Overview
Synopsis
Based on the heartwarming film of the same name, Meet Me In St. Louis takes audience members on a musical journey back to the early 1900’s, on the brink of the 1904 World’s Fair. In the show’s center are the Smiths, a humble middle-class family made up of Mr. & Mrs. Smith, their four daughters Rose, Esther, Agnes, and Tootie, and their son Lon. With the addition of romantic suitors, comedic misunderstandings, and jovial pranks, this musical is filled with nonstop entertainment featuring memorable musical numbers such as “The Boy Next Door”, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”, and “A Day In New York”.
Show Information
Context
Meet Me in St. Louis is based on the 1944 MGM movie of the same name, starring Judy Garland as Esther. The musical opened on Broadway at the George Gershwin Theatre in 1989 and closed in June 1990, after 252 performances.
The current version of the show is considerably different than the original 1989 Broadway production. The songs: “Be Anything But A Girl”, “Ghosties and Ghoulies and Things That Go Bump in the Night”, “Halloween Ballet”, “Diamonds in the Starlight” and “Paging Mr. Sousa”
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Act I
The Overture segues directly into the front of the Smith family home (“Meet Me in St Louis”). We meet the Smith family: (the Smith family octet): Tootie, the youngest girl; Agnes, her closest sister; Lon, the son ready for college; Mrs. Anna Smith, mother; Katie, the family’s Irish maid; Grandpa Prophater; Rose, the eldest daughter; and Esther, the second oldest daughter. Excited about the fair, Rose sees John Truitt outside and we learn more about Esther’s crush (“The Boy Next
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Showing 8 of 13 characters
Character Portrayals
See StageAgent members who have performed roles in Meet Me in St. Louis.
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Songs
Act I
- Overture-Instrumental
- “Meet Me in St. Louis” - Ensemble, Smith Family Octet
- “The Boy Next Door” - Esther
- “Meet Me in St. Louis (Reprise)” - Tootie, Agnes, Esther, Rose & Grandpa
- “Whenever I'm With You” - Smith Family Octet
- “You'll Hear a Bell” - Mrs. Smith
- “Meet Me in St. Louis (Reprise)” - Smith Family Octet & Ensemble
- “A Raving Beauty” - Warren, Rose
- “Drunk Song” - Tootie
- “Under The Bamboo Tree” - Esther, Tootie, Agnes
- “Over the Banister” - John
- “Skip To My Lou (Reprise)” - Ensemble
- “The Trolley Song” - Esther, Ensemble
Act II
- “Entr'acte” - Instrumental
- “Touch Of The Irish” - Katie, Rose, Esther
- “Boy Next Door (Reprise)” - John, Esther
- “A Day In New York” - Smith Family
- “You'll Hear A Bell (Reprise)” - Mrs. Smith
- “Wasn't It Fun?” - Mr. and Mrs. Smith
- “Christmas Waltz” - Instrumental
- “The Banjo” - Ensemble
- “Auld Lang Syne” - Instrumental
- “You Are For Loving” - John, Esther
- “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” - Esther
- “Trolley Song (Reprise)” - Ensemble
- “Meet Me In St. Louis (Reprise)” - All
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.
Key Terms
An adaptation is a reworking of a story from one medium or cultural context into another, such as turning a novel into a play or updating a classic play’s setting. Adaptations often reinterpret themes, characters, and style for new audiences. They can range from faithful recreations to bold reimaginings.