Category Archives: 1960s

“The Musical Smash at the Palace” Gwen Verdon starring in Sweet Charity, 1965

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In 1965, The Nederlanders turned New York City’s famed Palace Theatre into a legitimate theatrical stage for the opening of Sweet Charity starring Gwen Verdon.

Gwen Verdon played the title role of Charity Hope Valentine, a taxi dancer at a dance hall called the “Fandango Ballroom” in Times Square, New York City.

Today the Palace Theatre has 1,740 seats and is one of The Nederlander Organization’s nine Broadway theatres.

Below pictured front cover of the 1966 original Broadway production program of Sweet Charity reading in part: Continue reading →

Bob Fosse’s manuscript Pal Joey, 1963

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Bob Fosse’s well-used personal working manuscript having front cover centered handwritten label reading “Pal Joey” and lower right side “Bob Fosse.” This was used by Fosse durring the highly acclaimed 1963 musical theater revival. The original 1940 Pal Joey Broadway production was directed by George Abbott and starred Gene Kelly.

The Pal Joey 1952 revival was met with greater success than the original production. It opened on January 3, 1952 and closed on April 18, 1953, after 540 performances. Bob Fosse was the understudy for Joey Evans.

Then some ten years later in 1963 Pal Joey was produced off-Broadway for 15 performances at New York City Center and starred Bob Fosse as Joey Evans, Viveca Lindfors as Vera, and Kay Medford as Melba.

See Pal Joey manuscript detail label images Continue reading →