The Idea is a musical with words and music by Joseph Hart.
The original production, featuring Frederick Hallen and Joseph Hart, was produced by Hallen in Boston in the fall 1892. It then opened in New York City at the Fourteenth Street Theatre on April 9, 1893 and was still playing there in October.
In 1894, a revival played in Chicago.
Roles and New York cast
The opening night cast in New York was as follows:
Peach Blow: Fannie BloodgoodMrs. Morton Howes/Johnny Get: Mollie FullerNellie Dogood: Margueritte De MarMary B. Quiet: Carrie De MarGedney Howes: Loretta MorganVictoria Howes: Edith MurrayMarlborough Howes: Jennie GroviniMorton Howes: J. Aldrich LibbeyGilsey Howes: Charles B. LawlorCarl Pretzel: Al. WilsonReed Wallpaper: Albert HawthorneSaunders: Larry DooleyWells Fargo: Richard ReabPoliceman: Charles KettlerHoffman Howes: Frederick HallenOlean Bradford: Joseph HartBased on the sheet music, the songs included:
When the Man in the Moon Goes To SleepThat Was MeA Dream In the Old Arm-ChairI Have No Heart, It Still Belongs To TheeI Love You In Spite Of It All - by Charles K. Harris