The musical "110 in the Shade" made its Broadway debut on October 24, 1963, at the Broadhurst Theatre, marking a significant step for its composing team, Harvey Schmidt and Tom Jones. Following the success of their earlier work, "The Fantasticks," this project was their first venture onto the larger Broadway stage. The show's journey from concept to opening night involved considerable creative effort, including significant revisions to its score and structure,
ultimately leading to a run of 330 performances.
From Play to Musical: Adapting "The Rainmaker"
"110 in the Shade" is an adaptation of N. Richard Nash's 1954 play, "The Rainmaker." Nash himself penned the book for the musical, demonstrating a commitment to maintaining the essence of his original work. The story centers on Lizzie Curry, a spinster living on a ranch in the American Southwest during a drought. Her relationships with the cautious local sheriff, File, and the charismatic con man, Bill Starbuck, form the core of the narrative. Starbuck, posing as a rainmaker, promises to bring relief to the drought-stricken area, setting in motion a series of events that impact Lizzie's life.
One notable change in the adaptation from play to musical involved the setting. While Nash's book remained faithful to his original play's dialogue and character development, all interior scenes were moved outdoors. This strategic decision allowed for the inclusion of townspeople, facilitating ensemble numbers and dances, which are integral to a musical production. Furthermore, many of Tom Jones's lyrics for the musical were directly drawn from Nash's original play, highlighting a close collaboration and respect for the source material.
The Creative Team and Initial Challenges
The creative team behind "110 in the Shade" was led by director Joseph Anthony and choreographer Agnes de Mille. Their vision brought the story to life on the Broadway stage. However, the path to opening night was not without its challenges. The original score, composed by Harvey Schmidt, was described as almost operatic in its scope. During the show's tryout run in Boston, it became apparent that the production's running time was excessively long. This necessitated a rigorous trimming process, where the creative team had to make difficult decisions, ultimately discarding nearly as many musical numbers as were retained in the finished product.
Despite these early hurdles, the production assembled a notable cast. Robert Horton took on the role of Starbuck, Inga Swenson portrayed Lizzie, and Stephen Douglass played File. Supporting roles were filled by actors such as Will Geer, Lesley Ann Warren, and Gretchen Cryer. The visual elements of the production were handled by Oliver Smith, who designed the sets, and the costumes were created by a team of designers. This collective effort aimed to create a cohesive and engaging theatrical experience for the audience.
Broadway Run and Critical Recognition
After two previews, "110 in the Shade" officially opened on October 24, 1963. The musical ran for 330 performances, a respectable run for a Broadway production. Its artistic merits were recognized through several nominations for the 1964 Tony Awards. These nominations included Best Original Score for Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt, Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical for Inga Swenson, Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical for Will Geer, and Best Direction of a Musical for Joseph Anthony. While the musical did not win in these categories, the nominations underscored its quality and the talent involved in its creation, solidifying its place in Broadway history as a significant work from the Schmidt and Jones partnership.
