Park Avenue
(1946)
Book by George S. Kaufman and Nunnally Johnson
Music by Arthur Schwartz
Lyrics by Ira Gershwin
An unusual and sophisticated show, written by some of the finest talents of the musical theater, with material far ahead of its time. Park Avenue is a small-scale farce involving the dangers of apparent serial monogamy among New York’s upper classes.
Manuscript only; contact: laurence.maslon@nyu.edu
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The Plot
Set in the Hamptons, Park Avenue involves a series of mistaken identities and misbegotten marriages and love affairs. A brittle musical comedy that was overlooked in the middle of the post-war return to homespun values, the show nevertheless deserves another viewing, especially with such witty songs as “Don’t Be a Woman if You Can,” by Schwartz and Gershwin.
About The Play
An unusual and sophisticated show, written by some of the finest talents of the musical theater, with material far ahead of its time. Park Avenue is a small-scale farce involving the dangers of apparent serial monogamy among New York’s upper classes.
Other Plays in the Catalogue
The original 1922 production of Merton ran for 398 performances, at a time when half that number of performances could make a hit. It has been rarely revived, although a production at Minneapolis' Guthrie Theater in 1974 starred Michael Moriarty and a successful version was performed in Los Angeles' Geffen Theater in 1998, directed by John Rando.
A dramatic epic story of assimilation, patriotism and prejudice in America. Kaufman and Hart’s most serious play, The American Way galvanized audiences at the large Century Theater in Rockefeller Center in the last days of the 1930s; it starred Frederic March as the leading character.
George Washington Slept Here opened at the Lyceum Theater on October 18, 1940. It ran 173 performances, but has never had a Broadway revival.
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Contact Us Today
Interested in bringing George S. Kaufman’s timeless plays to your stage?
Please refer to the contact information for each specific play on the various collection pages for direct amateur and professional licensing information.
Plays are represented by Concord Theatricals, Broadway Dramatic Licensing, and Music Theatre International respectively
If you are interested in first-class performance or film/television rights:
In the US, George S. Kaufman’s plays are represented by:
CPK Artists, LLC
In the UK, George S. Kaufman’s plays are represented by:
Alan Brodie Representation
For more information about George S. Kaufman or this website, contact:
Laurence Maslon
Literary Trustee, George S. Kaufman Estate
