A New Dance Musical
Inspired by the life of Arthur Murray
"America's Dancing Master"
​
Book by Wendy Levine
Songs by Wendy Levine and Alex Forbes
Contact:
wendylevinemusic@gmail.com
or alexforbesmusic@gmail.com
Welcome to our invitation-only page,
where you can check out our theatrical work-in-progress.
You can read a brief SYNOPSIS HERE.
You can read the BOOK HERE.
You can read about the writers HERE.
Check out the first EIGHT SONGS.
​
Please note that these are guide vocals only.
In future productions, the songs will be performed by Broadway-style singers.
Please don't share this page without permission, thanks!
THE SONGS
1. PUSHCART PARADISE
Arthur sings of his determination to escape his family's existence on New York's Lower East Side, 1910.
2. THE KANGAROO
The "animal dance" craze happened during the heyday of ragtime. Here Arthur surprises his older sister Becky by showing an early talent for dance.
3. JUST ONE LITTLE THING
The Baroness, an early mentor of Arthur's, tells him what he must do to achieve his dream of becoming the world's greatest dancing teacher.
4. KEEP DANCING
Arthur tries to convince his religious father, who thinks that dancing is for fools, that following the straight and narrow path will crush his soul.
5. IF YOU CAN WALK YOU CAN DANCE
Arthur's first job, in Atlanta, is teaching social dancing to children. In this song, he coaxes a frightened little girl to join in.
6. SMITTEN
At a radio show performance in 1925, Arthur meets Kathryn, a stylish 18-year-old flapper from New Jersey. It's love at first touch.
7. EQUAL
Arthur's youngest brother, Ira, tries to convince their left-leaning sibling, David, that "teaching dancing is the greatest kind of social work there is."
8. THE JIG IS UP
In the late 1950s, Arthur realizes the consequences of turning away from his father and reinventing himself, and vows to make amends.
THE LYRICS
1. PUSHCART PARADISE
​
ARTHUR:
You think I’m just a kid
Who can’t string two words together
Not too bright, not too quick
Think I’ll stay this way forever
You’ve got no faith in me
Well just you wait and see
I look around this hovel
With the bathtub in the kitchen
Steaming hot, freezing cold
Rats have fistfights with the pigeons
But where I stand today
Isn’t where I’m gonna be
Just you wait and see
​
You see pushcarts
I see paradise
You see sweatshops
I see champagne on ice
I refuse to let some accident of birth
Accidentally determine what I’m worth
Never doubt, never doubt
I’ll get us out
​
There’ll be fans in every room
And a Steinway grand piano
Just one head
In every bed
A silver Torah
Gold Menorah
Can I do it? Yes I can, oh
Even if you don’t believe
Just you wait and see
​
You see pushcarts
I see paradise
You see sweatshops
I see champagne on ice
I refuse to let some accident of birth
Accidentally determine what I’m worth
Never doubt, never doubt
I’ll get us out
Boom-da-da-da-da
Da-da-da-da-da-da...
2. THE KANGAROO
​
ARTHUR:
Doin’ something crazy
Tryin’ something new
A little off-center
A little askew
This rockin’ rhythm
Keeps breakin’ free
It’s got me bouncin’ ‘round the room
Makin’ a fool outta me
Can’t stop hoppin’
Can’t stop hop hop hoppin’
I do the kangaroo
I do the kangaroo
All the animals in the zoo
They wanna do it too
I do the kangaroo
Come on, let’s me and you
Show ‘em how to do the kangaroo
​
BECKY:
You shake like jelly
Jumpin’ out of a jar
You’ve got lightning in your shoes
No clue who you are
Who stole my brother
’N stuck you in his place
‘Cause I don’t recognize that look in your eyes
That silly smile on your face
​
BOTH:
Can’t stop hoppin’
Can’t stop hop hop hoppin’
​
I do the kangaroo
I do the kangaroo
All the animals in the zoo
They wanna do it too
I do the kangaroo
Come on, let’s me and you
Show ‘em how to do the kangaroo
​
Yeah let's show 'em how to do the kangaroo
3. JUST ONE LITTLE THING
​
THE BARONESS:
You’re a gentle boy with a tender touch
And a curious mind, though you don’t say much
Got a style so smooth, so genteel
But underneath that style, there’s a spine of steel
Got a dream so sweet you can almost taste it
What a shame, what a crime it would be to waste it
But before you dance into your destiny
​
There’s just one little thing
One little thing
That’s all you have to do
One little change
So tiny, a trifle
That’ll make your dreams come true…
​
With your pockets full, your tuxedo pressed
You’ll waltz through every ballroom from east to west
Every night the booze will flow like water
On each arm, a millionaire’s daughter
But before I show you how it’s done
​
There’s just one little thing
One little thing
That’s all you have to do
One little change
So tiny, a trifle
That’ll make your dreams come true…
​
Darling, I love you just as you are
In my eyes, you’re already a star
​
But… there’s just one little thing
One little thing
That’s all I ask of you
At this time, in this world
With this war going on
You simply cannot be
A Jew
4. KEEP DANCING
​
ARTHUR:
You’re right
I will stumble
The road ahead is rough
You’re right
Many crumble
But they’re made of weaker stuff
​
You say you want me safe, secure
A steady paycheck, nothing more
Respectable, acceptable…
But that would be my death, I’m sure…
I’ve got to…
​
Keep dancing
Keep dancing
I can’t stand still
I gotta move
Keep dancing
Keep dancing
Got a great big dream and a lot to prove
​
It’s in my soul
It’s in my bones
From the rooftops to the cobblestones
Keep dancing
Keep dancing
I’ve gotta…
I’ve gotta…
I’ve gotta…
Dance
5. IF YOU CAN WALK
YOU CAN DANCE
​
ARTHUR:
Don’t be scared
Don’t be shy
Don’t stand still, life will pass you by
Don’t you feel that rhythm runnin’ through ya
Take one step
Take one more
Take my hand and we’ll take the floor
Suddenly all good things are comin’ to ya, ‘cause
If you can walk you can dance
If you can walk you can dance
Don’t sweat it
You’ll get it
The minute you take that chance
If you can walk you can dance
If you can walk you can dance
Just do it
Nothin’ to it
If you can walk… you can dance!
Found your beat
Found your stride
Found out there’s no need to hide
Finally you’re comin’ out from under
Catch the wind
Catch a star
Move like that, and you’re goin’ far
Welcome to a brand-new world of wonder, 'cause
If you can walk you can dance
If you can walk you can dance
Don’t sweat it
You’ll get it
The minute you take that chance
If you can walk you can dance
If you can walk you can dance
Just do it
Nothin’ to it
If you can walk… you can dance!
6. SMITTEN
​
ARTHUR:
My life is as good as life ever gets
A limousine, a smart address
The public knows my name now
I’ve got a bit of fame now
And I’m thoroughly enjoying
Every moment of success
One touch, and my perfect plan took a twist
And I can see the world I’d missed
Whatever spell you’re spinning
Has sparked a new beginning
Your smile is so bewitching
You were born for me to kiss
​
Smitten
I’m smitten
My arms are open, pulse runs fast
Smitten
I’m smitten
My heart is hoping this will last
I’m hooked…
I’m cooked…
I’m smitten
​
KATHRYN:
This flapper don't flip over Jersey boys
I threw away those childish toys
Pursuing every passion
In the latest fashion
And dancing with a star — whom I thoroughly enjoy
​
BOTH:
Smitten
I’m smitten
My arms are open, pulse runs fast
Smitten
I’m smitten
My heart is hoping this will last
I’m hooked…
I’m cooked…
I’m smitten
​
Woke up this morning, I had no warning
I’d be in your arms by tonight
Thanks to your talents I’ve lost my balance
This is love at first sight
7. EQUAL
​
IRA:
Mary is a secretary, chained to an office chair
Peeking out from under piles of paper
Joe’s a swanky banker boss
Barking in his dictaphone
High and mighty, up in his skyscraper
​
Mary does what’s necessary — every bill gets paid
Typing, typing, till she’s about to drop
Joe can’t find the perfect girl
One who heats his frozen heart
Then complains it’s lonely at the top
​
Suddenly they see our ad
And a lightbulb flashes
Our coupons in their hands
They come… they see... they dance
And they are
​
Beautiful, graceful
Elegant, tasteful
Heaven in every step
No high, no low
No rich, no poor
Gliding across the ballroom floor
All dancers are created equal
All dancers are created equal
​
Harry thought when he got married
Life would be a breeze
His wife would be his comfort and his joy
But Helen’s had it up to here
With dishes, kids and diaper pails
She longs to mingle with the hoi polloi
​
Suddenly they see our ad
And a lightbulb flashes
Our coupons in their hands
They come… they see... they dance
And they are
​
Beautiful, graceful
Elegant, tasteful
Heaven in every step
No high, no low
No rich, no poor
Gliding across the ballroom floor
All dancers are created equal
All dancers are created equal
8. THE JIG IS UP
​
COPS:
We tailed you, trailed you
Nailed you to the wall
We knew you, saw through you
You’re gonna lose it all
And everything you built is gonna crash
You’ll be right back where you started
Empty-handed, broken hearted
​
The jig is up
Nobody’s dancing here
Black out that chandelier
‘Cause the jig is up
The jig is up
You’re nothin’ but a con
Your day has come and gone
The jig is up
ARTHUR:
I took off, shook off
Threw my past away
Made my life the high life
But now there’s a price to pay
‘Cause everything I built is gonna crash
I’ll be right back where I started
Empty-handed, broken hearted
The jig is up
Nobody’s dancing here
Black out that chandelier
‘Cause the jig is up
The jig is up
I’m nothin’ but a con
My day has come and gone
The jig is up
Wait — this can’t be how my story ends
No family, no friends
Wait, I’ll win them back again
I’m gonna make amends!
The jig is up, but I’m still dancing here
I’m still dancing here!