Gershwin, George. (1898–1937) & Astaire, Fred. (1899–1987) & Astaire, Adele. (1896–1981)

"Smarty" ("Funny Face") - 1927 Tryout Program

1927 playbill from the October 10 tryout of the musical Smarty, later titled Funny Face, at the Shubert Theatre in Philadelphia. The cast included Fred Astaire, Adele Astaire, William Kent, Stanley Ridges, Betty Compton, and Gertrude McDonald, with music by George Gershwin, lyrics by Ira Gershwin and book by Fred Thompson and Robert Benchley (replaced in NYC by Paul Gerard Smith). After this performance, rewrites were made in the other two tryout cities and the title was changed to Funny Face, with the show opening under that name on November 11, 1927. Songs included in this program but cut before the opening in New York include "Aviator," "When You're Single," "Those Eyes," "The World Is Mine," "How Long Has This Been Going On?", and "Finest Of The Finest." Also contained in the Playbill is a program for My Maryland on October 10, 1927 at Chestnut Street Opera House, Philadelphia, PA. 28 pp. In very fine condition. 5.25 x 7.75 inches (13.5 x 19.7 cm). (17196)

Program, unsigned Theater Song