Show History

History

Inspiration

Tenderloin features a book by George Abbott and Jerome Wediman, music by Jerry Bock and lyrics by Sheldon Harnick.  It is based on the novel of the same name by Samuel Hopkins Adams, which depicts a minister's crusade to "clean up" a slum in New York City, and a seedy reporter who plans to use the movement for his own personal gain.

Productions

After six previews, Tenderloin premiered on Broadway on October 17, 1960.  It played at the 46th Street Theatre, now known as the Richard Rodgers Theatre, and featured direction from bookwriter George Abbott and choreography from Joseph Layton (Once upon a Mattress, The Sound of Music).  The production ran for 216 performances.

In March 2000, Tenderloin returned to New York as a part of the New York City Center's "Encores!" series.  Walter Bobbie (A Grand Night for Singing) directed, while Rob Ashford (Thoroughly Modern Millie, The Wedding Singer) choreographed.  More recently, the musical concluded the "Musicals in Mufti" series celebrating lyricist Sheldon Harnick with a brief stint at the York Theatre Company from March 7-9, 2014.

Cultural Influence

• Musician Bobby Darin covered the song, "Artificial Flowers," which reached #20 on the Billboard charts.

Trivia

• The original Broadway production of Tenderloin was nominated for three Tony Awards in 1961.

• Celebrities who have performed in Tenderloin include: Maurice Evans (Reverend Brock), Ron Husmann (Tommy), David Ogden Stiers (Reverend Brock), Patrick Wilson (Tommy), Sarah Uriatre Berry (Laura), Jennifer Cody, Mark Jacoby, Max von Essen and Katie Rose Clarke.