s edge. O’Hara’s book, rooted in his New Yorker tales, crafts a flawed yet magnetic lead a departure from the era’s typical heroes. The West End productions retained this bite, with the 1954 premiere directed by David Alexander and the 1980 revival helmed by Rob Walker, showcasing the show’s enduring appeal.
The West End Journey
"Pal Joey" debuted in London on March 11, 1954, at the Princes Theatre after a week in Oxford, running for 245 performances. Harold Lang reprised his Broadway role as Joey, joined by Carol Bruce as Vera, earning praise for their chemistry. The 1980 revival opened September 25 at the Albery Theatre, starring Denis Lawson and Siân Phillips, and ran for a year outpacing its predecessor. Critics lauded its elegance, though some found its cynicism a tough sell, cementing its status as a sophisticated outlier in West End fare.
Musical Highlights and Lasting Tunes
The score shines with “Bewitched,” a sultry ode to infatuation, and “I Could Write a Book,” a deceptively tender ballad. Numbers like “Zip,” sung by a reporter mocking high society, and “In Our Little Den (of Iniquity)” revel in cheeky candor. The 1980 cast recording preserves Lawson and Phillips’s renditions, highlighting the music’s blend of sass and polish a Rodgers and Hart hallmark that keeps "Pal Joey" timeless.
A Transatlantic Legacy
Originating on Broadway in 1940 with Gene Kelly, "Pal Joey" evolved through revivals, including a record-breaking 1952 run and a 1957 Sinatra-led film. Its West End outings 1954’s premiere and 1980’s revival adapted this American tale for British sensibilities, influencing later character-driven musicals. Though not a long-runner in London, its sharp script and songs endure, with echoes in works like "Chicago" and "City of Angels."
Why "Pal Joey" Stands Apart
"Pal Joey" captivates with its unapologetic anti-hero and sardonic lens on love and ambition. On the West End, it offered a refreshing contrast to sunnier musicals, appealing to those craving wit over warmth. Its 1954 and 1980 productions showcased a rogue’s charisma amid London’s glitz, proving that even a heel can hold the stage and the audience in thrall.