Shirley Edd, Michael Kidd, John Kriza and Jerome Robbins
Fancy Free is a ballet choreographed by Jerome for Ballet Theatre, the predecessor of American Ballet Theatre. The work is set to a score by Leonard Bernstein, with scenery by Oliver Smith, costumes by Kermit Love and lighting by Ronald Bates. The premiere took place on Tuesday, April 18th, 1944, at the original Metropolitan Opera House in New York City. The sailors were played by Jerome Robbins, Michael Kidd, and John Kriza.
The inspiration for Fancy Free came from Paul Cadmus’ 1934 painting The Fleet’s In!, which is part of the Sailor Trilogy. The character driven dance takes place in New York City, during the second world war. Three Sailors on liberty boisterously arrive at a bar, have a drink, and head outside looking for female companionship.
The Broadway revival of On The Town begin previews September 20 at the Lyric Theatre, 213 West 42nd Street, prior to an official opening October 16.