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This article is about the stage musical. For the 1960 film, see Bells Are Ringing

Bells Are Ringing
Original Cast Recording
Music	Jule Styne
Lyrics	Betty Comden Adolph Green
Book	Betty Comden Adolph Green
Productions	1956 Broadway 1957 West End 1960 Film 2001 Broadway revival

Bells Are Ringing is a musical with a book and lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green and music by Jule Styne. The story revolves around Ella, who works at an answering service and the characters that she meets there. Three of the show's tunes - "Long Before I Knew You," "Just in Time," and "The Party's Over" - became popular standards.

The original Broadway production, directed by Jerome Robbins and choreographed by Robbins and Bob Fosse, opened on November 29, 1956 at the Shubert Theatre, where it ran for slightly more than two years before transferring to the Alvin, for a total run of 924 performances. The opening night cast included Judy Holliday as Ella Peterson, Sydney Chaplin as Jeff Moss, Jean Stapleton as Sue Summers, Eddie Lawrence as Sandor, George S. Irving, Jack Weston, and Peter Gennaro.

An original cast album was released by Columbia Records.

The West End production opened on November 14, 1957 at the Coliseum, where it ran for 292 performances. The cast included Janet Blair as Ella Peterson, George Gaynes as Jeff Moss, Jean St. Clair as Sue Summers, Eddie Molloy as Sandor, and Allyn McLerie as Gwynne Smith.

In 1960, a film adaptation of the same name was released by MGM.

A Broadway revival, directed by Tina Landau and choreographed by Jeff Calhoun, opened on April 12, 2001 at the Plymouth Theatre where, struggling to overcome mediocre reviews and ongoing hostility between the show's producers and its cast and crew [1], it finally closed after 68 performances and 36 previews. The cast included Faith Prince as Ella, Marc Kudisch as Jeff, David Garrison, and Beth Fowler.

Ella Peterson works in the basement office of her boss, Sue, of "Susanswerphone", a telephone answering service. She listens in on others' lives and adds some interest to her own humdrum existence by adopting different identities – and voices – for her clients. They include Blake Barton, an out-of-work Method actor, Dr. Kitchell, a dentist with musical yearnings but lacking talent, and playwright Jeff Moss, who is suffering from writer's block and desperately needs a muse. As suggested by the song title, Ella considers the relationships with these clients "perfect" because she can't see them and they can't see her, yet she derives great pleasure from meddling in their lives.

When Jeff Moss pleads with Ella for help in writing, she responds, and a romance ensues ("Long Before I Knew You"). Complications arise when Ella thinks that she does not fit in with Jeff's wealthy friends ("The Party's Over").

Adding complications to the plot are the police, who are certain the business is a front for an "escort service," and Sandor, the owner's shady boyfriend, who unbeknownst to Sue is using the agency as a bookmaking operation ("It's A Simple Little System").

Note: "Better Than A Dream" was written for the film.

• 1957 Tony Award for Best Musical (nominee)
• 1957 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical (Holliday, winner)
• 1957 Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical (Chaplin, winner)
• 1957 Tony Award for Best Choreography (nominee)
• 1957 Theatre World Award (Chaplin, winner)
• 2001 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical (nominee)
• 2001 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical (Prince, nominee)
• 2001 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Revival of a Musical (nominee)
• 2001 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Prince, nominee)

• Internet Broadway Database listing
• Detailed plot at nodanw