New Moon The

New Moon The, (1928), an operetta by Oscar Hammerstein II (book, lyrics), Frank Mandel, Laurence Schwab (book), Sigmund Romberg (music). [ Imperial Theatre, 509 perf.] Robert Misson (Robert Halliday) is a French nobleman whose revolutionary sympathies have forced him to flee to New Orleans where he is disguised as a servant. He falls in love with his employer's daughter, Marianne (Evelyn Herbert). With his friend Philippe (William O'Neal) and others, Robert hopes to defeat the royalists. But Robert's cover is exposed, and he believes Marianne is responsible. When he is put on a ship returning to France, Marianne follows him aboard. Robert's men, disguised as pirates, attack the ship and take him and Marianne to a settlement on the Isle of Pines. Robert studiously ignores Marianne until they all learn of the Revolution and he learns of Marianne's innocence. Notable songs: Softly, As in a Morning Sunrise; Wanting You; One Kiss; Stouthearted Men; Lover, Come Back to Me. Hailed by St. John Ervine of the World as “the most charming and fragrant entertainment of its sort that I have seen in a long time,” the musical was the last traditional operetta of its era to enjoy a long run. The New York City Opera revived it in 1986, and it remains in the repertory of other groups.