Dear World - Productions and Background

Productions and Background

The musical had a notably troubled preview period that included multiple changes to the script and score. Lucia Victor, Gower Champion's assistant and a director of several revivals, including Hello, Dolly!,was hired as director, but resigned shortly thereafter, due to "artistic differences" with the musical's star, Angela Lansbury, and the authors, according to The New York Times. Peter Glenville was then hired, however, he resigned following negative reviews during tryouts in Boston, Massachusetts. Producer Alexander H. Cohen stated (in an article in The New York Times of November 19, 1968) that "there was no friction between Mr. Glenville and Miss Lansbury, the composer, the authors or the producer... an advance arrangement had been made with Mr. Glenville to direct the show through last week only." The show's final director, Joe Layton, was then hired, also replacing the choreographer Donald Saddler.

The musical opened on Broadway at the Mark Hellinger Theatre on February 6, 1969, and closed on May 31, 1969 after 132 performances and 45 previews. Directed and choreographed by Joe Layton, Scenic Design was by Oliver Smith, Costume Design was by Freddy Wittop and Lighting Design was by Jean Rosenthal.