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Avec leurs treize filles, Chun, un riche négociant chinois, et son épouse, une princesse hawaïenne, ont un léger problème: suivant la tradition, la fille la plus âgée doit se marier en premier - et elle semble plus attirée par une carrière de missionnaire que par l'amour. Comme si cela ne suffisait pas, une vieille malédiction familiale stipule qu'aucune des filles ne doit se marier! Mais quand l'aînée se décide enfin pour le mariage, les 11 autres soeurs oublient avec bonheur leur décision de rester vieilles-filles et douze prétendants entrent rapidement en scène.

Prologue)
The curtain rises on a beautiful Hawaiian sunset in the 1850s. Kahuna, an old Hawaiian man of mystical religious powers, leads a group of people in prayerful chants to the goddess Haiika. (HAIIKA E). Everyone is awaiting the arrival of Princess Emmaloa, who today will marry Chun, a man of Chinese descent. Kahuna disapproves of the marriage, as " foreign waters wash away too much native soil."
Emmy and Chu arrive, accompanied by Kinau, Emmy's attendant. The couple asks to be blessed with a son. Suddenly, a black iwa, the sacred bird of the goddess Haiika, begins to circle in the sky above. This signals a bad omen, Kahuna warns. The bird circles thirteen times. Kahuna hands Emmy thirteen calabash seeds, warning that thirteen trees will grow, but none will blossom "as long as a foreigner shares her life."
Emmy explains to Chun that the omen means that they will have thirteen daughters, but none will marry until there are blossoms on the trees. Chun dismisses the prophecy as rubbish. He predicts that they will share (A HOUSE ON THE HILL) where their love will last forever.
A (WEDDING PROCESSIONAL) follows, and Chun's house becomes visible behind a scrim. As the wedding guests exit, the scrim rises on the courtyard set.
Acte I
Scene 1
Twenty-six years have passed. In the courtyard of Chun and Emmy's Honolulu mansion, Mana, the young prince of Hawaii, pops up from behind a wall. He whistles a bird call, and Malia, Chun's teenage daughter, appears. They embrace, but she begs him to leave for fear her father or sisters will see him. He proposes marriage, but she reminds him of her father's Chinese custom-The eldest daughter must marry first. Malia, the seventh daughter, must wait. Mana asks Malia to meet him later at the waterfall. Kinau, overhearing this part of the conversation, wants to know exactly what Malia will learn at the waterfall. Mana answers in song (KULI KULI) that she will learn the "wonders of nature" and that the Earth is a happy place to be. The song charms Kinau and entices Malia.
As the number ends, Mana sneaks away. Chun appears, carrying a lantern and claiming he heard a bird. He asks Malia if there is anything she has to tell. She asks when she may marry, and is reminded again that her sister Isabel must marry first. Chun tells his daughter not to fret; he has a plan. William, Chun's secretary appears, announcing that the boat from Paris has arrived. Chun's plan can begin today. Emmy enters, and Chun informs her that the boat carries Jacques De Villon, the most famous fashion designer in Paris. Chun has hired him to create beautiful outfits for all thirteen daughters. Marrying off his daughters, he reasons, is a problem of merchandising. If the girls are "packaged" properly, the men will come calling. (PAPER OF GOLD)
Kinau strikes a gong. Suddenly, all thirteen girls, aged 8 to 25, explode into view. Some run, some slide down banisters. Jacques is a bit overwhelmed by the circus-like atmosphere. Chun introduces his brood in (THIRTEEN DAUGHTERS). He explains why Jaques is there, and announces that there will be a "coming out" ball to present the girls to Hawaiian society. Ceceilia, the tomboyish daughter, resists the whole idea, but the others are excited. In BOX DANCE, Jacques displays his wares for the girls, and they dance all around. At the end of the number, Cecilia manages to trap Jacques in a large trunk and victoriously slams it shut.
Scene 2
Emmy and Kinau discuss how the thirteen trees, as always, have buds, but never blossoms. Emmy attempts to brush away the evil spirits using ti leaves. Isabel, the eldest daughter, and a teacher at the local Christian mission, enters. Kinau coaxes a reluctant Isabel into participating in the ritual. They are interrupted by Dr.Willoughby, Isabel's boss at the mission. He clearly disapproves of this "Hawaiian custom." He suggests that perhaps Emmy should pay a visit to the mission that day.
Scene 3
The scene is a contentious cabinet meeting, presided over by Keoki, the King of Hawaii. Chun, the King's treasurer, has suggested a marriage between Mana, the King's eldest son, and Isabel, but the offer is rejected because Isabel is "of foreign blood." Matters turn to a mysterious debit of $51,000 on the books. Keoki admits that he has perhaps spent too extravagantly. Now, the treasury is empty and the people are resentful of the king's lifestyle. Chun suggests a public works program to appease the people. Chun will lend the government his own money for roads and hospitals if Keoki agrees to the marriage deal. Keoki agrees.
Scene 4
Mana and Malia meet by the stream. They flirt playfully. Mana again professes his love (LET-A-GO YOUR HEART). Two guards interrupt, announcing that the king wishes to see his son at once regarding something "very important for the future of Hawaii." At this moment, Malia notices the dreaded iwa bird circling above. The lovers pledge themselves to one another as Mana exits with the guards.
Scene 5
Chun surprises Isabel by making an appearance at the mission school. He tells Isabel he has arranged for a marriage between her and Mana. She asks for time to think about it, but assures her father there has been no other proposal. She wants to please her parents, but also enjoys her work with Dr. Willoughby and the children at the mission.
Dr. Willoughby and Emmy enter. The two men argue about the importance of Christian wedding rituals. As Willoughby begins to quote from the Bible, Chun sings that Chinese philosophy is his guide for (A LONG AND BEAUTIFUL LIFE).
Emmy invites Dr. Willoughby to the upcoming ball. The missionary comments that the church looks upon dancing as the "snare of the devil." He suggests that Isabel's parents observe her teaching a lesson, but is appalled when he sees that Isabel has taught the children the hula alphabet, complete with "pagan movements." Willoughby threatens to report her to church authorities. Outraged by his reaction, Isabel quits her job and tells her father she will accept the arranged marriage.
Scene 6
Malia is alone at the stream. She sings to herself as she throws petals in the water (THROW A PETAL IN THE STREAM). Isabel appears, and tells her sister she knows how anxious everyone is for her to marry. Malia inquires whether Dr. Willoughby has proposed. Isabel tells her no, but that she has found another way to make things work. Mana enters. Excitedly, Malia begins to tell him that Isabel has a beau, but is devastated to learn that Mana and Isabel are to be married. Mana insists that he has a duty to Hawaii, while Malia argues that marriage should be based on love. All three characters sing a sad reprise of (THROW A PETAL IN THE STREAM).
Scene 7
All the daughters except Malia are being fitted for their gowns. They excitedly question Isabel about wedding plans. Cecilia insists she will not wear a dress with a bustle. Instead, she wants to wear puka-puka pants. She and Jacques compromise on a lace dress. As he fits her for the dress, he obviously begins to see her in a new light.
After Jacques exits, Kinau enters with ti leaf skirts, insisting she will show the girls the Hawaiian hula dance that is part of their heritage. Emmy also joins in. At first, the girls are embarrassed, but they are eventually all swept up in the rhythm and energy of the dance (KA WAHINE AKAMAI).
Scene 8
Chun is upset when he sees his smallest daughters in ti leaf skirts practicing the Hawaiian dance. He and Emmy argue about the clash of cultures at play. They sing a duet (DAUGHTER OR DOWRY) in which Chun assures Emmy that he will make sure all their daughters marry honorable men.
Scene 9
Emmy and Kinau prepare for the ball. Kinau worries that Emmy is no longer thinking like a Hawaiian. How could she approve an arranged marriage? Isabel enters. Kinau leaves to assist the other girls in dressing. Emmy and Isabel discuss what it was like when Emmy and Chun first met. Emmy admits that she gave up everything to marry Chun, but that she knew she loved him at first sight. (YOU SET MY HEART TO MUSIC). After the song, Emmy offers flowers for Isabel's hair, and the daughter inadvertently replies that "Dr Willoughby would think it vain."
The girls continue readying for the party. Cecilia has suddenly blossomed in her new dress. Chun realizes that she is no longer a little girl. The father and daughter discuss Emmy and Chun's first meeting in much the same way as Emmy and Isabel did moments before. YOU SET MY HEART MUSIC - REPRISE)
William, Chun's secretary, announces that Dr. Willoughby has arrived, and that he has decided to attend the dance after all. William also delivers Isabel's Bible, which she left at the mission. Clutching the Bible, Isabel sings her own reprise. (YOU SET MY HEART TO MUSIC-REPRISE).
Scene 10
The ball is in full swing. Chun presents his daughters to Hawaiian society (THIRTEEN DAUGHTERS). This leads into the HAWAIIAN COURT DANCE. At the start of the dance, Mana and Isabel are paired, but during a change in partners, Mana ends up with Malia, Isabel with Willoughby. Malia bursts into tears. Isabel runs after her. There is chaos and confusion as Chun, Emmy, Willoughby, Mana, etc.. are all criss-crossing the stage. When the music stops, Chun abruptly announces that the marriage cannot take place because Isabel and Mana do not love one another. Keoki offers to let Mana and Malia marry, but Chun still insists that Isabel must marry first. Keoki is outraged that the "business arrangement" has been terminated. He insists that no foreigner will make a fool of him, and promptly forbids any of Chun's daughters from getting married.

Acte II
Scene 1
The next day, all the daughters are on Chun's porch. They are glum, and lament that because of the king's anger they are now all destined to be (THIRTEEN OLD MAIDS.) Chun enters. He is trying to figure a way out of this predicament. He surveys the girls to determine which have potential suitors. Isabel insists that "Dr. Willoughby is only interested in... the land next to the mission." Chun orders William to purchase that land immediately at any price.
Scene 2
Based on the outcome of their father's last plan, the girls are not overly optimistic about the success of this one. They sing (THIRTEEN OLD MAIDS - REPRISE)
Scene 3
Mana and Keoki argue at a meeting of the governors and privy council. Keoki is determined to seize the property of all foreigners as a way to pay off his debt. Mana argues that this will mean the end of Hawaii. Keoki decides that Mana is too influenced by foreigners. He will be sent to Tahiti to learn the way of his ancestors. The boat will sail this afternoon.
One of the governors enters to announce that the first of the foreign properties has been confiscated. As the scene freezes, Mana sings a love song about how Malia will always be with him (WHEN YOU HEAR THE WIND). He is lead off by guards.
The governors continue arguing over how they will divide the proceeds. Keoki advises that instead of bickering over the spoils, they should toast to their success (CALABASH COUSINS).
Scene 4
Emmy is in the forest, at the statue of the goddess Hiiaka. She is reading the Bible, but also hears Hawaiian chanting offstage. She is distraught and confused about who to listen to and what to believe. Mana and the two guards enter. Mana must first repent at the statue of Hiiaka before sailing to Tahiti. Emmy is distressed to hear that Mana is being sent away. One of the governors enters, announcing that the foreigners are meeting and that they have guns. He sees Emmy, and remarks with disgust "You, Princess Emmaloa have brought this upon us." Alone again, Emmy asks Hiiaka if she will be forced to sacrifice everything she loves (GOODBYE IS HARD TO SAY).
Scene 5
At Chun's house, the daughters are helping Isabel prepare for her meeting with Willoughby, who has been unknowingly summoned by Chun. Isabel is unsure how she should act. Kinau advises Isabel to use all her seductive powers, her (HOOMALIMALI). Chun enters and hands Isabel an envelope for Willoughby. It's a "Chinese insurance policy," he assures her. William interrupts, announcing that the representatives of foreign governments are converging on the palace. Chun instructs William to sell or mortgage everything Chun owns in order to pay the foreign debt. When William protests, saying that Chun will be left penniless, he responds, "if Hawaii is lost, I will be less than penniless."
Willoughby enters. Isabel, with her sisters egging her on from balconies above, tries everything to get close to him. She feigns illness and fainting, and then, finally, lowers her sleeve off of her shoulder. At first Willoughby is appalled, but after Isabel begins to cry, the two finally declare their love. She hands him the letter, which is a deed for the land next to the mission school. The two sing of the work they will do and the life they will share (MY PLEASURE).
Next, as Jacques reveals that he is already at work on nine wedding dresses, he and Cecilia finally come together (PUKA PUKA PANTS).
As they dance offstage, the lighting and music changes. Two Hawaiian boys enter with vines. Emmy has ordered them to clear the vines from the idol so that the prophecy may finally be fulfilled. Kinau begs her to wait, but Emmy will not relent. Malia enters, distraught at the news that Mana is being sent away. Chun hears the commotion and promises to try and help. Everything is falling apart, and Emmy insists that it is her fault for trying to marry off her daughters. "There is only one thing left, and it is I who must do it." She runs off, despite Chun's pleas.
On the beach preparing to sail, Mana sings for his country (MY HAWAII). Malia runs up and embraces him and strings leis around he neck (LEI OF MEMORIES). Suddenly, Kinau rushes up chanting and pointing to the sky that the black iwa circles and warns them not to sail, for surely they are doomed if they do. The sailors throw down their paddles and flea the beach revealing Chun hidden in the foliage who leads Mana and Malia to safety.
Next, Emmy appears alone on stage, bracing against the wind and the storm. She falls to her knees at the foot of the idol (HIIAKA E REPRISE). Male dancers perform a dance symbolizing Emmy's sacrifice. A female dance counterpart of Emmy beseeches, but is thrown about and rejected. As the dance ends in a tremendous thunderclap, she is raised up as if to be sacrificed.
Scene 7
The storm is raging. Inside the palace, Keoki is besieged by foreigners demanding his resignation. Just as he is about to sign the papers, Chun enters and saves the day by providing the money the foreigners demand. In return for his service to Hawaii, Keoki declares Chun a Noble of the Highest Order of the Land, and a "true Hawaiian." Keoki also grants permission for Malia and Mana to be married (CALABASH COUSINS REPRISE).
Scene 8
Emmy is still missing. Kinau and Chun are frantic, but they have looked everywhere. There is nothing left to do but wait. Kinau goes off to bed, and Chun paces alone. Emmy slowly enters. She is haggard and defeated. She explains that she tried to make the sacrifice, but that the storm suddenly ended. Chun assures her that everything is fine now. She must have faith in what they have always had together (A LONG AND BEAUTIFUL LIFE REPRISE). He explains that the king has declared him a "true Hawaiian". The curse that stood "until the day no foreigner shares her life" has finally been broken.
Scene 9
In the spectacular final celebrations, all the daughters and their beaux are married in a Christian wedding ceremony (FINALE)

1 13 Daughters peut-être considéré comme un Flop musical

Acte I
Kuli Kuli - Kinau and Company
House on the Hill - Chun
13 Daughters - Chun and the Daughters
Paper of Gold (Dance) - Jacques and the Daughters
Let-a-Go Your Heart - Mana and Malia
Alphabet Song - The Children
Throw a Petal - Malia
When You Hear the Wind - Mana
Ka Wahine Akamai - Kinau, Kamika, Emmaloa, the Daughters and the Suitors
You Set My Heart to Music - Emmaloa, Chun and Isabel
13 Daughters (Reprise) - Chun, the Daughters and Suitors
Cotillion, The - Company

Acte II
13 Old Maids - The Daughters
Nothing Man Cannot Do - Chun
Hoomalimali - Kinau
My Pleasure - Willoughby and Isabel
Puka Puka Pants - Cecilia and Jacques
My Hawaii - Mana
Hiiaka Ritual Dance - Dancers
Hiiaka E - Emmaloa
House on the Hill (Reprise) - Chun
My Hawaii (Reprise) - Company

Aucun dossier informatif complémentaire concernant 13 Daughters

Aucun dossier informatif complémentaire concernant 13 Daughters

ABC Records had announced the original cast album but it was cancelled when the show failed.