first edition Hardcover
(c.1965) · New York
by Laurents, Arthur (book), and Stephen Sondheim (music and lyrics)
New York: Random House. Near Fine in Very Good+ dj. (c.1965). First Edition. Hardcover. [minimal shelfwear, minor staining to ffep the only significant blemish; jacket spine has a few tiny puncture tears and some minor scuffing, and there are a couple of itty-bitty nicks along the top of the front panel; a review copy, with the original publisher's slip laid in]. (B&W photographs) The book and lyrics (no music) of the Sondheim-Laurents "musical fable." Although roundly trounced by critics at the time of its Broadway opening in 1964 (and consequently closing after just nine performances), this work's reputation has endured and improved in recent years; it is now staged and/or revived with some regularity, and is generally regarded as an influential modern classic. The original cast featured Angela Lansbury (her first role in a stage musical), James Frawley and Lee Remick. A so-called "Collectors' Edition" reprint was issued in 1976, and can be easily procured; but this, the true first edition, is quite scarce. . (Inventory #: 23946)