The Return of H.G. Wells: Musical Comedy Man

A year ago, I posted an article here called, "H.G. Wells: Musical Comedy Man" about several musicals based on musicals by, of all people, H.G. Wells.  One of those was a 1969 British show, Ann Veronica, which was largely about women's suffrage.

I just received a note in response to that from Carey Snyder who wrote to request that I post two particular songs, because "I'm editing a cultural studies edition of Wells's novel, and I'd like to refer to the musical lyrics, but can't get my hands on them.  Thanks!"

We aims to please.

The first song requested was the opening number in the musical, sung by Ann, "A Whole Person."  I'm not a huge fan of the score, though there are a number of quite nice things in it, in particular the title song. And in a sort-of overture, the music you hear as this selection begins is that title song.  It then goes into -- this.

By the way, I should note that the score to Ann Veronica is written by Cyril Ornadel (who did the music -- and a few years earlier had written my beloved and oft-mentioned here Pickwick that starred Harry Secombe) and David Croft (who wrote the lyrics).

This is the second song that was requested, "If I Should Lose You," also sung by Ann -- performed by Mary Millar -- which comes near the end of the show.

By the way, in writing this posting, I began slapping my head in annoyance (the slaps being metaphoric, of course).  That's because in the original article, I left out a third musical based on a novel by H.G. Wells.  And it's based on far and away one of his three most famous novels, War of the Worlds.  (Yes, War of the Worlds was a musical!)  I mentioned the book in the original piece, but not the musical.  Ack.

In fairness to me, it's a show that wasn't ever done as a book stage musical, but rather was a "concept album," with a score by Jeff Wayne and most lyrics by Gary Osborne.  Recorded in 1978, the eclectic cast included none other than Richard Burton, as well as Justin Hayward of the Moody Blues, and Chris Thompson of Manfred Mann, among others.

It was a huge success, having sold over 2.5 million copies in the U.K.  It's had a variety of incarnations, including a live concert tour.  Though never, as far as I know, a "legitimate stage" book-musical production.

But still, there you have it -- three musicals based on that sing-along raconteur, H.G. Wells.

And two songs here from Ann Veronica.  Cultural studies edition now noted...