Set in Chicago in the late 1930s, “Pal Joey” is the story of Joey Evans, a brash, scheming song and dance man with dreams of owning his own nightclub. Joey abandons his wholesome girlfriend, Linda English, to charm a rich, married older woman, Vera Simpson, in the hope that she’ll set him up in business.

“Pal Joey” originally opened on B’way on Dec 25, 1940 at the Ethel Barrymore under the auspices of George Abbott.  Mr Abbott directed a cast which was led by Gene Kelly & Vivienne Segal.  The 1952 revival starred Harold Lang, Vivienne Segal, Helen Gallagher & Lionel Stander.  A 1976 revival at Circle in the Square featured Christopher Chadman & Dixie Carter.  The film of “Pal Joey,” released in 1957, starred Frank Sinatra, Rita Hayworth & Kim Novak.