The Time of the Cuckoo Play by Arthur Laurents | Plot & Broadway History
The Time of the Cuckoo
A Bittersweet Venetian Romance by Arthur Laurents
Memorabilia Available Here
The Story: A Season of Love
Set in the sun-drenched garden of a Venetian pensione, The Time of the Cuckoo follows Leona Samish, a single American executive secretary who has saved her money for a “once-in-a-lifetime” European vacation. Leona is looking for more than just sightseeing; she is looking for the magical, movie-style romance she believes everyone else is finding.
When she meets Renato Di Rossi, a handsome and middle-aged shopkeeper, she believes her dream has come true. However, the romance hits a wall of cultural reality when Leona discovers Renato is married with children. In a poignant clash between American idealism and Italian pragmatism, Leona must decide if a “temporary” love is better than no love at all.
“The cuckoo is a summer visitant to the whole of Europe. It proclaims its arrival by a cry, heralding the season of love.”
Broadway Legend
The original 1952 production was a triumph for Shirley Booth, who won the Tony Award for Best Actress. The play ran for 263 performances at the Empire Theatre before the historic venue was tragically demolished shortly after the closing night.
Artistic Legacy
- Playwright: Arthur Laurents
- Director: Harold Clurman
- Film Adapt: Summertime (1955)
- Musical Adapt: Do I Hear a Waltz?
Original Broadway Cast (1952)
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| Shirley Booth | Leona Samish |
| Dino DiLuca | Renato Di Rossi |
| Lydia St. Clair | Signora Fiora |
| Geraldine Brooks | June Yaeger |
| Donald Murphy | Eddie Yaeger |
Links
Time of the Cuckoo – Memorabilia
Chess the Musical – Memorabilia
Little Shop of Horrors – Memorabilia
Starlight Express – Memorabilia
Dear Evan Hansen – Memorabilia
How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying – Memorabilia
Terrence McNally – Memorabilia
