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Based on the hugely popular farce play Charley’s Aunt, a mélange of multiple misunderstandings, Where’s Charley? was a major hit on Broadway. Following its premiere in October, 1948, it ran almost two years for a total of 792 performances. The original play, penned by Englishman Brandon Thomas, was first performed in London in 1892 and on Broadway the following year. Wherever it was staged, it broke the record for longest-running play, and it was revived countless times. Charley’s Aunt was adapted to film several times, including at least two American silent versions, one with Sydney Chaplin, the half brother of Charles Chaplin. Charles Ruggles and comedian Jack Benny appeared in sound productions. Given the play’s widespread popularity, it was almost inevitable that it would be turned into a musical. |
