High Society – by Cole Porter

Lovers of Cole Porter’s music are in for a treat as Present Company is bringing one of his most successful romantic musical comedies, High Society, to Buxton Opera House.

“Well Did You Ev-ah? What a swell party!” Butlers in bow ties, guests in glittery gowns and, floating on a sea of champagne, a bride-to-be, set the scene for the story of millionaire socialite,Tracy Samantha Lord, who is about to re-marry. However, her family’s idea of a suitable groom differs from hers and no-one can understand why she wishes to replace her former husband, CK Dexter-Haven for her fiancé George Kettredge. It’s to be the Long Island society wedding of the year. The flowers have arrived, the bubbly’s on ice and the guests, the press and the paparazzi are assembling. All  they need now is for the ceremony to actually happen. Adapted from one of Hollywood’s best-loved films, Cole Porter’s vintage musical is a giddy blend of well-loved songs, fizzing one-liners and champagne-fuelled farce.

The Philadelphia Story was first written in the late Thirties as a stage play for Katherine Hepburn but soon transferred to the silver screen where Hepburn was joined by Cary Grant and James Stewart. In 1956 Cole Porter accepted a $250,000 offer from MGM to write the songs for a Technicolour musical version which was to be re-named High Society, starring Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby and Grace Kelly, in her last film before she married Prince Rainier of Monaco. Packed with memorable numbers such as: Who Wants To Be A Millionaire. True Love, Well Did You Ev’ah, Let’s Misbehave, You’re Sensational, I Love Paris and It’s Alright With Me, it’s a perfect cocktail of comedy, music and romance.

High Society is on at Buxton Opera House from August 23 to August 25 inclusive at 7.30 pm. Matinee on Saturday 25 August at 2.30 pm

To buy tickets contact Buxton Opera House Box Office, Tel: 01298 72190 or visit: www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk