NY: Random House, 1958. First printing (stated). 143pp. Gray textured paper boards stamped in black and gilt on spine and front board; black-and-white photo illustration mounted on front board; pink topstain. Mild bumping to top corners; toning to textblock fore-edge; a couple of spots of interior soiling. Unclipped ("$2.95") jacket faded to spine, with damp-soiling and some mild moisture-rippling to rear panel. Very good in like jacket.
First book edition of the script for the beloved American musical play, a modern take on William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, featuring lyrics by Stephen Sondheim (in his Broadway debut), music by Leonard Bernstein, and direction and choreography by Jerome Robbins. The musical was nominated for six Tony awards in 1958, winning for Best Scenic Design and Best Choreography, and formed the basis for film adaptations of 1961 (co-directed by Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins) and 2021 (directed by Steven Spielberg). The jacket and front board reproduce an image used for the poster and program of the original 1957 Broadway production, featuring Larry Kert and Carol Lawrence as Tony and Maria, respectively. Four interior pages reproduce additional photographs from that same production. Though reprinted numerous times, first printings are scarce on the market.
