Going Up

Going Up is a musical comedy in three acts with music by Louis Hirsch and book and lyrics by Otto Harbach and James Montgomery. Set in the US city of Lenox, Massachusetts, at the end of World War I, the musical tells the story of a writer turned aviator who wins the hand of the high society girl that he loves by his daring handling of the joystick of a biplane. Popular songs included "Hip Hooray", "If You Look in Her Eyes", "Kiss Me", "Going Up", "Do It for Me", "The Tickle Toe", and "Down! Up! Left! Right!". The musical was a hit on Broadway in 1917 and again the following year in London. Revivals and a film adaptation followed. Background and productions The development of aviation and flying in the early years of the 20th century captivated the public's attention. Going Up is based on a 1910 play, The Aviator, by James Montgomery. The play took on new significance during World War I. The musical was produced by George M. Cohan and Sam H. Harris and, after tryouts from November 15, 1917, in Atlantic City, New Jersey, it opened on Broadway at the Liberty Theatre in New York on December 25, 1917. It ran for 351 performances, directed by Edward Royce and James Montgomery, starring Edith Day and featuring the young Ed Begley. A full-size biplane was used in the production, delighting audiences. The production ran through October 1918, and three companies were sent out to tour it. Towards the end of the show's run at the Liberty Theatre, Janet Velie replaced Day in the role of Grace, and she continued in that role when the production went on a national tour of the United States.