Bells Are Ringing The Musical

Music by Jule Styne
Book and Lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green

Recommended Resources

Plot Summary & Audition Tips

List of Characters in Bells Are Ringing

Bells Are Ringing Vocal Selection (Sheet Music)

Bells Are Ringing Complete Vocal Score

Bells Are Ringing 1960 Film Version

Bells Are Ringing 2001 Revival Broadway Cast Recording

Download the complete Bells Are Ringing cast album

Bells Are Ringing tells the story of the Susanswerphone answering service. Sue, the owner, starts dating Sandor, but doesn't realize that he is using her business as a front for illegal activity. Meanwhile, Ella falls in love with one of her phone clients even though she has never met him.

Some characters in Bells Are Ringing must have strong dance ability in jazz/tap. There is also a dance chorus.

Ella does not have particularly difficult songs, but she must be able to hold a sustained note while belting. Without personality, her songs will be worthless.

Ella Peterson (Character Alto/Belt)

Sue's cousin - takes on various personalities when working for the clients, in love with Jeff Moss even though they have never met. Judy Holliday type.

Jeff Moss (Tenor/baritone)

a writer and client of the Susanswerphone service

Sue Summers (Mezzo)

owner of the Susanswerphone company

Inspector Barnes

overly anxious, bumbling detective - insists Sue's company is a front for a prostitution ring

Frances

Barnes' partner

Sandor Prentz (Baritone)

a bookie who has proposed to Sue in order to use her company for illegal purposes

Carl (Tenor, must dance)

a delivery boy

Larry Hastings

Gwynne Smith (operator), Dr. Kitchell (a singing dentist), Blake Burton (an actor), Olga (Jeff's girlfriend)

Chorus and Chorus Dancers

Bells Are Ringing Related Websites

Audition Preparation Materials

List of Songs in Bells Are Ringing (Click on the song title to download digital sheet music)

• Bells Are Ringing Song Lyrics

• Improve your tap skills here.
• Improve your jazz skills here.

Download the complete Bells Are Ringing cast album

• Bells Are Ringing (Girls)
• It's A Perfect Relationship (Ella)
• On My Own (Jeff)
• It's A Simple Little System (Sandor & Chorus)
• Is It A Crime? (Ella)
• Hello, Hello There (Chorus)
• I Met A Girl (Jeff)
• Long Before I Knew You (Jeff & Ella)
• Mu Cha Cha (Carl & Ella)
• Just In Time (Jeff & Ella)
• Drop That Name (Chorus)
• The Party's Over (Ella)
• Salzburg (Sandor & Sue)
• The Midas Touch (Chorus)
• I'm Going Back (Ella)