Description
I'm currently listing a large number of playbills representing some of the most memorable Broadway performances (good and bad) of the 1950's and 1960's ......... This is a rare four-page preview playbill from the Original Broadway production of the LIONEL BART and CHARLES K. PECK, Jr. musical flop "LA STRADA" at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre in New York City. (After twelve previews, the production opened December 14th, 1969 and closed the same night after only one performance.) ..... The musical starred BERNADETTE PETERS, LARRY KERT and STEPHEN PEARLMAN and featured ANNE HEGIRA, LUCILLE PATTON, PEGGY COOPER, JOHN COE, SUSAN GOEPPINGER, LISA BELLERAN, MARY ANN ROBBINS, HARRY ENDICOTT, PAUL CHARLES, STAN PAGE, NINO GALANTI, HENRY BRUNJES, STEVEN ROSS and DON LOPEZ ..... Side Note: Despite the huge success of Lionel Bart's "OLIVER!", his personal demons (drug and alcohol abuse) haunted the remainder of his life and career and by the time "LA STRADA" opened on Broadway, the score only included three of Bart's songs. An insert in the opening night playbill noted "Additional Music and Lyrics by MARTIN CHARNIN and ELLIOTT LAWRENCE." ..... CREDITS: Music and Lyrics by LIONEL BART ("Oliver!", "Blitz", "Lock Up Your Daughters", "Maggie May", "Fings Ain't Wot They Used T' Be", "Twang", "La Strada"); Book by CHARLES K. PECK, Jr. based on the FEDERICO FELLINI film; Sets designed by MING CHO LEE; Costumes designed by NANCY POTTS; Choreographed by ALVIN AILEY; Directed by ALAN SCHNEIDER; Produced by CHARLES K. PECK, Jr. and CANYON PRODUCTIONS, INC. ..... DETAILS: The four page playbill measures 6" X 9" inches and includes full production credits, cast list, synopsis of scenes and list of musical numbers, but no cast photos or bios ..... CUT SONG: The list of musical numbers includes "Belonging" which was cut during previews ..... CONDITION: (Please Note!) There is considerable paper loss along the right side, slight discoloration and minor creasing. Despite these flaws, this rare playbill will make a wonderful addition to the collection of any musical theatre aficionado or historian. This item will be carefully packaged in a protective, carded sleeve and backed by stiff cardboard.
