SONG CONTEXT PAPER

Name:___Kyle Samuel______
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Information
Song Title: Once In Love With Amy
Show Title: Wheres Charley
Composer: Frank Loesser
Lyricist: Frank Loesser
Librettist: George Abbott
Source Material: This musical is based on the play Charleys Aunt by
Brandon Thomas.
Show Circumstances
Who: Charley Wykeham, he is a college senior graduating from Oxford
University.
When: The year is 1892 and our setting is a street that Charley and
Amy Spettigue are walking along.
What: All of the Oxford University senior graduates have gathered to
take their class picture in their cap and gowns but Charley is nowhere
to be found. The cast sings, Wheres Charley? and right in the knick
of time Charlie makes it before the picture is taken. After the picture,
Charley is walking down the street with Amy and he apologizes and
tries to explain why hes been disappearing and running off so
frequently. Amy is worried he is spending time with another girl but
gives Charley the benefit of the doubt, wanting to believe him. Amy
tells Charley that her uncle, Sir Francis, is ready to sign the Wedding
Consent Forms but Donna Lucia, Charleys aunt, must first meet him to
get the document. Charley assures Amy that his aunt will get it but he
wont be able to be there at the same time. Amy is yet again confused
as to why Charley must disappear but trusts him and is excited about
marrying him. She leaves Charley alone and on the street he sings
Once In Love With Amy.
Why: This song must be sung because Charley just simply cannot bear
how wonderful and perfect Amy is. He stands there thinking about how

trusting and loving she is and overwhelmed with love, Charley sings
about Amy.