Shinbone Alley, the musical adaptation of Don Marquis’ archy and mehitabel stories, opened at the Broadway Theatre April 13, 1957, starring noted singer and actor Eartha Kitt. Featuring a book by Mel Brooks and Joe Darion, lyrics by Darion, and music by George Kleinsinger, the production played a six-week run before closing on May 25.
Shinbone Alley tells the story of a cockroach’s misadventures, particularly his love for a self-involved alley cat who has a series of unfortunate romances with other cats.
Flip through photos of the production below:
Production Photos: Life Sucks Off-Broadway
Following Shinbone Alley, Kitt would continue her Broadway career with celebrated turns in Timbuktu! in 1978 and The Wild Party in 2000, as well as thrive as a film actor, cabaret performer, and recording artist.
