Applause

Performances

March 20-22, 26-29 & April 2-4, 1981

Venue

Community Players Theatre

Synopsis

This musical is about show business, and the characters are typical of Broadway’s glitter without being types. “What is it that we’re living for?” sing the impoverished “gypsies,” the Broadway dancers in Act 1—and the answer? “Applause, Applause.” These lyrics state simply the motive of all the characters in the play, and this song is repeated periodically to remind us of the theme of the show. “Applause” tells the story of Eve, Margo Channing’s biggest fan, but Eve isn’t happy until she is able to emulate her in every single way—stooping to steal her friends, her fiancé, and her standing as Broadway’s biggest star.

Book by Betty Comden and Adolph Green
Music by Charles Strouse
Lyrics by Lee Adams
Based on the film All About Eve and the original story by Mary Orr

Historian’s Corner

“Applause” was Larry Connolly’s first stage direction of a musical for Community Players. This was also the first show that L. Jane Thomley choreographed for Players. The show was praised by the reviewer, but a special mention went to the chorus or “gypsies” as they are called in the show. Their energy during the ‘Applause’ number was dynamic and memorable as they highlighted their fears, cheers, and tears. In the “Applause” program was an order form for tickets to the Third Annual Awards Banquet to be held on June 6, 1981. The venue had changed from the Illinois State University Ballroom to the Central Station Restaurant. Ballots would be sent out to all season ticket holders.

Crew