1967 Off-Broadway

JimBy Jupiter

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1967 Off-Broadway

Book by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart, based on the play The Warrior's Husband by Julian F. Thompson | Music by Richard Rodgers | Lyrics by Lorenz Hart | Additional material by Fred Ebb

On January 19, 1967, the first New York revival of By Jupiter opened off-Broadway at the Theatre Four. Directed by Christopher Hewett with choreography and musical staging by Ellen Ray, the production starred Bob Dishy and featured Jackie Alloway and Sheila Sullivan. Featuring some new material by Fred Ebb, the production retained most of the original Rodgers & Hart score. The show closed on April 30, 1968, after 118 performances.

Reviews were generally positive. Richard Watts, Jr., of the New York Post called it “a thoroughgoing delight,” saying the show’s “melodiousness, humor, high spirits and charm, together with the skill and freshness of its presentation, made it one of the joys of the season.” James Davis of the Daily News concurred, calling the production “an appetizing dish indeed,” adding, “Everyone can take a bow for this one.”

LISTEN

In 1967, 25 years after the Broadway premiere of By Jupiter, RCA Victor released the first cast recording of Rodgers & Hart’s final score. Produced by Andy Wiswell, the cast recording from the Theatre Four off-Broadway revival featured orchestrations by Abba Bogin and musical direction from Milton Setzer. Bob Dishy, Jackie Alloway and Sheila Sullivan led the cast in singing the score, which included some “additional material” by Fred Ebb.