Richard Rodgers’ sole collaboration with lyricist Sheldon Harnick, Rex is a musical retelling of the life of Henry VIII and the ascent of his daughter, Queen Elizabeth I. With a book by Sherman Yellen, the musical was billed as a “musical play,” though the score contains 14 original songs. The show premiered on Broadway at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre on April … Read More
1976 Broadway
After tryouts in Wilmington, Washington, D.C. and Boston, Rex premiered on Broadway at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre on April 25, 1976. Edwin Sherin was credited as director, though Harold Prince had been brought in to assist during the show’s rocky out-of-town tryouts. The Broadway production starred British actor Nicol Williamson, with American actress Penny Fuller playing the dual roles of Henry’s … Read More
1976 Broadway Cast
Under the baton of Music Director Jay Blackton, the Original Broadway Cast recording of Rex was released in 1976, featuring Irwin Kostal’s orchestrations, with dance arrangements by David Baker. Produced by Thomas Z. Shepard for RCA Red Seal, the LP featured the full Broadway cast, led by Nicol Williamson and Penny Fuller. Tom Aldredge, Barbara Andres, Ed Avanko, Valerie Mahaffey, … Read More