"Little Nellie Kelly" was a two-act musical comedy that captured the spirit of the Jazz Age, a complete creation of George M. Cohan, who penned the music, lyrics, and book, in addition to producing and directing the show. Despite some critics in New York finding it old-fashioned for its time, the musical resonated strongly with audiences, enjoying successful runs on Broadway and in London. Its narrative, centered on romance and social dynamics, was complemented
by a collection of memorable songs that contributed to its widespread popularity.
The Romantic Plot at DeVere's Department Store
The story of "Little Nellie Kelly" unfolds around Nellie Kelly, the daughter of Captain John Kelly of the NYPD, an Irish-American police officer. Nellie takes a job at DeVere's Department Store, where she catches the eye of Jack Lloyd, a young millionaire and man-about-town. However, Nellie's affections are already held by Jerry Conroy, a laborer who, like her, is Irish. When Nellie declines Lloyd's invitation for a date, he devises a plan: he invites all the store's employees to a party at his aunt Mrs. Chesterfield Langford's Fifth Avenue home, hoping to get closer to Nellie. Conroy, uninvited, also attends the party. During the evening, a valuable string of pearls belonging to Mrs. Langford is stolen, and suspicion falls on Conroy. While Lloyd continues his pursuit of Nellie, the plot ultimately resolves with Conroy's name being cleared, and Nellie choosing true love by refusing Lloyd and embracing Conroy.
Key Characters and Their Roles
The musical featured a cast of distinct characters that drove its romantic and comedic elements. Nellie Kelly was portrayed by Elizabeth Hines, June, and Mamie Watson in various productions. Her love interest, Jack Lloyd, was played by Barratt Greenwood, Roy Royston, and Eric Masters. Jerry Conroy, the laborer who wins Nellie's heart, was brought to life by Charles King, Ralph Whitehead, and Leyland Hodgson. Captain John Kelly of the NYPD, Nellie's father, was played by Arthur Deagon, James B. Donovan, and Mark Daly. Other notable characters included Mrs. Chesterfield Langford, Lloyd's aunt, played by Georgia Caine, Maidie Hope, and May Beatty; Miss Spendington, a costumier, played by Peggy McClure, Constance Worth, and Dorothy Roberts; and Francois DeVere, the owner of DeVere's Store, played by Robert Pitkin, Henry de Bray, and Lou Vernon.
The Musical Numbers
The score of "Little Nellie Kelly" included several popular songs that became integral to the show's success. The hit song "Nellie Kelly, I Love You" was sung by Jerry Conroy, who also performed "You Remind Me of My Mother." Other notable songs from the musical included "All in the Wearing," "Dancing My Worries Away," "Till My Luck Comes Rolling Along," "They're All My Boys," "The Voice in My Heart," "The Busy Bees of DeVere's," and "The Dancing Detective." A song-book containing the music and lyrics of all the show's songs was published in 1922 by M. Witmark & Sons of New York, allowing audiences to enjoy the melodies beyond the stage.
