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Arlen, Truman Capote, and House of Flowers
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Abstract
In 1954, Arlen collaborated with Truman Capote, a neophyte lyricist but established author, to adapt a Capote short story into the Black-cast musical House of Flowers, set in the French Caribbean. Peter Brook was the director and George Balanchine the original choreographer, who left the show in tryouts. Pearl Bailey starred as the madame of a bordello, and Diahann Carroll made her stage debut. Many dancers who would go on to major careers also appeared in House of Flowers, including Alvin Ailey, Arthur Mitchell, Geoffrey Holder, and Carmen de Lavallade. Beset by problems, including imperious behavior by Bailey and a weak book, House of Flowers closed after five months. But the score, infused with Caribbean musical elements, is regarded as one of Arlen’s greatest achievements for numbers like “A Sleepin’ Bee” and “I Never Has Seen Snow.”
Title: Arlen, Truman Capote, and House of Flowers
Description:
Abstract
In 1954, Arlen collaborated with Truman Capote, a neophyte lyricist but established author, to adapt a Capote short story into the Black-cast musical House of Flowers, set in the French Caribbean.
Peter Brook was the director and George Balanchine the original choreographer, who left the show in tryouts.
Pearl Bailey starred as the madame of a bordello, and Diahann Carroll made her stage debut.
Many dancers who would go on to major careers also appeared in House of Flowers, including Alvin Ailey, Arthur Mitchell, Geoffrey Holder, and Carmen de Lavallade.
Beset by problems, including imperious behavior by Bailey and a weak book, House of Flowers closed after five months.
But the score, infused with Caribbean musical elements, is regarded as one of Arlen’s greatest achievements for numbers like “A Sleepin’ Bee” and “I Never Has Seen Snow.
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