The 1966 Broadway musical, "The Apple Tree," offers audiences a unique theatrical experience by presenting three distinct one-act stories, each drawn from different literary sources. With music by Jerry Bock, lyrics by Sheldon Harnick, and a book co-written by Bock, Harnick, and Jerome Coopersmith, the musical weaves together tales that explore themes of love, temptation, jealousy, and self-discovery. From the biblical narrative of Adam and Eve to a classic
short story of choice and a modern fable of fame, "The Apple Tree" showcases a remarkable versatility in its storytelling, unified by its exploration of human nature and desire.
The Genesis of Love: "The Diary of Adam and Eve"
The first act of "The Apple Tree" transports the audience to the Garden of Eden, adapting Mark Twain's "The Diaries of Adam and Eve." This segment introduces Adam, who initially enjoys his solitary existence as the "sole and single man" on Earth, tasked with naming animals in a straightforward manner: flyers, swimmers, and crawlers. His peace is soon interrupted by the arrival of Eve, the "long haired creature," who brings a new perspective to Eden. Eve delights in her surroundings, giving more detailed names to creatures like cows, ducks, and horses, a habit that initially annoys Adam.
Their early interactions are marked by a blend of curiosity, annoyance, and burgeoning affection. Eve feels Adam doesn't appreciate her, and he, in turn, is put off by her perceived superiority. Despite these initial frictions, feelings begin to develop. Adam builds a shelter for himself, but his concern for Eve sitting in the rain leads him to invite her in, where she promptly begins redecorating, much to his dismay. Yet, even amidst his irritation, Adam finds himself developing feelings for "Eve." Their arguments continue, such as one about cutting the grass, leading Adam to storm off. Eve, seeking companionship, finds solace in her reflection in a pond, believing it to be a friend.
The pivotal moment arrives with the appearance of a snake, a creature of vast knowledge, which tempts Eve with the forbidden apples from the tree over the hill. The snake assures her that Adam is mistaken and the apples are not "Forbidden Fruit." Upon eating an apple, Eve gains knowledge, and Adam senses a change in his "Beautiful, Beautiful World." Expelled from Eden, the couple finds themselves drawn closer, their weaknesses now a source of mutual reliance. Their journey continues with the birth of Cain, whom Adam comically mistakes for "a Fish," followed by Abel. After Cain kills Abel, Eve reflects on her life and her profound feelings for Adam, expressing a desire for them to die together, or for her to go first, as she needs him more. Her contemplation of "What Makes Me Love Him" precedes her death. Adam, who previously showed little interest in flowers, begins to water her garden, a testament to his enduring love and her memory.
A Kingdom's Cruel Choice: "The Lady or the Tiger?"
The second story, "The Lady or the Tiger?," is based on Frank R. Stockton's classic short story and plunges the audience into a "somewhat barbaric kingdom." A balladeer narrates this tale of love and jealousy, setting the scene with the declaration, "I'll Tell You a Truth." The story unfolds with the grand entrance of King Arik and his daughter, Princess Barbára, at a banquet, heralded by the command "Make Way." The kingdom's unique system of justice is then introduced: a prisoner faces two doors in a large arena. Behind one is a beautiful woman, signifying innocence and a forced marriage; behind the other, a ravenous tiger, signifying guilt and death.
Following a victorious battle, Captain Sanjar returns, collapsing from his efforts. The King and his court, however, prioritize celebration, leaving Sanjar. A slave, Nadjira, stays to comfort him until Princess Barbára returns and dismisses her. It is then revealed that Barbára and Sanjar share a forbidden love, kept secret due to their differing social classes. They contemplate escaping to Gaul but ultimately decide their place is in the kingdom. Their stolen kiss is interrupted by King Arik, who discovers their affair and sentences Sanjar to the trial of the doors, much to Barbára's distress.
Determined to save Sanjar, Barbára seeks out the Royal Tiger Keeper, who is also the balladeer, to learn which door conceals the tiger. He warns her about the burden of such knowledge. Barbára, believing she has control, sings "I've Got What You Want." Her confidence shatters when she sees Nadjira being led to the arena to stand behind the other door. The princess realizes that if Sanjar avoids the tiger, he will be forced to marry Nadjira, leading to her internal conflict expressed in "Tiger, Tiger." As the court re-enters the arena to the reprise of "Make Way," they ponder "Which Door" Sanjar will choose. Sanjar desperately looks to Barbára for guidance, and after a moment of hesitation, she points to a door. The balladeer returns with a reprise of "I'll Tell You a Truth," emphasizing the pain of jealousy, and the story concludes without revealing Sanjar's fate, leaving the audience to ponder the princess's choice.
The Glamour and the Truth: "Passionella"
The final act, "Passionella," draws from Jules Feiffer's work and tells the story of Ella, a chimney sweep who dreams of fame. A Narrator introduces Ella, who expresses her longing to escape her humble life and become a star in "Oh, to Be a Movie Star." Her wish is granted when her television breaks, and her Friendly Neighborhood Godmother, also the narrator, appears to fulfill her "most cherished wish." Ella is instantly transformed into "Gorgeous" Passionella, a movie star, but with a catch: her transformation lasts only from 7 P.M. until 4 A.M., from the seven o'clock news until the end of the late show.
As Passionella, Ella leaves her old life behind, prompting the question, "Who Is She?" A producer quickly signs her to a lifetime contract, and she becomes an instant sensation. Men adore her, and women aspire to be like her, a feeling she understands, as expressed in "I Know." Despite her fame, beauty, and "Wealth," Passionella remains unfulfilled, yearning for love. She meets Flip, a famous hippie singer, and falls in love, but he rejects her, declaring, "You Are Not Real." This rejection leads Passionella to a pivotal decision.
She confronts her producer, threatening retirement unless her next role is that of a chimney sweep. He agrees, and Passionella's performance earns her an Academy Award. Flip presents the award, and in that moment, he realizes his love for her and proposes marriage. The couple celebrates, making love in front of the television, but they lose track of time. At 4 A.M., Passionella reverts to Ella, and Flip transforms into the bespectacled George L. Brown. Stripped of their glamorous personas, they discover each other's true selves and live happily ever after, finding genuine love beyond superficial appearances.
