In the heyday of music halls in Victorian London, a young actress is murdered by a mysterious strangler. Wanting to capitalize on the scintillating event, the Simpson Sisters' Waxworks puts on an exhibit dramatizing the murder. The exhibit angers actor Tom Baxter, the murdered actress’ former partner, and while he rails against the Simpson sisters, their niece Essie catches sight of the strong man and falls deeply in love. In order to gain Tom’s attention, Essie fabricates an attack by the murderer - a lie which soon comes true when the strangler sets his sights on Essie herself.
This buoyant murder mystery musical won six Tony awards in the year of its premiere, and was the directorial debut of the legendary Bob Fosse. The premiere performance of Redhead also featured Gwen Verdon in the role of Essie Whimple, for which she won her fourth Tony, just one year before she and Fosse were married.
Redhead guide sections
