Rex (musical)

Rex is a musical with music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Sheldon Harnick, and a book by Sherman Yellen. It is a biographical account of the life of King Henry VIII of England, focusing on his struggles to secure a male heir and his tumultuous relationships with his wives, particularly Anne Boleyn.

The musical premiered on Broadway at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre on April 25, 1976, and closed on June 12, 1976, after 49 performances. Despite the pedigree of its creators, Rex was not a success. One of the primary criticisms leveled against it was a perceived lack of energy and a less-than-compelling score from Rodgers, particularly when compared to his earlier, more successful works.

The original Broadway cast included Nicol Williamson as Henry VIII and Penny Fuller as Anne Boleyn. The choreography was by Dania Krupska, and the production was directed by Edwin Sherin.

While Rex has not had major revivals, individual songs from the score occasionally appear in revues and concerts. The original cast recording serves as the primary documentation of the musical.