Before it was a Broadway sensation, Thoroughly Modern Millie began as a 1967 musical film starring the incomparable Julie Andrews. It wasn't until 2002 that the story was reimagined for the stage, opening at the Marquis Theatre and quickly becoming a definitive hit of the early 2000s. The production served as a star-making vehicle for Sutton Foster, who took home a Tony Award for her portrayal of the titular Millie Dillmount.
The plot follows Millie, a young woman from Salina, Kansas, who arrives in New York City in 1922 with a singular goal: to become "modern." In Millie’s eyes, this means bobbing her hair, shortening her hemlines, and—most importantly—finding a job with a wealthy boss she can eventually marry. Thoroughly Modern Millie
This blog post explores the vibrant history and enduring charm of the 1920s-inspired musical, Thoroughly Modern Millie . Before it was a Broadway sensation, Thoroughly Modern
While the musical is celebrated for its wit and spectacle, contemporary productions often navigate the "Mrs. Meers" subplot with a critical eye. Originally written as a broad farce involving a kidnapping ring, modern stagings frequently rework the dialogue and characterizations to remove dated racial stereotypes, ensuring the show’s humor remains as bright and inclusive as its protagonist’s ambitions. The plot follows Millie, a young woman from
What sets Millie apart is its high-energy score, which blends original music by Jeanine Tesori with clever interpolations of 1920s jazz standards and classical themes. Showstoppers like and the title track, "Thoroughly Modern Millie," are masterclasses in musical theater choreography, famously featuring intricate tap numbers that have become the show's signature. A Modern Perspective