Show Synopsis:
Queenie wants to throw a party so she can embarrass her boyfriend Burrs, and invites a number of ecccentric people, including Mr. Black. Mr. Black believes Queenie needs to be saved from Burrs, despite the fact he's dating Kate. Kate tries to seduce Burrs but he confesses he is upset with his relationship with Queenie and scolds Queenie for trying to seduce Mr. Black. As Burrs slips slowly into insanity and begins to hallucinate, Queenie and Mr. Black begin to have sex, but are stopped by Burrs. Black kills Burrs and flees.
Character:
Queenie, a showgirl who cannot find satisfaction in a relationship; manipulative.
Song Context:
Burrs starts flirting with Nadine and Queenie stops him, but is still angry and wants to get revenge.
Fun Facts:
1. Julia Murney originated the role of Queenie Off-Broadway and was nominated for a Drama Desk Award for her performance.
2. This musical is based on Joseph Moncure March's narrative poem of the same name.
3. This musical premiered Off-Broadway during the same season that another musical based on March's poem opened on Broadway.
"Ya ya ya ya ya ya ya
Ya ya ya ya ya ya ya
Ya ya!
Ya ya!
Brrrrrrrrrrr! Ooh!
Lock the door and stop complaining.
Gather 'round and listen well
From now on we're entertaining
How to hotten up this hell.
Hold your mood and hold your bladder,
Skip the food and stop the chatter.
Can't you hear the pitter-patter?
We're not here to eat.
We came for the heat!
Let's raise the roof,
Let's make a scene,
Let's hope the gods of love
Will shine above
And show the way.
Let's call the shots,
Let's roll the dice.
Take my advice -
It always pays to
Raise the roof!
Crush the ice and shake forever.
Tell the evening where to go.
If you need a new endeavor,
I can teach you what I know.
Grab your partner by the collar,
Bribe the barman with a dollar,
Just ignite a mighty holler.
Lead me to the trough
Till the clock goes off!
Let's raise the roof,
Let's make a scene,
Let's hope the gods of love
Will shine above
And show the way.
Let's call the shots,
Let's roll the dice.
Take my advice -
It always pays to
Raise the roof!
Let the neighbors scream and shout
Who cares if they do?
If they can't see the light,
We'll keep them up all night.
So
Cut the strings and set the table.
Gather roses on your way.
Welcome to our Tower of Babel -
Learn the language, come what may.
Spare me how the wind is blowing
When you keep the whiskey flowing.
You can reap what you've been sowing.
If you walk the plank,
You've got me to thank.
Let's raise the roof,
Let's make a scene,
Let's hope the gods of love
Will shine above
And show the way.
Let's raise the roof!
Let's call the shots,
Let's roll the dice.
The time for playing nice is done.
Before the big hand hits the one,
We've got to do what must be done
So put away that smoking gun.
And raise the roof!
Time to have some fun!
Time to beat the sun!
Raise the roof."