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
Beggar on Horseback opened on February 24, 1924 at the Broadhurst Theatre and ran 224 performances. It was successfully produced in London the following season. A film version with Edward Everett Horton was released in 1925.
Strike Up the Band opened on January 14, 1930 at the Times Square Theater and ran 191 performances. In 1990, the 1927 book was restored, in collaboration with a Nonesuch/Roxbury recording of all the variants of both versions. The 1927 version was staged by ENCORES! at City Center in 2000 and that version is available for performance.
Kaufman's first hit comedy was also his initial collaboration with Marc Connelly. Based on a well-known comic heroine made popular in Frank Pierce Adams' column, Dulcy is an engaging comedy about an incipient business deal among suburban neighbors that nearly falls apart.
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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
