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As the audience arrives, we see the fourposter bed in the center of the stage, with an easy chair and chaise lounge. Two dressing tables are set in front of the proscenium downstage right and left, and we see bits of props and costumes from the show strewn and hung about the dressing table areas. As the music begins and lights come up, we see MICHAEL (HE) and AGNES (SHE) seated at the two tables, their faces illuminated by lighted mirrors, partially dressed and applying makeup, actors preparing for the show and characters preparing for a wedding.
They sing “Dearly Beloved” as they finish their makeup, then Michael begins “I Do! I Do!” as he dresses for the wedding. Agnes joins in and dons her wedding gown and veil. They move forward for the ceremony as a stained glass window appears. They sing “Together Forever” as they stand for the ceremony, and the music accelerates again into “I Do! I Do!” She throws her bouquet into the audience and he carries her into the bedroom, then runs off for the luggage. The song ends with the happy newlyweds falling backward onto the bed.
Based on the Jan de Hartog play The Fourposter, the remainder of the story spans fifty years (from 1895 to 1945) as it explores the highs and lows in the married life of Agnes and Michael Snow by focusing on the trials and tribulations, laughters and sorrows, and hopes and disappointments experienced throughout their marriage. The set consists solely of their bedroom, dominated by the large fourposter bed in the center of the room.
The original Broadway production opened at the 46th Street Theatre on December 5, 1966 with Mary Martin and Robert Preston in the two roles (later replaced by Carol Lawrence and Gordon MacRae). After running 560 performances, the show closed on June 15, 1968.
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