Swinging on a Star (musical)

Swinging on a Star
Music Johnny Burke and various
Lyrics Johnny Burke
Book Michael Leeds
Productions 1995 Broadway

Swinging on a Star is a musical revue, featuring the music of Johnny Burke, with the lyrics by Burke and the music by Burke and several of his partners, such as Erroll Garner and Jimmy Van Heusen. The name of the revue is from the Oscar-winning song that Burke wrote with Jimmy Van Heusen for the film Going My Way.

Swinging on a Star was originally produced at the George Street Playhouse in 1994, with an additional production at the Goodspeed Opera House. It opened on Broadway at the Music Box Theatre on October 22, 1995 and closed on January 13, 1996 after 96 performances and 19 previews. Directed by Michael Leeds and choreographed by Kathleen Marshall, it featured Michael McGrath, Teresa Burrell, Lewis Cleale, Denise Faye, Eugene Fleming, Kathy Fitzgerald, and Alvaleta Guess.

Synopsis and songs

Each segment showed a different time and place.

Act I
Speakeasy-Chicago (1920s)
  • You're Not the Only Oyster in the Stew
  • Chicago Style
  • Ain't It A Shame About Mame
  • What's New
  • Doctor Rhythm
Depression-The Bowery
  • Pennies from Heaven
  • When Stanislaus Got Married
  • His Rocking Horse Ran Away
  • Annie Doesn't Live Here Anymore
Radio Show- New York City (1940s)
  • Annie Doesn't Live Here Anymore
  • Scatterbrain
  • One, Two, Button Your Shoe
  • What Does It Take To Make You Take To Me?
  • Irresistible
  • An Apple For the Teacher
USO Show-The Pacific Islands
  • Thank Your Luck Stars and Stripes
  • Personality
  • There's Always the Blues
  • Polka Dots and Moonbeams
  • Swinging On A Star
  • Stars and Stripes
Act II
Ballroom
  • Don't Let That Moon Get Away
  • All You Want to Do Is Dance
You Danced With Dynamite
  • Imagination
  • It Could Happen To You
Road To...
  • Road To Morocco
  • Apalachicola
  • You Don't ave To Know The Language
  • Going My Way
  • Shadows On The Swanee
  • Pakistan
  • Road To Morocco (Reprise)
Supper Club (1950s)

Source: "Swinging on a Star: The Johnny Burke Musical" (1996), Johnny Burke, Joe Bushkin, Michael Leeds, pp.4 and 7, ISBN 0822215233

Awards and nominations

Original Broadway production

Year Award Category Nominee Result
1996 Tony Award Best Musical Nominated
Drama Desk Award Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical Lewis Cleale Nominated
Michael McGrath Nominated
Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical Kathy Fitzgerald Nominated
Outstanding Choreography Kathleen Marshall Nominated
Theatre World Award Michael McGrath Won
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