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yesterday’s stories. today’s topics. From Artistic Director PJ Powers a message

Dear Friends, for many more weeks, had There is perhaps no greater Depression he defied logic also beating a little musical the schedule allowed. model to look at than and dreamed big, believing called Gypsy) and being one “Well, children, I’m back LaGuardia, a man who that government had an of only seven musicals ever again…!” Fiorello H. LaGuardia’s worked tirelessly on behalf obligation to the people awarded a Pulitzer Prize story — brought to life with These are the opening of the down-and-out and and that he could restore a for drama. Nearly 50 years and Sheldon words of Fiorello!, and at the the forgotten — immigrants sense of respect and pride later, Fiorello! has yet to be Harnick’s knockout songs first rehearsal they gener- who struggled to build a in the city. A great lover of revived on Broadway. — sprouted amazing joy, ated not only a hearty laugh home for themselves and a the arts and a believer in laughter and discussion in Fiorello, man and musi- from the assembled cast lower class fighting to make inspiring the heart and soul our theater. It made us all cal, share similar traits. and design team but also a an honest living against of a populace, he vowed yearn for his style of politics, They’re surprising, power- feeling of great excitement the greatest of odds as to “provide more music and one that elevates public ful, efficient, gritty, packed and opportunity. well as the Great Depres- more beauty for the people, debate and expects the Artistic Director PJ Powers (left) with fire and passion and, sion. LaGuardia took on a more parks and more light It isn’t often that we get most from elected officials. with director Nick Bowling at the perhaps most significantly, big-city political machine 2007 Joseph Jefferson Citations. and air and all the things the to return to a piece of deserving of far greater As I write this in March, the stained with corruption and Fiorello! received a Citation for framers of the Constitution work. When a show closes, Outstanding Musical and Bowling attention and regard than is headlines are full of politi- brought about sweeping meant when they put in the the ideas, emotion and was honored for his direction. Also given them today. cal resignations, scandals, inspiration that infuse it are reform. And he did it all receiving awards: Doug Peck for phrase, ‘Life, liberty and the litigation and a presidential music direction and Terry Hamilton So it is an honor and a treat normally packed with the while standing 5 feet pursuit of happiness.’” He nomination process with no for supporting actor in a musical. to return to LaGuardia’s costumes and props, never 2 inches tall and with a wanted City to end in sight and getting tes- story. In the inspired hands to be accessed again. It’s funny voice, less-than-glam- be a leader not only in com- tier by the day. So it is with orous looks and the stigma temper, sweat and a flair for merce but also in the health of director Nick Bowling the dramatic. and spirit of its citizens. and music director Doug Peck once again, we have He rushed to When I stepped into “Fiorello, man and musical, are surprising, powerful, gritty, approached this production fires to aid the fire depart- Fiorello’s shoes two years as something fresh and new. efficient, packed with fire and passion and deserving of far ment, publicly smashed slot ago (admittedly, with great Rather than merely going machines confiscated from trepidation) I devoured as greater attention and regard than is given them today.” to the trunk to retrieve the gambling racketeers with a much information as I could costumes, props and heart sledge hammer, read comics about his life and his style of our 2006 show, we have like a great romance you great delight that we turn of a being an outsider in over the radio to children of leadership. I couldn’t get attacked this production have at summer camp that again to “The Little Flower,” every way imaginable. during a newspaper strike, enough, and with each arti- with a renewed sense of ends not because the flame as he was called, a politician was a guest conductor with cle or book my admiration His story is worth trum- purpose, great additions to has died but because the who was often praised for the city orchestra at Carne- grew. Then and now, I don’t peting, and there is much the cast and an appetite for clock has run out. taking democracy from the gie Hall and brandished cuts understand why the musical to learn from his brand of new possibilities. I hope you politicians and restoring it of raw pork on the floor of and the man it portrays are I’ve often felt a sense governing. Fierce in the will share our enthusiasm to the people. the U.S. Congress in impas- so underappreciated. For of frustration and loss pursuit of his goals and and appreciation for this sioned speeches about the some inexplicable reason, watching a show slip away LaGuardia’s story is a fitting often characterized as a great American musical and escalating cost of meat. This Fiorello! never joined the too soon, and that was cap to our 2007-08 season, royal (albeit likable) pain in the great American whom was a man who once said ranks of the oft-revived, definitely the case with our a year in which we looked the ass, he once barked at he “would rather be right it honors. 2006 production of Fiorello!. at the role of the average one of his staff, “If you were household-name “great than regular.” He more than American musicals,” despite Best wishes, It was the fastest-selling citizen and how the “little any dumber, I’d make you a fulfilled that proclamation! show in TimeLine’s history guy” responds to extraordi- commissioner.” He led with tieing The Sound of Music and could have continued nary circumstances. passion, charisma, a volatile While governing during for the Tony Award for the darkest days of the Best Musical in 1960 (and About Fiorello! Weidman, Abbott, Bock & Harnick the history the creators TIMELINE: The life and times of Fiorello H. LaGuardia iorello! is a classic Fiorello! opened on Broad- erome Weidman, born Bock was born in 1928 in FBroadway musical way November 23, 1959, Jin 1913 in New York City, New Haven, Conn. He 1882 Fiorello Enrico (“Enrico” with heartbreaking ballads at the Broadhurst Theatre made his debut as a novelist began his career composing later Americanized to “Henry”) (“When Did I Fall in Love”), with Tom Bosley in the title at 22 with I Can Get It for and contributing songs to LaGuardia is born in New York City on December 11. rousing chorus numbers role. It received seven Tony You Wholesale. He went on musical revues and shows in (“Politics and Poker”) and Award nominations and to publish more than 30 New York. Harnick, born in 1885 When he is 3, his family moves to North Dakota, then melodic showstoppers won three: Best Featured novels and volumes of short Chicago in 1924, started out to upstate New York. The family (“Little Tin Box”) that tell Actor — Tom Bosley, Best stories, among them The writing lyrics and complete finally settles in Arizona for the story of an honest man’s Direction — Enemy Camp, The Sound of songs for others’ Broad- many of LaGuardia’s formative struggle against corruption and Best Musical (tieing Bow Bells and The Fourth way-bound musicals before years. in big-city politics. At a time with The Sound of Music). Street East. He made his teaming with Bock. They 1900 LaGuardia joins the when New York City was Fiorello! also has the distinc- debut in the theater with remained writing partners American Consular Service, awash in vice and corrup- tion of being one of only Fiorello!, co-authored with for nine other shows, includ- serving first in Budapest tion with the seven musicals to have won George Abbott, Jerry Bock ing (1960) and (Hungary), then Trieste (Italy), and Fiume (Italy) where he political machine, Fiorello the . and . He (1966). Their establishes a humane, orga- H. LaGuardia put a bright, After an impressive 795 teamed with them again most famous work is Fiddler nized system to deal with the new shine on the city and performances, the original on the musical Tenderloin on the Roof (1964), which growing number of emigrants to became one of the most production closed October (1960) and continued to won nine Tony Awards and America. enduring figures of the 28, 1961. write novels and books into has been revived on Broad- 1904 LaGuardia’s father dies 20th Century. the 1980s. He died at the way twice. It was made into from complications after eating age of 85 in 1998. a Hollywood film in 1971, rotten beef sold to the Army by crooked contractors. This is the starring Topol and directed George Abbott, born in main event that motivates him by Norman Jewison. Bock Special Events and Resources 1887 in Forestville, N.Y., to fight against corrupt bureau- and Harnick ended their crats and politicians who prey studied playwriting at Har- professional relationship on defenseless citizens. the conversation vard before appearing as an after The Rothschilds (1970), 1906 LaGuardia decides to sail actor on Broadway in 1913 which told the story of the back to New York City, become We hope you will join us for these special events during the run of Fiorello!: in The Misleading Lady. He Rothschild banking dynasty. a lawyer and enter public Sunday Scholars Series Post-Show Discussions shape the artistic vision became a highly regarded service. director for Broadway and Bock retired but Harnick On Sunday, May 4, Time- Stay after performances on and choose the program- 1907 While studying the law Hollywood, working on such went on to collaborate with Line will host our Sunday Thursdays, April 24, May ming. On Sunday, May 18, at New York University in the shows and films asOn the many other composers, evening, LaGuardia is appointed Scholars Series, a one-hour 1 and 8 and Sundays, April join them after the show Town, The Pajama Game, A writing lyrics for adapta- as an interpreter at Ellis Island. panel discussion featuring 27 and May 11 for free post- for an informal discussion Funny Thing Happened on tions of Pinnochio (1973), A 1910 LaGuardia sets up shop experts talking about the show discussions moder- about how the Company the Way to the Forum and Christmas Carol (1981) and as a lawyer, aiming to serve the themes and issues of the ated by a TimeLine Com- works and the process that Damn Yankees. He was 107 A Wonderful Life (1986). He underprivileged. He quickly play, moderated by Time- pany member and featuring brought Fiorello! back to when he died in 1995. also provided English-lan- becomes noted for treating law Line Board member Peter the production dramaturg TimeLine’s stage. as a service, not a business, and guage librettos for numer- H. Kuntz. Tickets are $10; and members of the cast. Jerry Bock and Sheldon often lowers or waives his fee. Other Resources ous classical as well as origi- $5 for TimeLine subscrib- Harnick first collaborated in 1912 He represents the work- Company Member Don’t miss our historical nal operas. In April 2006 ers; call the Box Office to 1958 on ers in a shirtwaist factory strike Discussion lobby displays, study guide he was honored by North- order tickets and visit our but had their first real suc- and helps them settle for a The heart of TimeLine is its and more, available at western University, his alma shorter work week and better Web site at timelinethe- cess with Fiorello! in 1959. Company members, who timelinetheatre.com. mater, and inducted into its wages. Through this, he gets his atre.com to learn more. Waa-Mu Hall of Fame. first taste of leading the people. Immigration and New York City the context 1914 LaGuardia joins Weil, LaGuardia & Espen, a larger firm dedicated to his ideas of helping workers, poor immigrants and uring the 19th century ingly different, brought the housewives. He is assigned a Dmillions of Europeans same values as earlier ones. secretary, Marie Fisher. were suffering from eco- Statistically, they did not 1914 He runs for Congress in nomic depressions, fam- commit more crime or con- the 14th District of New York ines, dramatic population tribute any more to national City. After a hard-fought cam- increases and the Industrial misfortunes than had previ- paign, he loses to the robust Revolution, while the United ous immigrant generations. Tammany Hall machine but States had entered a period pledges to run again in 1916. Fiorello! transports us into of incredible prosperity. 1914 In an attempt to keep La- the midst of this conflict. These Europeans began to Guardia in check, the New York Set in New York City from Republicans appoint him deputy envision America as a land 1916 to 1933, it takes us attorney general. Rather than of unbounded opportunity. through World War I into satisfy him, this position pushes him even further into his fight From 1865 to 1890, about 10 the economically and against political corruption. million immigrants settled socially Roaring ’20s and on 1915 LaGuardia’s mother in America, primarily from into the Depression. The comes to New York to live with England, Ireland, Germany New York City in 1939. city was beginning to grow him; she dies six months later. and Scandinavia. A second into the booming metropo- That same year he meets Thea wave of immigration oc- Anglo-Saxon or Protestant had become a place of high nation’s labor problems. As lis it is today. Almerigotti, a young woman liv- curred from 1890 to 1914, backgrounds and were unemployment, growing a result, relations became ing in New York who was born Immigrants had faced bringing about 15 million more easily assimilated into labor unrest and political openly hostile, with many in Trieste, like his mother. They unsatisfactory conditions begin dating. immigrants; they predomi- American society. Later corruption. Americans becoming immigrants, however, were anti-immigrant, fearing in their home countries and 1916 LaGuardia is elected to nantly were from Italy and At first manyA mericans not as accepted. Not only the customs, religion and came to America with the the U.S. House of Representa- other eastern and southern believed that immigration were their languages and poverty of these newcom- hope of starting anew. But tives for the 14th Congressional European countries. could provide a necessary District by 357 votes. cultures less like America’s, ers and considering them as they adjusted to dif- pool of workers to staff the Most immigrants came with they looked different and less desirable than earlier ferent customs and a new 1917 The U.S. enters World nation’s growing factories War I. LaGuardia enlists in the little money and could not were predominantly Jewish immigrants. language, they found it and so would help boost the Aviation Section of the Signal afford farms or expensive and Catholic. difficult to hold safe, secure economy. Minds began to This notion was further Corps. Serving as a captain and farming equipment, so they jobs; run their businesses; eventually major, he is stationed settled in cities like New The circumstances that change, however, as strikes enhanced in 1907 when or receive public services in Italy and flies missions. He York, Boston, Pittsburgh greeted these later immi- became more common and the U.S. Senate formed a because New York City’s also serves as a diplomat, main- and Chicago. Others settled grants made their life even the labor unions grew larger commission to study the government and court sys- taining and improving U.S./Ital- in urban areas either be- worse. Disease, overcrowd- and more powerful. origins and consequences tem were rife with swindlers ian relations during the war. ing and crime were preva- of immigration. In a series 1918 The war ends and La- cause American agricultural Increasingly, Americans and profiteers looking to practices were so different lent in the urban areas. Plus, of reports, the commission take advantage of them. Guardia returns home. He runs blamed immigrants for the for reelection in the House of from what they were accus- turn-of-the-century America placed the blame for the The city needed a positive Representatives on a Republi- tomed to or their ancestors nation’s problems on these change. It needed a leader can/Democratic Fusion ticket, already had established new immigrants and recom- formed as an attempt to beat “The next young girl went and they asked for the people, someone cultural, religious and edu- mended harsher immigra- the rising Socialist Party candi- who was willing to fight in- cational institutions there. her, ‘How do you wash stairs, from the tion laws. dates. He wins in a landslide. top or from the bottom?’ She says, ‘I don’t justice and political corrup- The immigrants who ar- In reality, this perceived dif- tion at every level. Fiorello rived before 1890, with the come to America to wash stairs.’” ference did not exist. Newer H. LaGuardia was poised to exception of the Irish, had — Pauline Notkoff, a Polish Jewish immigrant; 1917 immigrants, although seem- meet that challenge. Fiorello, Tammany, Thea and Marie the players 1919 LaGuardia runs for Presi- dent of the Board of Alderman of New York City. He wins, but finds it to be a largely ceremo- iorello H. LaGuardia during The Depression. per-delivery strike in 1945. blonde hair — they fell nial position with no real power. Fdevoted his life to His massive public-works Because of public demand, instantly in love. They had After he becomes mayor in 1933 public service. Standing just programs employed thou- he continued broadcasting a lengthy courtship, not he abolishes the Board of Alder- over 5 feet tall, but possess- sands of unemployed New these readings after the marrying until 1919. It is man, considering it wasteful of ing a larger-than-life person- Yorkers, and his constant strike was resolved. said that she understood the taxpayer’s money. ality, he is best known for lobbying for federal govern- nothing could come before 1919 LaGuardia marries Thea Tammany Hall was the being mayor of New York ment funds under President LaGuardia’s goals and the Almerigotti. Executive Committee City from 1934 to 1945. He Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s political work he set himself 1920 Their daughter, Fioretta, of the New York County also served as U.S. consul in New Deal allowed the city to do. After giving birth is born, unhealthy. Thea be- Democratic Committee that Europe, as a U.S. congress- to establish a firm foun- in 1920, she contracted comes very sick from complica- existed from 1789 through tions during the birth. Both are man, a major in World War I, dation for its economic tuberculosis and she and the 1960s. It exerted its diagnosed with tuberculosis. and director general of the infrastructure. their daughter, Fioretta most powerful 1921 LaGuardia, unwilling to United Nations Relief and (who also contracted the LaGuardia is perhaps best over New York City politics heed the Republican politi- Rehabilitation Administra- disease), died the next year. remembered for reading from about 1850 until the cal bosses, loses the mayoral tion. As mayor, LaGuardia LaGuardia was heartbroken primary. His daughter dies in the Sunday comics over 1930s. Named for a Na- restored the economic and took a brief hiatus from May, his wife in November. the radio, which he started tive American chief of the lifeblood of New York City politics. LaGuardia spends the month of doing during the newspa- Lenape tribe, which lived in December in Cuba attempting the area in Colonial times, Marie Fisher started out to adjust to his loss. Marie (Fisher) LaGuardia at the “Tammany” soon became in 1914 at the age of 18 as After taking some time Thea Almerigotti and Fiorello LaGuardia, 1919. LaGuardia’s summer home in 1922 synonymous with political Northport, Long Island, 1939. secretary for LaGuardia’s off, LaGuardia returns to work corruption. Originally the law firm, Weil, LaGuardia at his new law firm, LaGuardia, Tammany Society, it became & Espen. She remained Sapinsky & Amster. Later that year he is approached to run for known as Tammany Hall Thea Almerigotti met his assistant throughout Congress again, this time in the after a home-base loca- LaGuardia in 1915 while his professional life, until 20th District. He runs and wins. tion was established in the working as a dress designer they married in 1929. Long 1929 LaGuardia marries his 1830s. The practice of ex- in the garment district. She credited as the person who long-time secretary, Marie changing immigrants’ votes was born in Trieste, Italy, knew him best and the only Fisher. He also runs for mayor for benefits and jobs quickly like LaGuardia’s mother, and one who could handle against , the became the organization’s though she and LaGuardia his fluctuating tempera- longtime Tammany incumbent. Despite a hard-fought cam- backbone. In 1930, Judge ment, Marie became the contrasted in looks — he paign, the city is not ready to began the short and dark-haired, she true love and support of elect LaGuardia, and he loses by Tammany Investigations, tall with porcelain skin and Fiorello’s life. 500,000 votes. a series of inquiries that 1932 LaGuardia loses his 20th exposed the corrupt profi- Congressional District seat to teering and manipulation LaGuardia wanted a Democratic Tammany alder- rampant in the organiza- man. Disheartened, LaGuardia tion. This, combined with immediate justice without considers giving up politics. LaGuardia’s defeat of Jimmy 1932 Jimmy Walker is forced Walker in the 1933 mayoral to resign from mayoral office regard to stepping on toes in New York due to Judge election, helped take down Samuel Seabury’s crackdown Tammany’s political control and public perception. on criminal activity committed forever. by Tammany Hall officials and affiliates. A Fight for Justice Sheldon Harnick the conflict the interview 1933 Chosen by anti-Tammany Judge Samuel Seabury to be the Republican mayoral candidate, LaGuardia wins the election, n 1914, while practicing construed by many as self- One of his first acts was Before Fiorello! opened at TimeLine in May 2006, Rich- becoming the 99th mayor of Ilaw, Fiorello H. LaGuar- righteousness and political passing the emergency ard Christiansen (RC), the former chief critic for the New York City. He and Marie dia decided to enter New opportunism, and he was Economy Bill (100 days Chicago Tribune, interviewed Sheldon Harnick (SH), who adopt two children, Jean, 7, and York City politics, which so insistent on immediate later it became law), which wrote the lyrics for the musical, at the Three Arts Club Eric, 6. had been controlled for justice that he often bit balanced the New York City in Chicago. Following are excerpts from that interview. 1941 Under Franklin Delano more than 100 years by the hand that fed him (the budget by consolidating Roosevelt (a long-time admirer), You can listen to the entirety of this extraordinary hour- the corrupt Democrats of Republican party) and came or abolishing overlapping LaGuardia is appointed Direc- long conversation — or read a complete transcript —by tor of the Office of Civilian Tammany Hall. Tired of across as a do-gooder. departments and regulating visiting our Web site: timelinetheatre.com/fiorello2. Defense, in charge of civilian justice taking a back seat the pay of employees. La- Uncompromising in his pur- involvement in World War II to the profits made by Guardia even cut his salary (RC) it’s my great pleasure efforts. suits, LaGuardia wanted im- politicians and their friends, to $22,500 from $40,000. to be able to talk to Sheldon mediate justice without re- 1941 LaGuardia becomes the LaGuardia believed the Harnick, whose Broadway gard to stepping on toes or All through his tenure as first three-term mayor of New people deserved their due career is extraordinary. … In York City. public perception. Though mayor he took measures as American citizens. A self- 1956, he met a fellow young he lost the mayoral election to revitalize the city and 1942 After living much of his described “Lincoln Republi- Broadway striver, Jerry Bock, adult life in an apartment on in 1929, he ran again in its poor, working to make can” — though many believe and they formed an alliance Fifth Avenue, LaGuardia and 1933, pledging to fight even New York the best city in he chose the Republican which is one of the great Marie are convinced to move harder to get his reform the world. Finally, in 1945 into Gracie Mansion on the East party simply because of its alliances in music theater in message to the people. He LaGuardia decided to end River. Though the house is not underdog position in New the United States. Fiorello! won by a landslide and took his service as mayor and not their style (LaGuardia thinks York City politics — he ran was their first huge hit. … New Yorkers will think he’s office in early 1934. seek re-election. He died for a seat in the U.S. House I’m curious, Sheldon, whose gone high-brow and snobby), two years later. of Representatives in 1914. idea was it anyway to do a he and Marie agree that the two-acre grounds will be good He lost. He ran again in musical about Fiorello H. for the children. 1916 and won by a narrow LaGuardia? derful — director, was not a margin. wonderful book writer and 1945 He decides not to run for (SH) Well, it started with a fourth term. what was developing, was After shaking up the House a director, Arthur Penn. developing very slowly. And, 1946 LaGuardia is appointed of Representatives, LaGuar- Arthur had been asked to do director general of the United Griffith andP rince were dia set his sights on the a television documentary Nations Relief and Rehabilita- not happy with what he political territory Tammany about LaGuardia. And as tion Administration. was writing, so they finally had tighter control over he was doing his research … 1947 After a long illness, reached an agreement with — the office of NewY ork he discovered how color- LaGuardia dies on September 2. him where he would retain City mayor. His unrelenting ful LaGuardia was in many the financial interest in principles combined with ways, including his use the property but he would his fierce temper became of language, he began to withdraw as writer. feel that there would be a musical in this. So he took So they went to George it to and his Abbott — Hal Prince shared then-partner Bobby Griffith, an office with George The 2006 cast, led by TimeLine Artistic Director PJ Powers (center), and they agreed. And they Abbott; in fact, Abbott had sings the rousing campaign song let Arthur be the book been Prince’s mentor — and “The Name’s LaGuardia” during the writer. But months went at firstA bbott was not company’s award-winning produc- tion of Fiorello! by, and Arthur, who was a interested. He didn’t think wonderful — and is a won- that a political figure was right for a musical. But Hal reason we don’t think you’re say anything.” And Pete second wife. She was still explained to Abbott, he said, right is that we think what came in, and he said, “Pete, alive, Marie. She lived up “Look, George, there are two this show needs a very I’m gonna have the boys in Riverdale. She had an wonderful love affairs in his haimish, a very warm score play the song for the going- agreement in her contract life. One is he married the and what we know of your away party. It’s called ‘Till that she had to approve beautiful girl of his dreams, stuff is edgy.” So anyway, Tomorrow.’ Tell us what you the show, otherwise they who died not too long after I’m singing the lyric to “Till think.” So we played it and couldn’t go forward with they were married. He was Tomorrow” and I was look- this time I didn’t smile, and it. So while we had written heartbroken. And then, ulti- ing at Hal, and I got to one we finished it andP ete said about six songs, and they mately, he married the loyal of the lacier parts of it and I “Oh, my God, it’s 1917. It’s had most of the book if not Sheldon Harnick (left) talks with Richard Christiansen, April 29, 2006. secretary who had worked made the mistake of smiling. Irving Berlin.” And Hal said, all the book, we had to go for him for years and who So we finished the song “Kid, you’ve got the job.” to Riverdale and Jerry Bock One of the places was away party, and it was a adored him from afar and and Hal said, “Now this is a and I auditioned it. So we a going-away party for song where the soldiers and (RC) you have to admit, they got married, Marie.” So put on, this is not real, this went there, and it was a Fiorello in 1917. Fiorello was the sailors and the members you were a strange choice that intrigued Abbott, the is satire.” And I said, “No, very formal meeting with one of the first members of the fledglingA ir Force for a lyricist. You were a fact that there were two it’s not! No, it’s not! This is Marie LaGuardia. She was of the brand new American insulted one another, and Chicago boy with no real love stories. And he agreed really supposed to be 1917. nervous. We were nervous. Air Force, and he became they didn’t buy that song at New York experience. to do it. It’s that kind of a song.” He Hal began to describe what a pilot. So there was a all. Then there was another said, “No, it’s not.” (SH) Well, that was what the story was and we would And thank goodness he did, going-away party, and song, which I don’t remem- was so interesting to me. do songs. And, before we because our book writer they wanted a song that ber what it was. But we And to my rescue came Hal later told me he and started she said, “You know was . And would sound like an Irving played that, and they didn’t Bobby Griffith, who was Bobby had [a] talk about it. his first wife,T hea. Every- Jerome Weidman was a Berlin song of the period buy that. And I saw my life older than Hal, and he said, They did not want a New body said she was gorgeous. wonderful novelist but for people to dance to. And just going down the drain. “Hal, you don’t remember York lyricist. They were She wasn’t that gorgeous.” inexperienced in the theater. Jerry wanted to work with these songs as well as I do, Then we did “Till Tomorrow,” afraid that somebody from And what Weidman brought me, so he wrote four tunes, I’m from that period. This Anyway, we did about three which was the Irving Berlin New York might make it to it meshed with what and he brought them to me. is, this sounds like…” And songs, and from time to waltz. … It was a lyric that too inside, and they figured George Abbott brought to And he said, “Which one do they had this big argument. time I would look at her and was kind of uncharacteristic somebody from out-of-town it, and together they did a you like?” I listened to them, And I’m listening, think- I saw her face clouding over of me. I always think of it would see LaGuardia in a terrific book. …T hey hired and I said, “I like that one.” ing, “I hope Bobby wins, I and I didn’t know what was as a kind of lace valentine. way that would appeal to Jerry because Jerry had a And he said, “Oh, good, hope Bobby wins.” I didn’t wrong. And suddenly she And my reputation, such as other out-of-towners. So successful credit. … I got that’s my favorite, too.” know what was going to stopped, and she said, “Wait it was, depended on revue that the fact that I was from a call from Hal asking if I happen. And then there a minute, who is this Neil, But, we almost didn’t get material that was kind of Chicago was in my favor. … would write four songs on was a ring at the doorbell. his assistant? There was the job. We went in to edgy. That’s what Griffith speculation — wouldn’t get It was our choreographer, I have to tell you the no Neil in his life. Who was audition our four songs for and Prince knew me for, in paid for them, but it was Pete Gennaro. So Hal said, experience we had ’cuz it Ben Marino, the Republican Griffith andP rince, and the fact. When they offered me an opportunity to see if I “Don’t say anything, don’t was wonderful. We met his Ward Boss — there was first song we did was “The the chance to write these was the right writer for this Strike Song.” They bought four songs on spec, Hal was show. … They said, read the that. They said, “That’s won- very blunt. He said, “We book and you’ll see marked, [Hal Prince] said, “We don’t think you’re derful.” Then we did a song, don’t think you’re right, but there are four places where which was a song of service we think you’re talented. we would like you to try right, but we think you’re talented. So we rivalry. It was supposed to So we want to give you the songs. be performed at the going- chance to try for this. The want to give you a chance to try for this.” BACKSTORY: THE CREDITS no Ben Marino.” And Hal he wanted to tighten also information about the Dramaturgy & said, “Marie, we had to get a scene he didn’t think Judge Seabury investigation. Historical Research permission from you. From advanced the plot, to get to And there was a photograph by Brennan Parks & anybody who was a real a scene that would be the of one of the people who’s Jason Harrington figure, we would have to heart of the second act.] testifying, and the caption get their permission to put Written by Brennan Parks, (SH) there was an inves- of it was “Little Tin Box,” them on stage, if we had Jason Harrington, PJ Pow- tigation of Jimmy Walker’s and it mentioned that this to do that we’d never get ers and Lara Goetsch regime and they discovered man, while he was on the the show done. So Neil is all the corruption in the stand and he was asked Edited by Karen A. Callaway a composite. Ben Marino regime, and when the next where he got all this money and Lara Goetsch is a composite. All these election came along, Walker he put in the bank, he said, people are composites.” Photography and Graphic was voted out and LaGuar- “Well, my wife is very frugal, And then the cloud lifted Design by Lara Goetsch dia was voted in. But there and she has this little tin Sheldon Harnick talks about the song “Little Tin Box,” April 29, 2006. from her face, she said, “Oh, was a scene we wanted box she puts everything in, Fiorello! Cover Photo okay, now I understand. to do about the impend- in the kitchen window, and music that would give me By the way, this I think may by Ryan Robinson Start over.” But she said, ing investigation by Judge she saves from the money the actual chorus, “little interest you. … One of my Backstory is published “First, let’s have a drink or Seabury, and I remembered, and puts in the money, and tin box, little tin box.” So, I classmates at Northwest- four times each season. two.” So we had a couple of when I got the job, one of that’s where it came from.” went to meet Jerry when ern was a comedienne drinks, and then we did the my acquaintances in New the movie broke and he said, who went on to have a Pictured on front cover score, and she was beaming So that phrase stuck with York … said, “Go to some “Hi.” I said, “We wrote a nice career in television, a (from left): Music director throughout the whole thing. me, “little tin box.” And second-hand stores and song tonight.” And he said, woman named Charlotte Doug Peck; lyricist Sheldon And after every third song when we had to write a new see if you can locate a sixth “How was my music?” And I Rae … Around 1948, Char- Harnick, director Nick we have a drink. And when song, I thought, “That’s a volume, history of things of said, “I believe you’ll like it.” lotte had gone to New York Bowling, choreographer we finished she said, “It’s great title for this song.” popular history in America: So we went back to his hotel on the Christmas holiday, Linda Fortunato and Peck; wonderful, and by the way, And I wanted to start writ- the songs, the dances, the room, where he had a piano, and when she came back actor Rebecca Finnegan; Thea was gorgeous.” ing it and Jerry Bock was clothing, the sports, that and I showed him what he to school she gave me, she and actors Michael not available — he had gone [Christiansen and Harnick kind of thing. It’s called ‘Our had done. And he loved it. loaned me an LP. She said, Kingston and PJ Powers. to the movies. I knew where He said, “Okay, let me work “Sheldon, I saw this show in discuss how the show-stop- Times.’ ” … I did find this set Pictured on back cover he went. And I thought, on the rest.” And he called New York, it’s called Finian’s per “Little Tin Box” became of books, and when I was (from left): Lyricist well, I would love to write to me about five in the morn- Rainbow, and you must hear part of the show. While the reading the period that cov- Sheldon Harnick with music, ’cuz the music would ing and I came down and he this.” So I took it home and play was having its out-of- ered the period of our show, choreographer Linda give me the form for the played me the chorus, and I played it, and I thought town runs, Abbott decided about Fiorello, there was Fortunato; actor Maris song. And I remembered I said, “It’s terrific.”S o the the music was wonderful, Hudson; actors Joe Savino, the song about service next day we auditioned it but it was the lyrics — it Dan Loftus, Terry Hamilton, rivalry we’d written [that] for Griffith andP rince and was the lyrics that were so “I went to meet Jerry and he Steve Best, Thomas M. had been rejected. And the our choreographer Pete playful. And yet I thought, Shea and Andy Nagraj; set thing I had liked about this Gennaro and for Abbott along with the playfulness, said ‘Hi.” I said, ‘We wrote a concept model by scenic song is that it had a lot of and they said, “Yeah, This is they are saying something designer Kevin Hagan; song tonight.’ And he said, 16th notes in it; there was good. This is okay.” Which of importance. And for the actor Donica Lynn; and room for a lot of words. was not the response we first timeI thought, “Now actors Andrea Prestinario, ‘How was my music?’ And I I wrote three choruses, were hoping for. But they there’s — if I can do that, Mindy Wetzel and Sara and, but I didn’t — there rehearsed it, and they put that would be a career said, ‘I believe you’ll like it.’” Sevigny. was nothing in the existing it in. … worth following.” Fiorello! the musical

April 17 - June 15, 2008 previews 4/13, 4/15 & 4/16 April 20 0 8 Su M T W Th F Sa book by Andy Nagraj: Ensemble 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 JEROME WEIDMAN PJ Powers: Fiorello 2 0 21 2 2 2 3 24 2 5 2 6 & GEORGE ABBOTT Andrea Prestinario: Thea 2 7 2 8 2 9 3 0 music by JERRY BOCK Joe Savino: Ensemble May 20 0 8 lyrics by Alan Schmuckler: Neil S u M T W T h F S a SHELDON HARNICK Sara Sevigny: 1 2 3 directed by Mrs. Pomerantz/Ensemble 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 NICK BOWLING Thomas M. Shea: Ensemble 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 2 0 21 2 2 2 3 24 music directed by Vance Smith: Floyd DOUG PECK 2 5 2 6 2 7 2 8 2 9 3 0 31 Mindy Wetzel: Ensemble June 20 0 8 The recipient of a 2007 The Production Team S u M T W T h F S a Joseph Jefferson Citation 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 for Outstanding Musical Linda Fortunato: Choreographer 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 returns in this remount 15 of TimeLine’s critically Brandon Magid: acclaimed 2006 production. Assistant Music Director Regular Performance Kevin Hagan: Ahead of its time when it Preview Performance Scenic Designer premiered in 1959 and often Opening featuring post-show called a neglected master- Lindsey Pate: reception Sold Out Costume Designer Post-Show Discussion with piece, Fiorello! is a classic cast & production crew Free Broadway musical about Keith Parham: Sunday Scholars a one-hour Fiorello H. LaGuardia’s his- Lighting Designer post-show panel discussion with experts on the themes and toric struggle to overcome Mike Tutaj: Projections & issues of the play Tickets $10; corruption in the Big Apple. Sound Designer $5 for subscribers Julia Eberhardt: Company Member Discussion The Cast post-show discussion with Time- Props Designer Line’s Company members Free (in alphabetical order) Jason Harrington Steve Best: Ensemble & Brennan Parks: Show times previews SUN 7 pm; TUE /WED 8 pm Rebecca Finnegan: Marie Dramaturgs Wednesdays & Thursdays 7:30 pm Terry Hamilton: Ben Marino John Kearns: fridays 8 pm Maris Hudson: Dora Stage Manager saturdays 4 pm & 8 pm sundays 2 pm Michael Kingston: Morris Seth Vermilyea: Production Manager Dan Loftus: Ensemble RUNNING TIME About 2 hour and 45 minutes, Donica Lynn: including one intermission. Mizzi/Ensemble (773) 281-8463 x24