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Anyone Can Whistle 1964

Opened: April 4, 1964

Anyone Can Whistle - 1964 Broadway History , Info & More

Majestic Theatre (Broadway)
245 West 44th St. New York, NY

A legendary cult show, this wacky, intelligent, highly unconventional musical satire points ahead to Stephen Sondheim's groundbreaking work in the 1970s even as it keeps a foot firmly rooted in the musical theatre's "golden age."brbrAn absurdist fantasy by Arthur Laurents and Stephen Sondheim (two of the authors of "West Side Story" and "Gypsy") "Anyone Can Whistle" tells the story of a corrupt mayoress who fakes a miracle to revitalize her bankrupt town (through the resulting pilgrim trade) and the ill-fated romance between the rational nurse out to expose the fraud and the easy-going doctor determined to enjoy the chaos it brings. In the end, the show delivers a poignant message about the importance of the individual in a conformist society-but not before aiming its still-relevant barbs at government, religion, science and anything else that stands in its way!brbrWith its circus-like atmosphere, "Anyone Can Whistle" features plenty of memorable, lovably cartoonish roles of all sizes. The dazzling, melodic Broadway-style score overflows with the youthful energy of experimentation, consisting of one showstopper after another, including two extensive ballets which provide opportunities for some inspired choreography.


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Games, Books, and Collectables Belonging to Stephen Sondheim Will Be Auctioned in June
by Nicole Rosky - May 23, 2024


Memorabilia includes his gold record for West Side Story, custom-embroidered asylum coat from Sweeney Todd and more, including antiques of the Victorian and Edwardian as well as early puzzles, games, rebuses, coin-operated machines and more.

Stephen Sondheim's Connecticut Home Sells for $3.25 Million
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 15, 2024


The home of late Broadway icon Stephen Sondheim, which BroadwayWorld previously reported was for sale, has sold for $3.25 million. Learn more!

Over 200 Lots of Stephen Sondheim Memorabilia to be Auctioned Off in June
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 11, 2024


 Doyle will be auctioning the Collection of Stephen Sondheim on Tuesday, June 18, 2024 at 10am. Learn more about the auction and about Stephen Sondheim.

Bernadette Peters & Lea Salonga Will Lead STEPHEN SONDHEIM'S OLD FRIENDS in LA and on Broadway
by Joshua Wright - Apr 8, 2024


Center Theatre Group (CTG) announced the North American premiere of Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends, starring Bernadette Peters and Lea Salonga, and directed by Sir Matthew Bourne, playing at the Ahmanson Theatre from February 8—March 9, 2025. 

Wake Up With BroadwayWorld March 22, 2024
by - Mar 22, 2024


Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is March 22, 2024 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.

Stephen Sondheim's Manhattan Townhouse Sells To Fan For $7M
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 30, 2023


Stephen Sondheim's Manhattan home has been sold to a Sondheim fan!

Stephen Sondheim's Connecticut Home Now For Sale
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 9, 2023


The Connecticut home of the legendary Stephen Sondheim is now for sale. See details about the home of the late Broadway icon.

Photos/Video: Go Inside Stephen Sondheim's $7M Manhattan Townhouse
by Blair Ingenthron - Jul 11, 2023


Stephen Sondheim's Manhattan home is now for sale. The 7 bedroom, 3 bath townhouse in East Midtown has been listed by Michael J. Franco at Compass for $7M. 

Merle Dandridge, Michael Hayden, Jodi Long & More to Star in A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC at Pasadena Playhouse
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 2, 2023


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Graham Phillips & Krystina Alabado to Star in SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE at Pasadena Playhouse
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 12, 2023


Pasadena Playhouse has announced the cast for Sunday in the Park with George, the first production of the theater’s six-month-long celebration of Stephen Sondheim. See performances dates and how to purchase tickets!

Alexandra Billings & Jane Kaczmarek to be Featured in INTO THE WOODS Presented by Pasadena Playhouse & P.U.S.D.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 6, 2023


In a landmark partnership, Pasadena Playhouse has been collaborating with all of the high schools of Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) over the past 6 months to realize the students’ vision of Into the Woods.

Larry Owens' SONDHEIMIA, Bernadette Peters & More Announced for Pasadena Playhouse's Sondheim Celebration
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 15, 2022


Pasadena Playhouse Producing Artistic Director Danny Feldman announced the latest news for the theater’s upcoming six-month-long celebration of the works and impact of Stephen Sondheim January 26 through June 11, 2023. 

Review: Celebrating Sondheim with The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra at Kleinhans Musical Hall
by Michael Rabice - Oct 24, 2022


What did our critic think of Celebrating Sondheim with The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra at Kleinhans Musical Hall?

TCM to Present 24-Hour Angela Lansbury Tribute in November
by Blair Ingenthron - Oct 15, 2022


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Broadway Theatres to Dim Lights in Memory of Angela Lansbury
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 13, 2022


The Broadway community will honor the memory of Dame Angela Lansbury, the six-time Tony Award-winning actress. Ms. Lansbury passed away on October 11, 2022, at the age of 96.

Broadway Community Reacts to Angela Lansbury's Passing
by HaleyJane Rose - Oct 12, 2022


The Broadway community has shared their grief, praise, and cherished memories of Angela Lansbury in the wake of her passing. Read them here. Read touching tributes and stories from Patti Lupone, Bernadette Peters, Joanna Gleason, Lin Manuel-Miranda, Audra McDonald, and more here.

Wake Up With BWW 10/12: Rest in Peace, Dame Angela Lansbury
by - Oct 12, 2022


Today's top stories: Rest in Peace Angela Lansbury. The iconic Broadway and screen legend was 96 years old. Plus, A Strange Loop has announced its closing date, read the reviews for Guys and Dolls a the Kennedy Center, and more.

Take a Look Back at the Career of Dame Angela Lansbury
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 11, 2022


Dame Angela Lansbury has passed away at age 96. Angela Lansbury's career spanned more than 75 years. She was the winner of five Tony Awards, her Broadway debut was in 1957 in Hotel Paradiso, followed by A Taste of Honey (1960), Anyone Can Whistle (1964), and in Mame (1966), winning her first Tony. Take a look back at Lansbury's career here.

Dame Angela Lansbury Passes Away at 96
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 11, 2022


Dame Angela Lansbury has passed away at 96 Read our complete obituary here. Lansbury made her Broadway debut in 1957 in Hotel Paradiso, followed by A Taste of Honey (1960), Anyone Can Whistle (1964), and in Mame (1966), winning her first Tony. She was the star of 'Murder, She Wrote,' the longest running detective drama series in the history of television.

Angela Lansbury Will Receive Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement
by Team BWW - May 23, 2022


The Tony Awards Administration Committee announced today that legendary actress and five-time Tony Award winner Angela Lansbury will receive the 2022 Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre.

San Francisco Playhouse Announces Cast For FOLLIES Opening June 30
by A.A. Cristi - May 19, 2022


San Francisco Playhouse announced casting for Follies by James Goldman and Stephen Sondheim. The musical will run on the San Francisco Playhouse Mainstage from June 30 through September 10, 2022. Bill English will direct, with music direction by Dave Dobrusky and choreography by Nicole Helfer. This marks the first fully staged professional production of Follies in San Francisco.

Pasadena Playhouse Announces 2022/2023 Season Featuring Six-Month Sondheim Celebration
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 19, 2022


Pasadena Playhouse has announced the 2022/2023 Season featuring a six-month-long celebration of the works and impact of Stephen Sondheim.  The State Theater of California’s Sondheim Celebration will begin in January 2023 and extend into June.  Find out what shows are included and the full schedule.

Natascia Diaz, Ryan Drummond & More to Star in FOLLIES at San Francisco Playhouse
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 18, 2022


San Francisco Playhouse announced casting for Follies by James Goldman and Stephen Sondheim. The musical will run on the San Francisco Playhouse Mainstage from June 30 through September 10, 2022.

Porchlight Announces Cast of CHICAGO SINGS STEPHEN SONDHEIM, May 23
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 14, 2022


Porchlight Music Theatre has announced the current roster of music theatre and cabaret talent performing in this year’s annual Chicago Sings fundraising concert, Chicago Sings Stephen Sondheim, Monday, May 23, at the Museum of Contemporary Art.

VIDEO: Cynthia Erivo, Rachel Zegler, Ben Platt & Leslie Odom Jr. Sing Sondheim For the GRAMMYs In Memoriam
by Michael Major - Apr 4, 2022


Cynthia Erivo, Rachel Zegler, Ben Platt, and Leslie Odom Jr. took to the stage at the 64th Annual GRAMMY Awards to sing the music of Stephen Sondheim for the In Memoriam. The medley performance included 'Not a Day Goes By,' 'Send in the Clowns,' and 'Somewhere.' Watch the complete performance now!

Anyone Can Whistle History

Other Productions of Anyone Can Whistle

1964   Broadway Original Broadway Production
Broadway
1974   Off-Broadway Off-Broadway Revival
Off-Broadway
1980   Off-Off-Broadway Off-Off-Broadway Revival
Off-Off-Broadway
2003   London Fringe London Revival
London Fringe
2003   Regional (US) Los Angeles Revival
Regional (US)
2004   Regional (US) Regional Revival
Regional (US)
2005   Regional (US) Regional Concert
Regional (US)
2005   Regional (US) Regional Concert
Regional (US)

Anyone Can Whistle - 1964 Broadway Awards and Nominations

Note: Award winners will appear on a background
Year Ceremony Category Nominee
1964 Tony Awards Best Choreography Herbert Ross

Videos