"Yes, Yes, Yvette" was a musical that aimed to follow in the successful footsteps of its predecessor, "No, No, Nanette." Conceived by producer Harry Frazee, who had also brought "No, No, Nanette" to the stage, "Yes, Yes, Yvette" was billed as a companion piece. It featured lyrics by Irving Caesar and music by Philip Charig and Ben Jerome. The musical's book was co-authored by James Montgomery and William Cary Duncan, based on Montgomery's 1916 play
"Nothing But the Truth," which itself was an adaptation of Frederic S. Isham's 1914 novel of the same name. Despite its promising lineage and initial success in Chicago, the musical's journey to Broadway proved to be a short-lived affair, highlighting a stark contrast in audience reception between the two major American cities.
Chicago's Warm Embrace: A Promising Start
"Yes, Yes, Yvette" first premiered in Chicago at the Four Cohans Theatre on December 5, 1926. The musical was met with a warm reception from Chicago audiences, much like "No, No, Nanette" before it. This positive reception in the Windy City suggested a bright future for the production. The premiere cast in Chicago included Jeanette MacDonald in the titular role of Yvette Ralston, alongside Lynne Overman as Robert Bennett, Herbert Corthell as S. M. Ralston, and Leo Henning as Dick Donnelly. Other notable cast members included Jere Delaney as Mr. Van Dusen, Arnold Lucy as Bishop Doran, Leslie Stiles as J. P. Clark, Grace Studiford as Mrs. Ralston, Amy Revere as Ethel Clark, Helen Lynd as Mabel Terry, and Madelyn Killeen as Sabel Terry. Many of these actors had also been part of the successful Chicago production of "No, No, Nanette," further linking the two musicals in the minds of the audience and producers.The musical enjoyed a considerably longer stage life in Chicago, indicating a strong local appeal. The positive reviews in the Chicago press and in Billboard magazine further solidified its status as a hit in that city. This initial success built anticipation for its eventual move to the East Coast, following the traditional path for many theatrical productions of the era.
Broadway's Cold Shoulder: A Swift Decline
After its successful run in Chicago, and following several months of performances in Boston and Philadelphia, "Yes, Yes, Yvette" made its Broadway debut at the Sam H. Harris Theatre on October 3, 1927. However, the New York City audience did not share the enthusiasm of their Chicago counterparts. The musical proved to be a flop on Broadway, playing for a mere 40 performances before closing on November 5, 1927. This short run stands in stark contrast to its Chicago success and the enduring popularity of "No, No, Nanette."The Broadway cast largely retained key performers, with Jeanette MacDonald continuing as Yvette Ralston. Jack Whiting took on the role of Robert Bennett, Charles Winninger played S. M. Ralston, and Roland Woodruff was Dick Donnelly. Joseph Herbert appeared as Mr. Van Dusen, Arnold Lucy as Bishop Doran, Frederick B. Manatt as J. P. Clark, Virginia Howell as Mrs. Ralston, Brenda Bond as Ethel Clark, Helen Lynd as Mabel Terry, and Dorothy Waterman as Sabel Terry. Sammy Lee choreographed the Broadway production. Despite the talent involved, the New York critics and audiences were not swayed, leading to the musical's quick departure from the Broadway stage. The plot of "Yes, Yes, Yvette" was set on Presidents' Day in Palm Beach, Florida, but even this setting could not save it from its fate as a Broadway failure.
