The 1952 musical 'Wish You Were Here' is a fascinating piece of theater history, adapted from Arthur Kober's 1937 play 'Having Wonderful Time.' With music and lyrics by Harold Rome, the musical takes audiences to a summer camp for adults, offering a unique setting and storyline. This article delves into the origins and development of this Broadway production, highlighting its journey from a play to a musical.
Origins and Adaptation
'Wish You Were Here' began its life as
a play titled 'Having Wonderful Time,' written by Arthur Kober in 1937. The play's success and engaging storyline made it a prime candidate for adaptation into a musical. Arthur Kober, along with Joshua Logan, took on the task of transforming the play into a musical, with Harold Rome providing the music and lyrics. The adaptation process involved reimagining the original play's narrative to fit the musical format, which included adding songs and dance numbers to enhance the storytelling.
The musical's setting at Camp Karefree, a summer camp for adults in the Catskills, provided a fresh and entertaining backdrop for the story. The camp's unique environment allowed for a variety of comedic and romantic situations, making it an ideal setting for a musical. The adaptation retained the play's core themes while infusing it with the energy and vibrancy of musical theater.
Broadway Debut and Reception
'Wish You Were Here' made its Broadway debut at the Imperial Theatre on June 25, 1952. Directed and choreographed by Joshua Logan, the production featured an elaborate set, including a fully functional swimming pool, which became one of its most talked-about elements. The cast included notable performers such as Patricia Marand, Jack Cassidy, and Florence Henderson, who would later become famous for her role as Carol Brady on 'The Brady Bunch.'
Despite initial mixed reviews, the musical found success on Broadway, running for 598 performances. The show's popularity was bolstered by Eddie Fisher's recording of the title song, which reached No. 1 on the charts. The musical's success on Broadway led to a West End production in London, where it ran for 282 performances.
Legacy and Impact
The legacy of 'Wish You Were Here' extends beyond its Broadway and West End runs. The musical's innovative set design and engaging storyline have left a lasting impression on the theater world. It also played a significant role in launching the career of Florence Henderson, who delivered her first line on stage in this production.
The musical's success demonstrated the potential for adapting plays into musicals, paving the way for future adaptations. 'Wish You Were Here' remains a notable example of mid-20th-century musical theater, celebrated for its creativity and charm.
