THE HAPPY TIME

Broadway opening: January 27th, 1968 - Run: 286 performances

Directed by Gower Champion - Book by N. Richard Nash - Based on the Novel by Robert Fontaine and in the Play by Samuel Taylor - Choreography by Gower Champion - Orchestrations by Don Walker

Cast: Robert Goulet (Jacques Bonnard), Mike Rupert (Bibi), David Wayne (Grandpère Bonnard), Julie Gregg (Laurie), George S. Irving

The plot: Jacques Bonnard is a prize-winning photographer who returns to his hometown, St. Pierre, for a visit. Once there he takes his nephew Bibi under his wing, but the rest of the family don’t like his influence over the boy, who wants to leave town with him. Meanwhile he meets an old flame, Laurie, with whom he is still in love, but they both know they aren’t made for each other. In the meantime it’s his father, Grandpére Bonnard, who’s able to convince him of what is best for Bibi.  

           

Tracks: The Happy Time - He's back - Catch My Garter - Tomorrow Morning - Please Stay - I Don't Remember You / St. Pierre - Without Me - (Walking) Among My Yesterdays - The Life of the Party - Seeing Things - A Certain Girl - Finale

Awards: Tonys for Best Actor (Robert Goulet), Director and Choreography. Theatre World Award for Julie Gregg and Mike Rupert

Awards Nominations: Tonys for Best Musical, Score, Actor (David Wayne), Featured Actor (Mike Rupert), Featured Actress (Julie Gregg), Scenic and Costume Design

Photos by Martha Swope / New York Public Library