The Ballad of the Sad Café (play)
| The Ballad of the Sad Café | |
|---|---|
| Written by | Edward Albee |
| Date premiered | October 28, 1963 |
| Place premiered | Martin Beck Theatre |
| Original language | English |
| Genre | Drama |
| Setting | Somewhere in the south. The Past and Present. |
The Ballad of the Sad Café is a dramatic stage play with music written by American playwright Edward Albee, based on the 1951 novel of the same name written by Carson McCullers.[1] The play premiered on Broadway at the Martin Beck Theatre in 1963. The play follows a woman named Amelia and her tumultuous relationship with her husband. The play was nominated for six Tony Awards including the Tony Award for Best Play.[2]
Production history
The play opened on Broadway at the Martin Beck Theatre on October 30, 1963, and closed on February 14, 1964 running a total of 123 performances. This was Edward Albee's second Broadway play and his follow up to Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1962). [3] The play was directed by Alan Schneider. For her performance, Colleen Dewhurst was nominated for the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play. The play also received nominations for Best Play, Best Producer, Best Featured Actor in a Play (Michael Dunn), and Best Scenic Design. The play includes original music composed by William Flanagan.[4]
In 1977, the play was revived Off-Broadway at the WPA Theatre.[5]
The play is available for licensing through Concord Theatricals.
Original cast and characters
| Character | Broadway (1963) |
|---|---|
| Amelia Evans | Colleen Dewhurst |
| Henry Macy | William Prince |
| Lyman | Michael Dunn |
| Marvin Macy | Lou Antonio |
| The Narrator | Roscoe Lee Browne |
| Emma Hale | Enid Markey |
| Stumpy MacPhail | John C. Becher |
| Mrs. Peterson | Jenny Egan |
| Merlie Ryan | Roberts Blossom |
References
- ^ New York Times Review accessed 04/27/2025
- ^ Edward Albee Society Show Listing accessed 04/27/2025
- ^ Playbill Vault Show Listing accessed 04/27/2025
- ^ Tony Awards 1964 Nominees accessed 04/27/2025
- ^ New York Times 1977 Review accessed 04/27/2025