Irene (1919), a musical comedy by James Montgomery (book), Harry Tierney (music), Joe McCarthy (lyrics). [Vanderbilt Theatre, 670 perf.] Irene O'Dare (Edith Day), “a little bit of salt and sweetness,” is a poor shopgirl who is sent on an errand to the Marshalls' Long Island estate. There Donald Marshall (Walter Regan) falls in love with her and helps her land a job at a couturier's shop run by a man known as Madam Lucy (Bobby Watson). At first both families oppose the match. Mrs. O'Dare (Dorothy Walters) is suspicious of the rich, and Donald's family feels he would be marrying beneath him. But when Irene sings and dances while she models at a party held by the J. P. Bowdens, she wins everyone's heart—and a wedding ring from Donald. Notable songs: Alice Blue Gown; Irene; The Last Part of Ev'ry Party; Castle of Dreams. This charming, intimate musical is generally credited with initiating the vogue for Cinderella librettos, a trend which dominated Broadway for several years. From the time of its closing, until Pins and Needles surpassed it in 1939, Irene remained the longest‐running musical in Broadway history. A 1973 revival, which took many liberties with the original text and score, starred Debbie Reynolds and enjoyed a long run.

The Oxford Companion to American Theatre. Copyright © 2004 by Oxford University Press, Inc. All rights reserved.