Capote's novel
The Grass Harp was favorably reviewed when it was published, and it attracted the interest of the Broadway producer
Saint Subber, who traveled to
Taormina to urge Capote to write a stage adaption of the work. His offer opened up new possibilities for income at a time when Capote was still struggling financially. Working with intense concentration, Capote managed to complete a draft of the play in a year's time. He was personally involved in the selection of a production team. The adaptation, produced by Subber and directed by
Robert Lewis, opened on March 27, 1952, at Broadway's
Martin Beck Theatre, where it ran for 36 performances. The cast included
Mildred Natwick as Dolly Talbo,
Ruth Nelson as Verena Talbo,
Jonathan Harris as Dr. Morris Ritz,
Sterling Holloway as The Barber,
Gertrude Flynn as The Baker's Wife,
Val Dufour as The Sheriff,
Jane Lawrence as The Choir Mistress,
Lenka Peterson as Maude Riordan, and
Alice Pearce as Miss Baby Love Dallas. Music was by
Virgil Thomson and scenery and costumes were by
Cecil Beaton. ==Reception==