A Moon for the Misbegotten on the American Stage: A History of the Major Productions

by Laura Shea

Overview

A Moon for the Misbegotten is one of Eugene O'Neill's most frequently revived works, and major American revivals of the play have been instrumental in securing its esteemed position in theater history. While the play's landmark production in 1973 is largely regarded as the moment when it finally achieved greatness, its 60-year production history also includes several regional productions and Broadway revivals.

This work provides a production history of A Moon for the Misbegotten in the United States, from the play's original Theatre Guild production in 1947 to its Broadway revival in 2007. Throughout the study, the author provides the inside story on the play's often rocky transition from the page to the stage, including detailed looks at initial casting difficulties and several controversies over censorship.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780786435630
Publisher:	McFarland & Company, Incorporated Publishers
Publication date:	03/14/2008
Pages:	190
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.38(d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Laura Shea is a professor of English at Iona College in New Rochelle, New York. Her essays and reviews on topics in theater and drama have appeared in The Eugene O’Neill Review, Theatre Journal and American Theater Web, among other publications. She lives in New York.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements     
Preface     
Introduction     
The Plot     

1. The Original Production, 1947     
2. New York Premiere and Broadway Debut, 1957, and Off Broadway Debut, 1968     
3. Broadway Revivals, 1973 and 1984     
4. Broadway Revival, 2000, and Regional Productions     
5. Broadway Revival, 2007     

Conclusion: “What’s past is prologue.”     
Production Chronology     
Works Cited     
Index     

Editorial Reviews

Shea’s admirable study makes clear that [this book] came into its own when directors and actors learned to discover the play’s spirit in performance”—The Eugene O’Neill Review; “much valuable information...a worthwhile volume”—www.talkinbroadway.com.

From the Publisher

"much valuable information...a worthwhile volume"

www.talkinbroadway.com

Shea's admirable study makes clear that [this book] came into its own when directors and actors learned to discover the play's spirit in performance

The Eugene O'Neill Review