Description
This is a rare single page advertising handbill (flyer) promoting ticket sales for the Pre-Broadway engagement of the STEPHEN SONDHEIM and GEORGE FURTH musical comedy "COMPANY" at the Shubert Theatre in Boston beginning March 24th, 1970. (The production would open April 26th, 1970 at New York's Alvin Theatre and run for 706 performances.) ..... The groundbreaking musical starred DEAN JONES as "Robert", ELAINE STRITCH, BARBARA BARRIE, CHARLES KIMBROUGH, MERLE LOUISE, TERI RALSTON, GEORGE COE, PAMELA MYERS, DONNA McKECHNIE and SUSAN BROWNING ..... 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", "Sweeney Todd", "Pacific Overtures", "Sunday in the Park With George", "Into the Woods", "Passion", "Assassins"); 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: Advertising handbills (heralds) were distributed or inserted into the playbills of other productions to help generate ticket sales for upcoming shows and events. This single page, two-sided handbill measures 6" X 9" inches and includes production credits on the front and photos of the three of the stars and Director Harold Prince, promotional text and a ticket order form on the backside ..... CONDITION: This rare handbill 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.
