Three Wishes for Jamie: The Production History of a Broadway Musical
The journey of Three Wishes for Jamie from its initial West Coast staging to the bright lights of Broadway is a classic tale of theatrical refinement and the challenges of critical reception. While it may not have achieved long-term stardom, its production history offers a glimpse into the rigorous process of shaping a musical for the New York stage.
Early Stages and West Coast Tryouts
The musical first appeared in July 1951, staged at the Philharmonic Auditorium in Los Angeles and the Curran Theatre in San Francisco. Produced by Edwin Lester and directed by Albert Lewis, the production featured John Raitt in the role of Jamie and Cecil Kellaway as Owen Travis. However, the initial response from both critics and audiences was not strong enough to justify an immediate move to New York City.
To salvage the production, Abe Burrows stepped in to replace Charles Lederer, the original collaborator of O'Neal. Burrows undertook a significant overhaul of the show, consolidating the original three acts into two and tailoring the role of Jamie specifically to suit John Raitt's strengths. During this restructuring, most of the original West Coast cast members were eliminated.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]The Broadway Debut
Following a series of tryouts in New Haven, Boston, and Philadelphia, the production finally opened at the Mark Hellinger Theatre on March 21, 1952. The opening had been pushed back by two weeks to allow Burrows additional time to improve the musical, which necessitated the added tryout in Philadelphia.
The Broadway run lasted for 92 performances, with the production transferring to the Plymouth Theatre for its final week. Directed by Burrows, the show featured choreography by Herbert Ross, Eugene Loring, and Ted Cappy. The cast was led by John Raitt and Anne Jeffreys (as Maeve), supported by Bert Wheeler, Charlotte Rae, Walter Burke, Malcolm Keen, and Jeff Morrow.
To preserve the performance, an original cast recording was released by Capitol Records.
Key Facts
- Broadway Opening: March 21, 1952, at the Mark Hellinger Theatre.
- Total Broadway Run: 92 performances.
- Key Creative Changes: Abe Burrows reduced the show from three acts to two.
- Lead Actor: John Raitt played the title role of Jamie.
- Cast Recording: Released by Capitol Records.
Production Summary
| Phase | Location/Venue | Key Personnel | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Coast Tryouts | Los Angeles & San Francisco | Edwin Lester, Albert Lewis | Poor critical/audience reaction |
| Broadway Run | Mark Hellinger & Plymouth Theatres | Abe Burrows, John Raitt | 92 performances |
| Modern Revival | Musicals Tonight! (New York) | Staged Concert (2010) | Critical view of convoluted plot |
Later Revivals and Critical Legacy
Decades after its initial run, the musical saw a brief return in October and November 2010, when Musicals Tonight! in New York presented it as a staged concert. This revival provided a retrospective look at the work, though it was not without criticism. A reviewer from Backstage noted that the musical's "convoluted, plot-heavy book" and "generic, second-tier score" explained why the original production folded after only 91 performances (though official records cite 92).
Frequently Asked Questions
Who played the lead role of Jamie?
John Raitt played the role of Jamie in both the West Coast tryouts and the Broadway production.
How did Abe Burrows change the musical for Broadway?
Abe Burrows consolidated the script from three acts into two, tailored the role of Jamie for John Raitt, and replaced most of the West Coast cast.
Where did the Broadway production open?
The production opened on March 21, 1952, at the Mark Hellinger Theatre before moving to the Plymouth Theatre for its final week.
How many performances did the Broadway show run?
The production ran for a total of 92 performances.
Is there a recording of the original show?
Yes, an original cast recording was released by Capitol Records.