110 in the Shade 1963 - Articles Page 69

Based on the play The Rainmaker by N. Richard Nash

Adapted by Nash from his classic play "The Rainmaker," "110 in the Shade" tells the story of Lizzie Curry, a love-starved woman living on a rain-starved Texas ranch during the Depression. Lizzie likes to speak her mind, and she's plenty headstrong, but also lonely. Her father and brothers would like to see her hitched and happy, maybe to Sheriff File, who's become a brooding loner since his wife left him. Bursting with charisma, con-man Starbuck swaggers into town, promising rain to the drought-parched town, and a chance of romance for Lizzie.



"110 in the Shade" opened on Broadway 50 years ago on October 24, 1963, at the Broadhurst Theatre. Starring Inga Swenson as Lizzie and Will Geer as H.C. Curry and featuring the choreography of Agnes De Mille, the original production was nominated for four Tony Awards. The Roundabout Theater Company's 2007 revival starred Audra McDonald as Lizzie, Steve Kazee as Starbuck and John Cullum as H.C. Curry; it received five Tony nominations and won two Drama Desk awards for outstanding revival of a musical and for best actress in a musical.