New Play in Manhattan

Joy to the World (by Allan Scott; produced by John Houseman & William R. Katzell) is a typical play about Hollywood in proclaiming that the movie capital does not make sense; it is topical in protesting that Hollywood must not have censorship.

The play tells of Alexander Soren (Alfred Drake), a brilliant, self-admiring vice president in charge of production who unintentionally speaks up for the freedom of the screen--and is quickly made to feel the serfdom of its employees. Ordered by the big boss to recant, Soren is egged on by his best girl (Marsha Hunt) to rebel. About 15 minutes before the final curtain, he finds himself both jobless and blacklisted. But Hollywood itself could not find shabbier ways, in those 15 minutes, of arranging a happy ending.

In many respects, Joy to the World, is a much better imitation of Hollywood than an indictment. It digs just as deep into the trash basket, and just as often; and while urging Hollywood not to be cowardly, at no time does it make Broadway seem brave. But the show is very well produced. Alfred Drake makes an excellent Soren, and in her first Broadway role, Hollywood's Marsha Hunt looks and proves delightful. Playwright Scott gets in some funny cracks and lively scuffles, and knows what Hollywood is like; but every time his findings bump up against his formula, the findings take a beating. In the end, it's the formula that takes a beating.

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