The Girl from Kays

The Girl from Kays is a musical comedy in three acts, with music by Ivan Caryll and book and lyrics by Owen Hall. Additional songs were by Paul Rubens, Howard Talbot, Adrian Ross, Percy Greenbank and others. The farcical story concerns a misguided kiss.

The original London production, from 1902 to 1903, played for a long run of 432 performances and was followed by provincial tours. A successful New York run of 223 performances began in 1903, and successful Australian runs followed. The musical was later revised as The Belle of Bond Street.

The musical was produced by George Edwardes at the Apollo Theatre in London, opening on 15 November 1902 and moving to the Comedy Theatre on 14 December 1903 to finish its run of 432 performances. Florence Young replaced Ethel Irving in the title role, Gabrielle Ray took over Letty Lind's role during the original run, and Kitty Gordon also appeared in the musical. Despite its long run, the expensive production lost money, which had to be recouped in provincial tours.

The Girl from Kays had a successful New York run of 223 performances at the Herald Square Theatre, beginning 3 November 1903, and successful Australian runs. Elsie Ferguson starred in New York. It was later revised as The Belle of Bond Street.

Norah and Harry are just about to leave on their honeymoon, when Nora's new hat is delivered by Winnie, the girl from Kays hat shop. Winnie is an old friend of Harry's, and she congratulates him with a kiss. Nora and her family see this and misunderstand.

The honeymoon proceeds, but in separate rooms, with further complications added by bridesmaids, shopgirls from Kays, hotel staff, relatives and mis-steps of the booby Percy Fitzthistle. An American millionaire named Hoggenheimer takes a liking to Winnie. Eventually, Nora understands the truth, and forgives Harry at the restaurant of the Savoy Hotel.

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