Jean Arthur "BORN YESTERDAY" Paul Douglas / Garson Kanin 1946 Tryout Playbill

Description

This is a rare January 7th, 1946 "Playgoer" playbill from the Pre-Broadway tryout of the new GARSON KANIN comedy "BORN YESTERDAY" at the Locust Street Theatre in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (After tryouts in New Haven, Boston and Philadelphia, the production would open February 4th, 1946 at the Lyceum Theatre in New York City and run for 1642 performances.) ..... The story behind the creation of this eventual hit is among the most fascinating in Broadway history. Actress JEAN ARTHUR, despite misgivings about the script and her character agreed to create the role of "Billie Dawn", but her well-earned reputation for being difficult was evident from the start. The critics in New Haven, Connecticut were not overly impressed, giving mixed reviews to both the play and Miss Arthur's performance and as a result, she demanded that Garson Kanin make major script changes to accommodate her acting style. This caused a rift between the two, and after playing just a handful of perfomances, Kanin received a note from Jean Arthur asking him to permanently replace her. Producer Max Gordon successfully convinced her to remain with the show, but in protest she missed half of her performances during the week-long Boston engagement ... The name JUDY HOLLIDAY was first suggested to Garson Kanin back in New Haven by the show's wardrobe designer, Mainbocher. The designer spoke glowingly about her supporting turn in the Broadway play "Kiss Them For Me" earlier that year. At the time, he had dismissed the notion, telling Mainbocher that while he felt Judy was a wonderful performer, she just wasn't right for the part of "Billie Dawn". The problems in Boston and a new-found sense of desperation now spurred him to reconsider the idea. On Sunday, January 6th, the day before the scheduled Philadelphia opening, Kanin went to New York City to meet with Judy Holliday. The informal meeting went very well, but nothing was concluded other than the fact that she was a distinct possibility. Kanin continued on to Philadelphia, unsure of what was ahead, but feeling comfortable that he now had a plan B, should problems continue. The next morning, Jean Arthur failed to appear at the show's rehearsal and soon after Garson Kanin and Max Gordon received word that she was leaving the show immediately on the advice of her doctor. Doubts lingered as to whether her "nervous exhaustion" was real or just a convenient way to bow out of her contract. Regardless, the play was now without a leading lady and Philadelphia's opening night would have to be postponed. Gordon was already making plans to close the show for good, when Kanin suggested playing the Philadelphia engagement with Judy Holliday in the lead. After heated negotiations between the two, it was agreed that she was their only hope of salvaging the show and getting the production to Broadway. Judy Holliday got the call and arrived in Philadelphia late Tuesday afternoon. She was met at the hotel by Kanin who gave her the script and instructed her to read through it once and then decide if she could do the role. Judy returned two hours later and informed Kanin and Gordon that she would be willing to play the part. When she learned that they would be opening Saturday, she pleaded for more time, but Gordon held firm. Word that Jean Arthur had left the show was beginning to spread around town and people were already lining up at the box-office to request refunds. The play was running out of both time and customers and it was going to be Saturday or bust. Learning the formidable part of "Billie Dawn" in just four days would be a daunting task for a veteran actress, let alone someone attempting their first major stage role. Kanin escorted the stunned Judy back to her room and advised her to "just concentrate on learning the words and we'll worry about the rest later." During the course of those four frenzied days she slept very little and nervousness along with her inability to keep solid food down caused her to shed 10 pounds. The immense pressure of having the entire show's fate dependent upon her performance began to exact a hefty emotional toll and Judy ventured outside of her room only to attend the play's daily rehearsals. On Saturday night, January 12th (five nights after the intended opening), the curtain rose on "BORN YESTERDAY" at Philadelphia's Locust Street Theatre. The daring souls who braved the harsh winter weather to see a troubled play starring a relatively unknown actress, were rewarded with the rich experience of witnessing theatre history first-hand. Despite her self-doubts, Judy indeed went on, and by all accounts, gave a nearly flawless first performance as "Billie Dawn". The overwhelmingly enthusiatic response of both the audience and the critics confirmed what Garson Kanin and Max Gordon already knew. They had found their new "Billie Dawn" ... "BORN YESTERDAY had its Broadway premiere on February 4th, 1946 at the Lyceum Theatre. The show played to sold-out Broadway audiences for almost four years. Judy Holliday rarely missed a scheduled performance or even a rehearsal during that time. On May 24th, 1949, she gave her final Broadway performance of the play to a packed house and the boisterous standing ovations to which she had grown accustomed. She agonized over the decision to leave the show, but thankfully did so in order to preserve her performance on film for which she was awarded the Oscar for "Best Actress in a Motion Picture" ..... This rare playbill was printed prior to JEAN ARTHUR announcing her departure. Featured in the cast were PAUL DOUGLAS, ELLEN HALL, GARY MERRILL, FRANK OTTO, WILLIAM HARMON, REX KING, CARROLL ASHBURN, OTTO HULETT, DAVID PARDOLL, MARY LASLO, MILTON J. WILLIAMS, LARRY OLIVER, MONA BRUNS and C. L. BURKE ..... CREDITS: Book by GARSON KANIN; Sets designed by DONALD OENSLAGER; Costumes designed by MAINBOCHER; Directed by GARSON KANIN; Produced by MAX GORDON ..... DETAILS: The 16 page playbill measures 6" X 9" inches and includes full production credits, cast list and synopsis of scenes, but no cast photos or bios ..... CONDITION: With the exception of light edge wear, this rare program is in excellent condition and will make a wonderful addition to the collection of any theatre aficionado or historian. This item will be carefully packaged in a protective, carded sleeve and backed by stiff cardboard ..... SHIPPING DISCOUNTS: Check my "Other Items" for additional rare Broadway playbills and other theatre related memorabilia. Shipping discounts are available for multiple purchases when all items are combined into a single payment. Please wait for a revised invoice before sending payment ..... THANKS !!!
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