Kern–Oh Boy You Never Knew youtube

According to David Ewen, author of the New Complete Book of the American Musical Theater, “Guy Bolton tried to point out the qualities that set Oh, Boy! apart from other musicals of the same period. ‘It was straight, consistent comedy with the addition of music. Every song and lyric contributed to the action. The humor was based on the situation, not interjected by comedians.’ Then Bolton went on to say that ‘realism and Americanism’ were other distinguishing traits.”

The story is strained but understandable. George Budd, a bachelor with a valet and an expansive apartment in NYC, is dependent upon his Aunt’s allowance. When she hears that George is seriously considering marriage, she sends him a telegram announcing her intent to visit George to determine whether the rumors are true and, if true, whether the match is suitable. There is only one problem: George has already married Lou Ellen, and they are planning to spend their first night together as man and wife in his apartment.

They sing of their love and the good fortune that brought them together in “You Never Knew About Me.” We found a wonderful recording from 1965, with Barbara Cook playing the role of Lou Ellen and Cy Young playing the role of George.