Show guide
Thoroughly Modern Millie
Thoroughly Modern Millie is a bubbly, tap-happy comedy about a small-town girl chasing big-city reinvention amid the flapper glamour of the 1920s.
- Broadway premiere
- 2002
- Music by
- Jeanine Tesori
- Genre
- Comedy
- Setting
- 1920s
Thoroughly Modern Millie: quick answers
What is Thoroughly Modern Millie about?
- Thoroughly Modern Millie follows Millie Dillmount, a small-town Kansas girl who arrives in 1922 New York determined to marry her rich boss, until love and a hotel owner running a white slavery ring get in the way.
When did Thoroughly Modern Millie open on Broadway?
- Thoroughly Modern Millie opened on Broadway on April 18, 2002, at the Marquis Theatre and won six Tony Awards, including Best Musical. It played 903 performances before closing on June 20, 2004.
What kind of musical is Thoroughly Modern Millie?
- Thoroughly Modern Millie is a musical comedy adapted from the 1967 film, with new music by Jeanine Tesori mixed with some previously written songs, including the film's title song. It is a tap-heavy Jazz Age romp.
Where and when is Thoroughly Modern Millie set?
- Thoroughly Modern Millie is set in New York City in 1922.
Has Thoroughly Modern Millie played in London's West End?
- Thoroughly Modern Millie opened in the West End at the Shaftesbury Theatre in 2003, starring Amanda Holden, and closed in June 2004.
Is there a Thoroughly Modern Millie movie?
- The musical is based on the 1967 film Thoroughly Modern Millie, directed by George Roy Hill and starring Julie Andrews, Mary Tyler Moore, and Carol Channing.
The story of Thoroughly Modern Millie
The musical follows Millie Dillmount, a young woman who arrives in New York City in the 1920s determined to abandon old-fashioned notions of romance and instead marry her wealthy boss, embracing what she sees as thoroughly modern values. Her plans get complicated by unexpected romance, a colorful cast of fellow boarding house residents, and a plot involving a scheming hotel proprietress.
The show leans fully into the exuberance and fashion of the flapper era, with tap numbers, breezy comedy, and a heroine whose ambitions and heart both get pleasantly upended by the end of the story.
The music and the makers
Jeanine Tesori composed the score for the stage musical, which was adapted from the 1967 film of the same name and built around a mix of new songs and period-appropriate flavor. Tesori's music captures the peppy, syncopated energy of 1920s jazz and dance music while giving it a contemporary theatrical polish.
The comedy genre of the show is reflected in its score, full of playful patter numbers and big tap showcases designed to keep the energy light and the laughs coming, alongside a few more heartfelt ballads for its central romance.
Thoroughly Modern Millie on Broadway
Thoroughly Modern Millie opened on Broadway in 2002, arriving as a joyful, old-fashioned crowd-pleaser rooted in Jazz Age nostalgia. Its blend of comedy, dance, and period charm made it a hit with audiences looking for pure entertainment.
The show's appeal comes from its infectious energy and its affectionate send-up of 1920s style and ambition, wrapped around a genuinely charming heroine. It remains a favorite for its tap-driven choreography and its sunny, feel-good spirit.
Thoroughly Modern Millie: frequently asked questions
When did Thoroughly Modern Millie open on Broadway?
It opened on Broadway in 2002.
Who composed Thoroughly Modern Millie?
Jeanine Tesori composed the score for the stage adaptation.
What is Thoroughly Modern Millie about?
It follows Millie Dillmount, a small-town girl in 1920s New York trying to reinvent herself and marry for money, only to find real romance instead.
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