First Impressions (1959) Original Broadway Cast Recording Resurfaced #MWBVault
A musical adaptation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, which took its name from the book’s first title, First Impressions, gave a live theatrical version of the politely turbulent romance between Miss Elizabeth Bennet and Mister Fitzwilliam Darcy, played on stage by Polly Bergen and Farley Granger, respectively, with Hermione Gingold adding the acid authority of a titled dowager as Mrs. Bennet. But by remaining too faithful to the spirit of his model, Abe Burrows, author of the book, couldn’t remove the stiffness and formal dignity that prevailed at the time. Nor did the score, credited to Robert Goldman, Glenn Paxton and George Weiss, manage to attract, despite some genuinely beautiful melodies. With a cast that also included Phyllis Newman, James Mitchell and Christopher Hewett, the show opened at the Alvin Theatre on March 19, 1959, for a run of 84 performances. First LP release: April 20, 1959. View the photos below and follow Masterworks Broadway on Pinterest for more!
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