Elaine Stritch started in the show in a "relatively minor role and was only promoted over the title and given virtually all the best songs when it was reckoned that the leading lady...although excellent, was rather too operatic for a musical comedy.

"They were, after all, engaged for their voices and...it is madness to expect two singers to play subtle 'Noel Coward' love scenes with the right values and sing at the same time."

The plot involves a romantic love affair aboard a cruise ship, with all the classic wit and charm of Broadway's golden era.

Recent divorcée Mimi Paragon is stuck serving tourists as one of the ship's hostesses when she is drawn to the much younger and strikingly handsome Johnny Van Mier.

Complicating their relationship are several eccentric and hilarious cruise ship characters – from the cynical and quirky Sweeneys; to Johnny's dominating and diva-like mother, Mrs. Van Mier; to the wacky novelist Spencer Bollard and her wide-eyed niece, Nancy.

[3] A concert version played in July 2008 at Sadler's Wells' Lilian Baylis Theatre, directed by Ian Marshall Fisher in the Lost Musicals series, starring Penny Fuller as Mimi, Vivienne Martin as Mrs. Van Mier, and Rupert Young as John.