Adrian Ross

The Dollar Princess Adrian Ross

Libretto only, complete book and lyrics. Following the success of his "The Merry Widow" librettist Basil Hood achieved another hit when "The Dollar Princess" opened the following year. Satirizing British high society, the musical ran for over 400 performances with critics proclaiming it was as "bright and as amusing as its predecessor The Merry Widow."Based on a popular German musical comedy, the American setting and characters fascinated London audiences with its topical story of rich Americans marrying financial strapped British titled society in exchange for a title. Following its long run, the musical toured for many years and continued to be produced well into the 1930s. Basil Hood, consider the successor to W. S. Gilbert, was a prolific librettist of the Edwardian stage having written the books to some of the most popular musicals of the era including: A Waltz Dream" and "The Count of Luxembourg" as well as successful collaborations with Arthur Sullivan.