The Apple Tree (Original Broadway Cast)

The Apple Tree, a 1966 musical composed by Jerry Bock with lyrics by Sheldon Harnick, originated from a desire to create a triptych of one-act musicals adapted from short stories by Mark Twain, Frank R. Stockton, and Jules Feiffer. The show was conceived as a showcase for a versatile lead performer, centered heavily on the talents of Barbara Harris, who earned a Tony Award for her performance as three different protagonists. The music reflects the lighthearted and satirical nature of the source material, blending traditional Broadway styles with the idiosyncratic humor characteristic of the writers who previously collaborated on Fiddler on the Roof.

This 1992 release by Sony Broadway was part of a broader initiative to preserve and reissue classic cast recordings that had fallen out of circulation. The production featured Alan Alda, Larry Blyden, and Barbara Harris, whose performances were noted at the time for their impressive range and comedic timing. While the original production saw a respectable run of over 400 performances, the cast recording has served as the primary method for later generations to appreciate the intricate structure and witty songwriting that defined this experimental approach to musical theatre.