Can a musical about a morally ambiguous anti-hero truly captivate an audience? Absolutely. Pal Joey, with its groundbreaking portrayal of complex characters and its unflinching look at the darker side of ambition, did just that, forever changing the landscape of American musical theatre.

The original Broadway production of Pal Joey, a Rodgers and Hart classic, premiered on December 25, 1940, at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre. This initial run, featuring a book by John O'Hara adapted from his New Yorker stories, lasted for 374 performances. Staged by George Abbott, the show wasn't just another musical; it was a landmark. It marked a pivotal moment in American theatre history, pushing the boundaries of the genre and elevating it into a respected art form. The narrative, centered around Joey Evans, an unrepentant cad navigating the Chicago nightlife scene, resonated with audiences in a way few musicals had before. Van Johnson and Stanley Donen were also among the talented cast members.

Category	Information
Title	Pal Joey
Genre	Musical, Comedy
Composers	Richard Rodgers, Lorenz Hart
Librettist	John O'Hara
Original Broadway Run	December 25, 1940 November 29, 1941
Original Broadway Theatre	Ethel Barrymore Theatre
Original Run Performances	374
Notable Revivals	1952, 1963, 1976, 1995, 2008
Original Joey Evans	Gene Kelly
Original Vera Simpson	Vivienne Segal
Key Songs	"Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered," "I Could Write a Book," "Zip"
Website	Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization

Despite its initial success, Pal Joey was considered ahead of its time. While a few recognized the brilliance of the score, particularly "Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered," the musical didn't immediately achieve widespread acclaim. Its subversive themes and morally complex characters challenged the conventional tropes of the era. As Robert Feldberg noted in The Record, "On the evidence of this production, it's more impressive in legend than in reality." The musical's time would come, however, and "Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered" played a significant role in its resurgence.

The first Broadway revival of Pal Joey, lauded by The New York Times theatre critic Brooks Atkinson as "an augury of a happy new year," opened at the Broadhurst. This production ran for 540 performances, surpassing the original run by nearly 200. The enduring appeal of the musical was evident, solidifying its place in the canon of American theatre.

A studio recording of Pal Joey was made in 1950, with Lehman Engel conducting the orchestra and chorus. Vivienne Segal reprised her original Broadway role, and dancer Harold Lang recorded the part of Joey. This recording helped to preserve the score and introduced it to a wider audience.

The 1952 Broadway revival further cemented Pal Joey's legacy, leading to national tours and increased recognition. This production helped to popularize the show and its iconic songs, including the aforementioned "Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered." The impact of this revival cannot be overstated. It brought the musical to a new generation and ensured its continued relevance.

Several other revivals followed, including a production at the New York City Center in 1995 and another at the Circle in the Square in June of 1976. The latter, however, was considered a mediocre revival and starred film star Eleanor Parker and ballet dancer Edward Villella, though both left during previews. A more recent reimagining of Pal Joey finally landed on Broadway on December 18, 2008, at the Roundabout Theatres Studio 54. Directed by Joe Mantello and choreographed by Graciela Daniele, this production starred Stockard Channing, Martha Plimpton, and Matthew Risch (who replaced Christian Hoff during previews).

New York City Center has consistently shown an interest in revisiting Pal Joey, with a recent reimagined revival opening on November 1 with a gala performance at the Manhattan venue. The reviews for this latest iteration are eagerly anticipated. The revamped Pal Joey at New York City Center represents the latest in a series of rewrites and revivals, demonstrating the musicals enduring capacity for reinvention.

Pal Joey is more than just a musical; it's a reflection of American society. Its a story of ambition, desire, and the compromises people make to achieve their goals. The innovative narrative, combined with the unforgettable score by Rodgers and Hart, has made Pal Joey a favorite among theatre enthusiasts. The musicals honest and dark portrayal of complex characters from Chicagos nightlife scene was truly groundbreaking.

Pal Joey (original, musical, comedy, broadway) originally opened in new york city dec 25, 1940 and played through nov 29, 1941. Pal Joey (revival, musical, comedy, broadway) opened in new york city jun 27, 1976 and played through aug 29, 1976.

For those seeking a deeper understanding of this seminal work, resources abound. A detailed history of Pal Joey can be found in the "Breaking Character" article, which explores the musical's bewitching journey through the years. Click here to buy pal joey tickets today to experience this piece of theatre.

The location, 131 West 55th Street, New York, NY; and 54th st, new york, ny; are familiar addresses to those who have followed the various productions of Pal Joey over the decades.

Roundabout Theatre Company's new Broadway production of Pal Joey, featuring music by Richard Rodgers and lyrics by Lorenz Hart, offered a fresh perspective on this classic musical. This particular production featured a new book by Richard Greenberg, further demonstrating the shows adaptability and ongoing relevance.