description John Murray Anderson's Almanac Overview
John Murray Anderson's Almanac was a Broadway revue created and staged by theatrical director John Murray Anderson. Opening in 1953, it assembled songs, dance numbers, comic sketches, and topical satire rather than presenting a single continuous narrative. The production belongs to the mid-century American revue tradition and was designed for theater audiences interested in variety entertainment, visual spectacle, and commentary on contemporary culture.
help John Murray Anderson's Almanac FAQ
What kind of show was John Murray Anderson's Almanac?
It was a 1953 Broadway musical revue, not a plot-driven book musical: it combined songs, dances, comic sketches, and topical satire. It opened at the Imperial Theatre on December 10, 1953 [IBDB](https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/john-murray-andersons-almanac-2422).
Who wrote the music and lyrics for John Murray Anderson's Almanac?
Richard Adler and Jerry Ross supplied the main music and lyrics, with additional material by contributors including Harry Belafonte and Cy Coleman. The production also used sketches by Jean Kerr, Sumner Locke-Elliott, Arthur Macrae, Herbert Farjeon, Lauri Wylie, and Billy K. Wells [IBDB](https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/john-murray-andersons-almanac-2422).
Who was in the original Broadway cast?
The opening-night cast included Harry Belafonte, Hermione Gingold, Polly Bergen, Orson Bean, Tina Louise, and Billy DeWolfe, among others. Cyril Ritchard and Elaine Dunn were also listed in the Broadway production [IBDB](https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/john-murray-andersons-almanac-2422).
How long did the 1953 Broadway run last?
The revue closed on June 26, 1954, after 229 performances. Its run therefore belonged to the 1953-54 Broadway season rather than being a one-night concert or short workshop [IBDB](https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/john-murray-andersons-almanac-2422).
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