The Idea is a
musical with words and music by
Joseph Hart. While essentially a comedy, the plot centers around a young man whose destructive life of gambling and drinking is turned around after attending a meeting at the
Salvation Army. Scholars have noted similarities of this work to the later 1950 musical Guys and Dolls, but with an aesthetic of musicals and culture of the 1890s.[1]
The original production, featuring Frederick Hallen and Joseph Hart, was produced by Hallen at Bowdoin Square in Boston in November 1892.[2] It then opened in New York City at the
Fourteenth Street Theatre on April 9, 1893[3] and was still playing there in October.[4] In 1894, a revival played in Chicago.[5]
Roles and New York cast
The opening night cast in New York was as follows:[3]