Overview
Synopsis
Even though Jimmy Smith has become a millionaire, due to his Bible publishing business, his wife, Sue, remains frugal and has little desire for money. Her main concern is raising their adopted daughter, Nanette, into a respectable lady. Since he's filthy rich, however, as has nothing to do with his wealth, Jimmy bankrolls the lives of three beautiful women. Jimmy realizes how bad it could be if Sue found out and got the wrong idea about his relationship with these three women. He enlists the help of his lawyer friend, Billy, to help him get out of the pickle in exchange for a generous sum. They make plans to meet all three girls in Atlantic City to have a little fun -- and also break off all further contact. Meanwhile, young Nanette, who has an untapped wild side, sneaks off to Atlantic City to has some fun before she settles down with her beloved, Tom Trainor. When Nanette runs into Tom on her travels, she is shocked -- and he is even more upset.
Meanwhile, Sue and Billy's wife, Lucille, have -- unbeknownst to their husbands -- planned a quiet weekend away, and run into their husbands, along with the three girls. Chaos breaks loose -- the threat of scandal looms large, threatening to end love affairs and even marriages -- but ultimately everything is cleared up, and all is well as the curtain falls. With a delightful score that includes the famous "Tea for Two" and "I Want to Be Happy," the lighthearted ' No, No, Nanette was once called "The Happiest Show In Town."
Show Information
Context
When No, No, Nanette premiered in 1925, it perfectly captured the carefree spirit of the Roaring Twenties. America was in the midst of a post-World War I economic boom, with jazz, flappers, and new social freedoms defining the decade. Audiences craved lighthearted entertainment that offered escape from the pressures of modern life, and the show’s mix of farce, romance, and buoyant songs fit the bill. Its playful plot about a wealthy Bible publisher secretly funding the adventures of three
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Note: This synopsis is based on the The 1971 revival.
Act I
The story opens in New York City, where wealthy Bible publisher Jimmy Smith leads a seemingly respectable life with his practical wife, Sue. Beneath the surface, however, Jimmy has been secretly providing financial support to three attractive young women—Betty, Flora, and Winnie. Though Jimmy insists his intentions are innocent and he simply wants to “be happy by making others happy,” his generosity leaves him vulnerable to
to read the plot for No, No, Nanette and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Characters
Showing 8 of 11 characters
Character Portrayals
See StageAgent members who have performed roles in No, No, Nanette.
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Songs
Showing 8 of 15 songs
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number.
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
Themes
The Pursuit of Happiness vs. Responsibility At its heart, No, No, Nanette explores the tension between carefree fun and adult responsibility. Jimmy’s secret generosity to his “lady friends” and Nanette’s longing for independence both highlight the desire for happiness, even when it clashes with social expectations. The musical suggests that true fulfillment lies in balancing fun with honesty and commitment.
Romantic Love and Commitment The central romance between Nanette
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“I want to be happy, but I won’t be happy till I make you happy too.”
This lyric from Jimmy’s comic anthem highlights one of the central themes: the search for happiness. Jimmy insists his generosity to Betty, Flora, and Winnie is motivated not by lust but by his desire to spread joy. Ironically, his well-meaning actions create chaos instead. The line captures both the Jazz Age optimism and the farcical misunderstandings at the heart of the musical.
**“Tea for two, and two for tea; me
to read our analysis of select quotes from No, No, Nanette and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Key Terms
A character foil is one whose traits contrast with another character, thereby highlighting qualities in both. In No, No, Nanette, Sue’s strict propriety serves as a foil to Nanette’s youthful desire for freedom, emphasizing the tension between tradition and independence. The use of foils helps dramatists reveal character differences without lengthy exposition.
Escapism in theatre refers to works designed to provide audiences with relief from the difficulties of everyday life. These productions emphasize lighthearted entertainment, often featuring comedy, romance, or lavish spectacle rather than serious social critique. Musicals like No, No, Nanette exemplify escapism by offering carefree fun and joyful music during the turbulent 1920s and again in the nostalgic 1970s revival.
Farce is a comedic style that emphasizes exaggerated situations, improbable coincidences, mistaken identities, and rapid pacing. It often includes physical humor such as slamming doors, frantic chases, or characters hiding in plain sight. Farce is designed to generate nonstop laughter, often prioritizing chaos and absurdity over realistic storytelling.
A period piece is a theatrical work set in a specific historical era, recreating its fashions, manners, and cultural atmosphere. Costumes, sets, and dialogue are often designed to reflect the chosen time period as accurately as possible. Period pieces allow audiences to step into another age and experience its unique style and traditions.
Slapstick is a type of physical comedy that relies on exaggerated actions, pratfalls, and humorous accidents to provoke laughter. It often includes broad movements, funny sound effects, and comic violence, such as someone slipping on a banana peel or being hit with a harmless object. The style originated in commedia dell’arte and became popular in vaudeville, silent film, and stage comedy.
Spectacle refers to the visual elements of a production that create wonder and excitement through design, movement, or scale. This might include elaborate costumes, dazzling choreography, special effects, or impressive sets. Spectacle often heightens the theatrical experience by leaving audiences with vivid visual impressions alongside the story and music.
Videos
Guide Written By:
Jason Engleman
Humming show tunes day and night.