Charade

Charade, or the Debutante was the fifth piece Lew Christensen choreographed in his professional career and his fourth for Ballet Caravan. The music was set to American songs and social dances, melodies by Stephen Foster and Louis Moreau Gottschalk, and variations on "Good Night Ladies" arranged by Tracy Wittman. Scenario was by Lincoln Kirstein with costumes by Alvin Colt. The work premiered October 17, 1939 at a Ballet Caravan performance in Ballet Caravan. Premiere cast members included Marie-Jeanne, Gisella Caccialanza, Harold Christensen, Lew Christensen, and Ruby Asquith with 14 supporting dancers as guests (7 male and 7 female).