Ethel Merman (Signed) "HAPPY HUNTING" Fernando Lamas 1956 Tryout Broadside

Description

I'm currently listing a large number of playbills from out-of-town tryouts prior to the Broadway runs. Many are from early performances when revisions were common and include song titles that were cut before opening in New York. (See cut songs below.) ....... This is a rare autographed broadside (single page playbill) from the Pre-Broadway engagement of the HOWARD LINDSAY and RUSSEL CROUSE musical "HAPPY HUNTING" at the Shubert Theatre in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (The production would open December 6th, 1956 at the Majestic Theatre in New York City and run for 412 performances.) ..... The musical starred the legendary ETHEL MERMAN and FERNANDO LAMAS (both signed the front) and featured VIRGINIA GIBSON, GORDON POLK, LEON BELASCO, OLIVE TEMPLETON, RENATO CIBELLI, ESTELLE PARSONS, MARY FINNEY, DON WEISSMULLER and CARL NICHOLAS ..... CREDITS: Music by HAROLD KARR; Lyrics by MATT DUBEY; Book by HOWARD LINDSAY and RUSSEL CROUSE; Sets designed by JO MIELZINER; Costumes designed by IRENE SHARAFF; Choreographed by ALEX ROMERO; Directed by ABE BURROWS; Produced by JO MIELZINER ..... DETAILS: The single page, two-sided playbill measures 5 1/2" X 8 1/2" inches and includes full production credits, cast list, synopsis of scenes and list of musical numbers, but no cast photos or bios. This rare broadside was signed by
ETHEL MERMAN and FERNANDO LAMAS and
will be accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity ..... CUT SONGS: The list of musical numbers includes "The Game of Love" and "This Is What I Call Love" which were cut shortly after the Broadway opening ..... CONDITION: With the exception of moderate creasing, this broadside 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.