Description
This is a rare December 1971 playbill from the Original Broadway production of the STEPHEN SONDHEIM and GEORGE FURTH musical comedy "COMPANY" at New York's Alvin Theatre. (The production opened April 26th, 1970 and ran for 706 performances.) ..... The groundbreaking musical starred LARRY KERT as "Robert" and VIVIAN BLAINE as "Joanne" and featured CYNTHIA HARRIS, TERI RALSTON, STEVE ELMORE, BETH HOWLAND, LEE GOODMAN, KENNETH KIMMINS, CAROL RICHARDS, PRISCILLA LOPEZ, STANLEY GROVER, ANNIE McGREEVEY, KENNETH CORY and CHARLOTTE FRAZIER ..... Side Note: Although ANTHONY PERKINS was slated to play the lead in the production, DEAN JONES was chosen for the role in this "anti-marriage" musical. Unfortunately, Jones was going through his own marital difficulties and as early as the Boston tryouts had expressed a desire to leave the production. Producer HAROLD PRINCE offered Jones an out, saying that if he stuck with the show through opening night, he would release him from his contract. Several weeks after the Broadway Premiere, Jones left the production. The news release claimed it was due to an illness. He did manage to take time to participate in recording the Original Broadway Cast album. Replacing Jones was LARRY KERT who would play the role of "Robert" for the next two years and be honored as the first replacement star to be nominated for a Tony Award ..... CREDITS: Music and Lyrics by STEPHEN SONDHEIM ("A Funny Thing Happened On the Way to the Forum", "West Side Story", "Gypsy", "Follies", "Merrily We Roll Along", "A Little Night Music", "Do I Hear a Waltz?", "Sweeney Todd", "Pacific Overtures", "Sunday in the Park With George", "Into the Woods", "Passion", "Assassins", "Bounce"); Book by GEORGE FURTH; Sets designed by BORIS ARONSON; Costumes designed by D. D. RYAN; Choreographed by MICHAEL BENNETT; Produced and Directed by HAROLD PRINCE ..... DETAILS: The 50 page playbill measures 6" X 9" inches and includes full production credits, cast list, synopsis of scenes, list of musical numbers and bios of each of the leading actors and members of the creative team but with the exception of the front cover, no cast photos. Includes a full page ad for the Original Broadway Cast recording of "COMPANY" on Columbia Records ..... CONDITION: With the exception of minor creasing to the lower right corner of the cover, this playbill is in excellent condition and 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.
