Posted: 2/28/18 at 1:05pm
Does anyone know who holds the rights for the show? I want to read the libretto, but I can't find the rights anywhere to get persuade copy. Or know where I can get a copy of the libretto?
Posted: 2/28/18 at 1:39pm
You can try reaching out to York Theater now, they are currently doing the show semi-staged and might be able to offer some help with your questions. I saw the production and it was charming, the story is a bit strange but the music is beautiful especially the overture, "Taking my Time, "and "Once in a Lifetime." I would like to see this as a full revival one day but doesn't seem likely.
Posted: 3/1/18 at 12:49am
I saw it, too, and loved it. There's just a few more performances this week, with just a handful of tickets available at the York Theater. Contact them immediately if you want to see it.
Posted: 3/1/18 at 6:17am
I saw the original production in its pre-Broadway tryout at Philadelphia's former Shubert Theatre in Fall 1961. I was quite taken by Phyllis Newman's performance as the offbeat Martha Vail, the lady who wore just a towel. It was my introduction to having sexual feelings for another human being. I was 9 years old at the time. All these years later, I have a great admiration for Phyllis Newman and have wanted very much to meet her and tell her so before it is too late. I think it is wonderful what she has done with the Phyllis Newman Women's Health Initiative. I just read Harry Haun's marvelous article on Broadwayworld.com about Phyllis' memories of the original production of "Subways Are For Sleeping." I would have to say that her performance in the show is way up there along with my memories of seeing Merman in "Gypsy," Martin in "The Sound of Music," and Streisand in "Funny Girl." I think what appeals to me most about Phyllis Newman is her intelligence mixed with her vulnerability. She also possesses the greatest laugh in show business which I got to hear whenever she did a game show appearance or was a guest on Johnny Carson's "Tonight Show." What a wonderful lady!!!
Posted: 3/1/18 at 9:28am
The show is not licensed, and the libretto was never published. The show continued to undergo rewrites even during its run. The version being performed through Sunday was cobbled together from something like five versions of the show. Even without the great Michael Kidd's choreography, one wonders while watching the York production why this show did not run longer. Jule Styne was one of Broadway's best composers, and this score is one of his best.
There is an official Jule Styne website. You apparently can contact the Jule Styne office through that website. http://www.julestyne.com/Contact.php
