I Do! I Do!

May 16, 1974. Typescript. 4to. Gilt stamped dark blue leatherette, upper cover with "Rock Hudson" stamped in gilt in lower right corner, marbled endpapers. Very good. Approximately 131 pages. Hudson's specially bound personal copy, with numerous holograph notations and corrections in both pencil and ink throughout. This play, which marked Hudson's stage debut, was produced by Joe Hamilton, with musical direction by Al Mello, costumes by Bob Mackie, and co-starred Carol Burnett (who was instrumental in persuading Hudson to join the production). Hudson had never performed on the stage before, and had to sing the opening lyrics of the show. After previews (truncated) in San Bernadino, CA (this typescript lists the telephone number of the San Bernardino Civic Light Opera), the show went east. The American run was a success, and included performances at the Huntington Hartford Theatre in Los Angeles. Hudson later starred in a London version with Juliet Prowse in 1976 (where the critics were not so kind). Provenance: The estate of Rock Hudson, through the late Tom Clark, noted Hollywood publicist who was Hudson's associate and intimate friend for more than twenty years. (Inventory #: 300919)