The Rope Dancers is a dramatic stage play written by American playwright Morton Wishengrad (1913–1963). The play premiered on Broadway at the Cort Theatre in 1957. The play was a critical and commercial success, and transferred to the Henry Miller Theatre beginning January 27, 1958 for an extended run. The play was nominated for the Tony Award for Best Play. The plays tells the story of Margaret and James Hyland, who have a daughter born with six fingers and suffers from Saint Vitus' dance.
Production history The play opened on Broadway at the Cort Theatre on November 20, 1957, and closed on May 3, 1958, running a total of 189 performances. The play was directed by Peter Hall with costumes by Patricia Zipprodt. The play was nominated for six Tony Awards including Best Play, Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play for Siobhán McKenna, Featured Actor in a Play for Theodore Bikel, Featured Actress in a Play for Joan Blondell, Best Scenic Design, and Best Director for Hall.
A television production aired in 1960 with McKenna reprising her role along with Walter Matthau as James Hyland and Audrey Christie as Mrs. Farrow.
Original cast and characters CharacterBroadway (1957)Margaret Hyland Siobhán McKennaJames HylandArt CarneyMrs. Farrow Joan BlondellDr. JacbosonTheodore BikelLizzieBeverly LunsfordLameschnikJoseph JulianThe CopJoseph Boland The Moving ManWilliam EdmundsonClementineBarbara Ellen MyersThe MotherVergel Cook
Awards and nominations Original Broadway production Year Award Category Nominee Result 1958 Tony Award Best Play Best Actress in a Play Siobhan McKenna Best Featured Actor in a Play Theodore Bikel Best Featured Actress in a Play Joan Blondell Best Director Peter Hall Best Scenic Design Boris Aronson
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