Put money in thy purse and post thy own Thursday headlines

 

Courtesy New York Public Library.

Today the spotlight shines on May 22, 1945, when Othello opened at the New York City Center.

We're in the summer now, so I'm going to have to take liberties with my Notable Opening Nights posts. The 1945 Othello, which ran for 24 performances, was a return engagement of a production that spent the 1943-44 season at the Shubert before having a national tour from 1944-45. Paul Robeson acted in the title role opposite José Ferrer as Iago and Uta Hagen as Desdemona. Uta was married to José at the time and had an affair with Paul. The 1940s production was directed by Margaret Webster, who played Emilia in 1943 and was credited for adapting Shakespeare in 1945.

As of 2015, the 1943-44 Othello holds the record for Shakespeare's longest run on Broadway. Robeson had played the title role before Broadway and would play it again. It's been a long time since I read the play, and I really think I should get reaquainted with it.

Courtesy YouTube.

Uta, Paul, and José, enjoying a softball game.

Courtesy Tumblr.

Also opening on this day:

The Midnight Sons, which opened in 1909 at the now-demolished former Broadway Theatre (the current venue was first named the Broadway in 1930). Featuring a score by Raymond Hubbell including the hit song "I've Got Rings On My Fingers," the show concerned a senator's four sons and their job hunting.

Next week, if you ask me, I can write a book.