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Considered the first successful American operetta influenced by Gilbert and Sullivan, The Little Tycoon is one of the first American musicals to have the book, lyrics and music all by the same person, Willard Spencer. The plot revolves around Alvin, a young man, who pretends to be a Japanese nobleman in order to impress the father of his dream girl.

It opened on Broadway on 29 March 1886, after running three months in Philadelphia.

Dramatis Personæ

GENERAL KNICKERBOCKER (One of the Old Time Knickerbockers)
ALVIN BARRY (A young Wall Street Banker, afterwards the Great Tycoon of Japan)
RUFUS READY (Alvin's College Friend, afterwards Interpreter to the Great Tycoon)
LORD DOLPHIN (Son to the Marchioness of Pullhimback)
TEDDY (Lord Dolphin's Valet)
MONTGOMERY (General Knickerbocker's Footman)
MISS HURRICANE (Chaperon to Tourist-Maidens)
DOLLY DIMPLE (Violet's School Friend)
LADY DOLPHIN (Marchioness of Pullhimback)
VIOLET (General Knickerbocker's Daughter, The Little Tycoon)

MIDI Files

ACT I   -   The Deck of an Ocean Steamer returning from Europe.

ACT II   -   Drawing-room in General Knickerbocker's Elegant Villa at Newport.

MIDI Files


External Link
Vocal Score at UR Research

American Musical Theatre

Page modified 7 May 2017