Mexican Hayride

Mexican Hayride (1948) film poster

Mexican Hayride is a musical with a book by Herbert Fields and Dorothy Fields, and music and lyrics by Cole Porter. The musical is based on the play The Red Cat by Felix Jackson. It opened on Broadway in 1944 and was a popular success.

Plot

The story is set in Mexico and revolves around the adventures of Joe Bascom, a con man who is on the run from the law. He finds himself in a series of comedic situations involving a bullfighter, a nightclub singer, and a gangster.

Production

Mexican Hayride opened on Broadway at the Winter Garden Theatre on January 28, 1944. The production was directed by Hassard Short and choreographed by Paul Haakon. The original cast included Bobby Clark as Joe Bascom, June Havoc as Montana, and Wilbur Evans as David Winthrop.

Songs

The musical features several songs by Cole Porter, including:

• "Sing to Me, Guitar"
• "I Love You"
• "There Must Be Someone for Me"
• "Abracadabra"

Reception

Mexican Hayride was well-received by audiences and critics alike. It ran for 481 performances, making it one of the more successful musicals of its time.

Adaptations

The musical was adapted into a film in 1948, starring Abbott and Costello. The film version, however, made significant changes to the original plot and characters.

Legacy

Mexican Hayride is remembered for its catchy tunes and humorous storyline. It remains a notable work in the repertoire of Cole Porter and is occasionally revived by theatre companies.

See also

• Cole Porter
• Broadway theatre
• Musical theatre
• 1944 in music