Book John Patrick Originally published 1971 | Productions 1970 Broadway Playwright John Patrick | |
Music Stan Freeman
Franklin Underwood Lyrics Stan Freeman
Franklin Underwood Basis The Teahouse of the August Moon (novel) – Vern J. Sneider
The Teahouse of the August Moon (play) – John Patrick Lyricists Stan Freeman, Franklin Underwood Composers Stan Freeman, Franklin Underwood Similar The Teahouse of the Au, Billion Dollar Baby, Cry for Us All, Come Summer, How Now - Dow Jones | ||
Lovely Ladies, Kind Gentlemen is a musical with a book by John Patrick and music and lyrics by Stan Freeman and Franklin Underwood.
Based on Patrick's play and screenplay The Teahouse of the August Moon, it focuses on Capt. Fisby who, assigned the task of Americanizing the village of Tobiki on Okinawa following World War II, encourages the residents to build a school. They would prefer a traditional teahouse instead, and when Fisby discovers the potent alcoholic beverage they brew is popular with the American GIs and a big money-maker, he falls in with their plans. Helping him become assimilated to the local mores are local interpreter Sakini and geisha Lotus Blossom.
After three previews, the Broadway production, directed by Lawrence Kasha and choreographed by Marc Breau, opened on December 28, 1970 at the Majestic Theatre, where it ran for only 19 performances. The cast included Kenneth Nelson, David Burns, Ron Husmann, and Eleanor Calbes.
Burns was nominated for the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical, and Freddy Wittop was nominated for Best Costume Design.