Pal Joey follows smooth-talking, cocky anti-hero Joey Evans as he worms his way into owning his own nightclub. Along the way, Joey juggles the affections of many women, including Linda English, a naive young woman, and Vera Simpson, a wealthy, married socialite. Vera begins to bankroll Joey’s new club, Chez Joey, until a crooked agent, Ludlow Lowell and his sidekick chorus girl, Gladys Bumps, threaten to tell Vera’s husband about her affair. Joey finally gets a taste of his own medicine when Vera dumps him and cuts the funding for his club. Linda hopes to win Joey’s heart, now that he is newly single, but unfortunately can’t keep the playboy tied down. Joey lands on his feet, not learning anything from his fall from grace, and continues his scheming ways.
Pal Joey is the penultimate collaboration of Rodger and Hart, and the first musical to feature an anti-hero lead. With classic songs like “Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered”, Pal Joey is a great addition to any theatre season. This guide is based on the original 1940’s book of Pal Joey available for licensing through Concord Theatricals.
Pal Joey guide sections
