Libretto (book, lyrics) by Glen MacDonough. Music by Victor Herbert.
Majestic Theatre, New York : Opened 13th October, 1903; closed 19th March, 1904 (192 perfs)
Story
The basic story is about orphans Alan and Jane, the wards of their wicked Uncle Barnaby, who wants to steal their fortune. He arranges for them to be shipwrecked and![babes-posterweb3[1]](http://www.wlos.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/babes-posterweb311-212x300.jpg "babes-posterweb3[1]")
lost at sea, but somehow they are rescued by gypsies and returned to Contrary Mary’s garden. Contrary Mary, believing her beloved Alan is dead, has run away with her brother, Tom-Tom the Piper’s son, rather than agree to marry Barnaby.
After a second attempt on their lives in the Spider’s Den, Alan and Jane are protected by the Moth Queen.
In Toyland, Contrary Mary, Tom-Tom, Alan and Jane find each other and seek protection from the Master Toymaker, an evil genius who plots with Barnaby to create toys that kill and maim. The demonic possessed dolls kill the Toymaker and Barnaby uses the information to have Alan sentenced to death. Contrary Mary agrees to marry him in exchange for Alan’s pardon, but Barnaby marries her, denounces Alan again, and dies, after drinking a wine glass filled with poison meant for Alan.
Tom-Tom reveals that an old law of Toyland permitting marriage between a widow and a condemned man on condition that he supports her and honestly works may save Alan from the gallows and he marries the Widow Barnaby.
Musical Numbers
- Don’t Cry, Bo-Peep (Never Mind, Bo-Peep, We Will Find Your Sheep) -
- Floretta
- Mary Mary
- Barney O’Flynn
- I Can’t Do the Sum
- Slumber Deep
- Christmas Fair Waltz
- (Our Castle in Spain) The Legend of the Castle
- Rock-a-bye Baby
- Toy Soldiers’ March and Military Ball
- The Toymakers (Shop)
- Toyland
- My Rag Doll Girl (The Rag Doll)
- An Old-Fashioned Rose
- Before and After
- Jane
- Maybe the Moon Will Help You Out
- Finale