Happy Birthday is a comedic stage play written by American playwright Anita Loos. The play premiered on Broadway at the Broadhurst Theatre in 1946. The show was nominated for two Tony Awards, Best Costumes by Lucinda Ballard and Best Lead Actress in a Play for Helen Hayes, who won the award as Addie Bemis. The plays tells the story of a librarian and her escapades when she decides to have a night on the town.[1]
| Happy Birthday | |
|---|---|
| Written by | Anita Loos |
| Date premiered | October 31, 1946 |
| Place premiered | Broadhurst Theatre |
| Original language | English |
| Genre | Comedy |
| Setting | Newark, New Jersey 1940s |
Production history
editThe play opened on October 31, 1946 at the Broadhurst Theatre to critical and financial success, extending its run and transferring to the Plymouth Theatre. The show closed its run on March 13, 1948 after 563 performances. The show was produced by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein, who also wrote a song for the play titled "I Haven't Got a Worry in the World". The show was directed by Joshua Logan. Cloris Leachman served as Hayes' understudy. [2]
Original cast and characters
edit| Character | Broadway (1946) |
|---|---|
| Addie Bemis | Helen Hayes |
| Paul | Louis Jean Heydt |
| Mr. Bemis | Robert Burton |
| Maud | Lorraine Miller |
| Tot | Enid Markey |
| The Judge | Ralph Theadore |
| Gail | Margaret Irving |
| Dad Malone | Thomas Heaphy |
| Emma | Grace Valentine |
| Bella | Florence Sundstrom |
| Gabe | Charles Gordon |
| Don | Dort Clark |
References
edit- ^ https://www.playbill.com/production/happy-birthday-broadhurst-theatre-vault-0000002104 [bare URL]
- ^ Rocco, Claudia La (25 March 2013). "Librarian Lets Down Hair and Downs Many Drinks". The New York Times.