Thoroughly Modern Millie

Thoroughly Modern Millie (2002), a musical comedy by Richard Morris (book), Dick Scanlan (book, lyrics), Jeanine Tesori (music). [Marquis Theatre, still running; Tony Award.] Would‐be flapper Millie Dillmont ( Sutton Foster) arrives in Manhattan during the Roaring Twenties with the ambition of getting a secretarial job with a rich, handsome boss whom she will marry. But instead she falls for the penniless Jimmy Smith ( Gavin Creel), and after a series of adventures, including the uncovering of a white slave operation run by her landlady Mrs. Meers ( Harriet Harris), Millie forsakes her employer Trevor Graydon ( Marc Kurdisch) and accepts Jimmy, who turns out to be an heir in disguise. Notable songs: Thoroughly Modern Millie; Jimmy; Forget About the Boy. Based on the 1967 film musical, the unpretentious show (originally seen at the La Jolla Playhouse) recalled the Cinderella musicals of the 1920s. Two original songs from the movie were added to some old favorites (such as “Ah, Sweet Mystery of Life”) and to new pastiche numbers by Tesori and Scanlan that cleverly evoked the era. Michael Mayer's ingenious direction and Rob Ashford's spirited choreography were also roundly applauded.