The Desert Song features the music of Sigmund Romberg, set to the lyrics of Otto Harbach, Oscar Hammerstein II (yes, that one!) and Frank Mandel.

The story concerns Pierre Birabeau, son of the general of all French troops in Morocco, who is secretly sympathetic to the local Riffs. Disguising himself in a red costume, he leads the Moroccans against his own countrymen, but at the garrison he pretends to be a weak simpleton. His behaviour with his fellow Frenchmen does not help further his desire for romance with the beautiful Margot. She prefers dashing, but fickle, Captain Paul Fontaine.

Pierre has no choice but to go to Margot in his other identity, the notorious Red Shadow, and carry her off to his desert camp. Complications arise when Azuri, a dancing girl, reveals the camp’s location to the French.


For Havering Music Makers' production:
Producer - Barbara Smith
Musical Director - Alan Steel
Assistant Choreographer - Pam Garner
Accompanist - Stuart Rush


By arrangement with Samuel French Ltd
Havering Music Makers are an amateur society affiliated to The National Operatic and Dramatic Association and acknowledge the support of Havering Arts Council