Show Synopsis:
Esther is in love with her next door neighbor John, while her older sister Rose is expecting Warren to propose to her. Esther confronts John for attacking her youngest sister Tootie, but then Tootie tells the truth, which is that John protected Tootie and their sister Agnes from the police after they pulled a prank that went wrong. Esther and John kiss and she is excited to begin their relationship, but then Esther?s father announces that they are moving to New York. At Christmas, Esther?s grandfather takes her to the elegant ball when John leaves his tuxedo at the tailor?s, and she fills up Lucille Ballard?s dance card with awkward guys out of jealousy. When she realizes Lucille wants to dance with Lon, she switches their dance cards and converses with the awkward men instead. John swoops in, surprisingly in his tuxedo, they dance, and he proposes to her. Esther?s father announces that they are not going to move to New York, since it would upset his family too much. Warren proposes to Rose and the family makes preparations to go to the World?s Fair.

Character:
Esther, a young woman who often lets her feelings get away from her; very loyal to her family.

Song Context:
Esther takes the trolley on her way to see the set-up for the World?s Fair in St. Louis and wonders about how John has stolen her heart.	

Fun Facts:
1) This musical was originally a film based on Sally Benson?s short stories and novel Meet Me in St. Louis. 
2) This song has become an American standard, mainly because of its originator, the legendary Judy Garland. Garland played the role of Esther in what would become one of her most successful films ever. 
3) One of the songwriters, Ralph Blane, based this song off of a picture of a trolley car in a newspaper from the turn of the century.