Windy City
Recently Updated
Windy City: A Musical Scoop in the West End
"Windy City" is a musical that breezed into London’s West End in 1982, adapting the razor-sharp 1928 play *The Front Page* by Ben Hecht and Charles MacArthur. With a book and lyrics by Dick Vosburgh and music by Tony Macaulay, it opened at the Victoria Palace Theatre on July 20, 1982, following a premiere at Bristol Hippodrome in June, and ran for 250 performances until February 26, 1983. Set in 1929 Chicago, the story follows ace reporter Hildy Johnson, torn between a new life with his fiancée and the pull of one last big story an escaped killer hiding in a courthouse desk under the scheming eye of editor Walter Burns. Though it didn’t achieve blockbuster status, its lively score and spirited cast left a mark on musical theatre history.
Origins and Adaptation
The musical sprang from *The Front Page*, a Broadway hit that spawned films like *His Girl Friday*. Vosburgh, a New Jersey-born writer with a knack for satire, teamed with Macaulay, a prolific British songwriter behind hits like "Build Me Up, Buttercup," to craft a jazzy, comedic take. Set in a bustling Chicago pressroom, the plot retained the play’s frenetic energy, adding songs like "Windy City" and "Wait Till I Get You On Your Own" to amplify the tension between Hildy’s ambitions and Burns’ manipulation. After a successful Bristol tryout, producers George Edwardes Ltd brought it to London, aiming to blend American grit with West End flair.
The Cast and Creative Team
Dennis Waterman led as Hildy Johnson, his gritty charisma anchoring the show, while Anton Rodgers played the devious Walter Burns with relish. Amanda Redman shone as fiancée Esther Stone, Diane Langton brought pathos to Mollie Malloy, and Victor Spinetti added whimsy as poet-reporter Bensinger. Directed by Peter Wood, with Anthony Bowles conducting Macaulay’s score, the production boasted designs by Carl Toms, earning an Olivier nod for Designer of the Year. The ensemble captured the rough-and-tumble newsroom vibe, though some felt the music softened the original’s edge.
West End Reception
Critics were divided at the Victoria Palace premiere. *The Stage* praised its “lively tunes” and Waterman’s charm, but others, like *The Times*, found it “too tame,” missing the play’s biting cynicism. Audiences enjoyed the catchy score and slapstick, with tracks like "Long Night Again Tonight" sparking applause. Nominated for the Ned Sherrin Award for Best Musical, it drew decent crowds 250 performances isn’t a flop but couldn’t rival juggernauts like *Cats*, which opened that year. Its seven-month run reflected solid, if not spectacular, appeal in a competitive season.
Beyond the West End
"Windy City" ventured beyond London with U.S. stagings at Marriott Theatre in Illinois (1984 and early 1990s) and Paper Mill Playhouse in New Jersey (1985), starring Ron Holgate and Judy Kaye. A 2006 Philadelphia run at Walnut Street Theatre, with updates by Macaulay, added new songs, earning fresh buzz. The original cast recording, featuring Waterman and Rodgers, remains a fan favorite, preserving its brassy charm. While it didn’t spawn a global franchise, its regional revivals hint at a sleeper hit with enduring potential.
Legacy and Reflection
"Windy City" occupies a quirky niche in West End lore a spirited adaptation that traded some of *The Front Page*’s venom for musical zest. Macaulay’s pop pedigree and Vosburgh’s wit crafted a show that’s more romp than roast, appealing to those who savor golden-age flair over gritty realism. Its modest success underscores the challenge of turning a sharp play into a singable hit, yet its cult following and occasional revivals suggest a breeze that hasn’t fully died down. For theatre buffs, it’s a footnote worth revisiting.