Flahooley, a musical with music by Sammy Fain and lyrics by E.Y. Harburg, made its Broadway debut in 1951. Despite its promising creative team and unique storyline, the show had a notably brief run. This article delves into the production details and the factors that contributed to its short-lived presence on Broadway.
The Creative Team and Opening Night
Flahooley was brought to life by a talented team, including E.Y. Harburg and Fred Saidy, who co-wrote the book. Harburg, known for
his work on The Wizard of Oz, also penned the lyrics, while Sammy Fain composed the music. The production was directed by Harburg and Saidy, with choreography by Helen Tamiris and orchestration by Ted Royal. The show opened on May 14, 1951, at the Broadhurst Theatre.
The cast featured several notable performers, including Jerome Courtland as Sylvester, Ernest Truex as Bigelow, and Barbara Cook, who made her Broadway debut as Sandy. Other cast members included Irwin Corey as Abou Ben Atom and Yma Sumac as Princess Najla. Despite the strong lineup, Flahooley struggled to find its footing with audiences.
Challenges and Closure
Flahooley faced significant challenges from the outset. The show closed on June 15, 1951, after just 40 performances. One of the primary reasons for its early closure was the need to vacate the Broadhurst Theatre for the incoming production of Seventeen. Although there were plans to reopen Flahooley with revisions, these never materialized.
The musical's complex and politically charged storyline may have also contributed to its difficulties. Harburg's script included satirical elements that critiqued anti-Communist sentiment in the United States, which may not have resonated with audiences at the time. Additionally, the show's allegorical nature and fantastical elements, such as a genie and singing puppets, might have been too unconventional for Broadway audiences of the era.
Legacy and Revival
Despite its short run, Flahooley left a lasting impression on those who experienced it. An original cast recording was released by Capitol Records, preserving the music and performances for posterity. In 1998, a revival of Flahooley was staged at the Theatre At St. Clement's in New York. This production, adapted and directed by Alisa Roost, included contributions from the heirs of the original creative team.
The 1998 revival restored songs and material that had been cut from the original production, offering audiences a more complete version of Harburg and Fain's vision. While Flahooley may not have achieved commercial success during its initial run, its unique blend of fantasy and political commentary continues to intrigue theater enthusiasts and historians alike.
