Emerson Colonial Theatre Official Blog

Allegro

From September 8 - October 4, 1947, ALLEGRO played its Pre-Broadway run at the Colonial. ALLEGRO was Roger and Hammerstein’s third show that had it's pre-Broadway run at the Colonial, following OKLAHOMA! (1943) and CAROUSEL (1945). It also marked the third time that the duo worked with Agnes de Mille, and the first time a Broadway musical was directed and choreographed by the same person.

After the immense successes of these two musicals, the Rodgers and Hammerstein wanted to write a more serious drama that dealt with the problems of everyday life. They also felt the pressure to create a work that was as innovative as their first two musicals. ALLEGRO'S sets were abstract and minimalist, the show's large cast included a Greek chorus, and the plot moved away from the traditional love story and focused on one man's story. In fact, it is one of only two Rodgers and Hammerstein shows that have a completely original storyline. The musical chronicles nearly four decades in the life of a man, Joseph Taylor, Jr. - played by John Battles - from cradle through a midlife, personal revelation.  Other cast members included Annamary Dickie and William Ching Joe's parents and Roberta Jonay as Jennie Brinker, Joe’s childhood best friend and love interest.

The Colonial was one of two stops before ALLEGRO made it to Broadway, both of which had some bumps along the way. The creative team had the immense task of creating a brand new show with no sets, yet elaborate technical elements, and a large cast. Despite these early challenges, New York audiences were excited to see another work from Rodgers and Hammerstein following their recent successes, and ALLEGRO opened on Broadway six days after closing in Boston at the Majestic Theatre, where it ran for nine months.