New Moon The

New Moon The, (1928), an operetta by Oscar Hammerstein II (book, lyrics), Frank Mandel, Laurence Schwab (book), Sigmund Romberg (music). [Imperial Theatre, 509 perf.] Robert Misson ( Robert Halliday) is a French nobleman whose revolutionary sympathies have forced him to flee to New Orleans where he is disguised as a servant. He falls in love with his employer's daughter, Marianne ( Evelyn Herbert). With his friend Philippe ( William O'Neal) and others, Robert hopes to defeat the royalists. But Robert's cover is exposed, and he believes Marianne is responsible. When he is put on a ship returning to France, Marianne follows him aboard. Robert's men, disguised as pirates, attack the ship and take him and Marianne to a settlement on the Isle of Pines. Robert studiously ignores Marianne until they all learn of the Revolution and he learns of Marianne's innocence. Notable songs: Softly, As in a Morning Sunrise; Wanting You; One Kiss; Stouthearted Men; Lover, Come Back to Me. Hailed by St. John Ervine of the World as “the most charming and fragrant entertainment of its sort that I have seen in a long time,” the musical was the last traditional operetta of its era to enjoy a long run. The New York City Opera revived it in 1986, and it remains in the repertory of other groups.