'Fade Out – Fade In' is a musical that made its mark on Broadway in the mid-1960s. With music by Jule Styne and lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green, the show offered a satirical look at the movie industry of the 1930s. This article delves into the Broadway production history of this unique musical, highlighting its initial success and the challenges it faced.
The Broadway Debut
'Fade Out – Fade In' premiered on Broadway on May 26, 1964, at the Mark Hellinger Theatre.
Directed by George Abbott and choreographed by Ernest Flatt, the production featured a talented cast, including Carol Burnett in the lead role of Hope Springfield. The show was a significant event for Burnett, marking her return to Broadway after a four-year hiatus.
The musical received excellent reviews, which translated into strong box office performance. In its early weeks, 'Fade Out – Fade In' out-grossed other popular musicals of the time, such as 'Hello, Dolly!' and 'Funny Girl.' Critics praised the direction, the exuberant performances, and the vivacious production numbers. Howard Taubman of The New York Times noted the show's ability to spread good cheer, suggesting it would enjoy a long run.
Challenges and Changes
Despite its initial success, 'Fade Out – Fade In' faced several challenges during its Broadway run. The first major change occurred when Tina Louise, who played Gloria Currie, left the production in June 1964 to join the television show 'Gilligan's Island.' This departure was just the beginning of the show's troubles.
In July 1964, Carol Burnett suffered a serious neck injury in a taxi accident, forcing the production to shut down temporarily. Betty Hutton stepped in as a temporary replacement, but Burnett's absence affected the show's momentum. Although Burnett returned after recuperating, she soon left again to participate in a television variety show produced by her husband.
The Final Curtain
The producers faced financial difficulties due to the disruptions caused by Burnett's absences. Despite efforts to find a replacement for Burnett, the show struggled to regain its initial success. When Burnett returned in February 1965, the production had lost its momentum, and several new musicals had opened during the hiatus.
Ultimately, the financial losses proved insurmountable, and 'Fade Out – Fade In' closed on April 17, 1965, after 274 performances and six previews. Despite its challenges, the musical left a lasting impression on Broadway, remembered for its humor, charm, and the star power of Carol Burnett.
