First Impressions (musical)

First Impressions was a musical with music and lyrics by George Weissman, and a book by Abe Burrows. It was based on Jane Austen's novel Pride and Prejudice.

Synopsis:

The musical follows the familiar plot of Pride and Prejudice, focusing on the romantic entanglements between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy. Elizabeth initially dislikes Darcy due to his perceived arrogance and snobbery, while Darcy is drawn to Elizabeth's wit and intelligence, despite her family's lower social standing. Through a series of social events, misunderstandings, and revelations, both Elizabeth and Darcy must overcome their initial "first impressions" and societal prejudices to find true love.

Production History:

First Impressions premiered on Broadway at the Alvin Theatre on March 19, 1959, and closed on May 23, 1959, after 84 performances. The production was directed by Abraham Burrows and choreographed by Jonathan Lucas. The original cast included Polly Bergen as Elizabeth Bennet and Hermione Gingold as Mrs. Bennet. Farah Fawcett, then known as Farrah Fawcett, was also in the chorus.

Reception:

The musical received mixed reviews. While the performances of the lead actors, particularly Polly Bergen and Hermione Gingold, were generally praised, the score and book were considered underwhelming by some critics. The show ultimately failed to find a large audience and closed after a relatively short run.

Songs:

Notable songs from the musical include:

• "I Feel Sorry for the Girl"
• "A Gentleman Never Falls in Love"
• "Love Never Will Run Smooth"
• "Let's Go Home"

Legacy:

Despite its short run, First Impressions is remembered as one of the early attempts to adapt Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice for the musical stage. Though not a major success, it paved the way for future adaptations of Austen's work in various media. The original cast recording preserves the score and performances for posterity.