Emerson Colonial Theatre Official Blog

Fade Out, Fade In

From April 29 - May 16, 1964, the pre-Broadway production of FADE OUT, FADE IN played the Colonial Theatre. Starring Carol Burnett, Jack Cassidy, and Tina Louise, FADE OUT, FADE IN tells the story of a movie theatre usher who becomes an accidental film star in Depression-era Hollywood. With Book and lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green, music by Jule Styne, and direction by George Abbott, the show spoofs some of the greatest film stars of the era, such as Shirley Temple and Bill "Bojangles" Robinson. 

The musical opened on Broadway on May 26, 1964 at the Mark Hellinger Theatre. Buoyed by excellent reviews, FADE OUT, FADE IN out-grossed other hits like Hello Dolly! and Funny Girl. 

Carol Burnett would return to the Colonial over 30 years later in the pre-Broadway production of Moon Over Buffalo. Read more about that production here! 

Photo 1: Fade Out, Fade In Playbill
Photo 2: Carol Burnett. Credit: NYPL
Photo 3: Carol Burnett. Credit: NYPL
Photo 4: Jack Cassidy and Tina Louse. Credit: Playbill