If you look at the credits for Robert and Elizabeth you will see a tiny one "from an original idea by Fred G. Moritt," a NY judge, who had written an unproduced musical based on the famous play. He had the rights so hence the credit - he lost a suit to get it in bigger type. He had the ability to and did prevent the show from coming to the US. That is part of the story. Moritt also had written some other unproduced musicals. He collected 'investments' in his musical based on the movie The Love Lottery from those with court business. He was charged, convicted, appealed to the Supreme Court which did not take his case but he finally got himself off. (he should have stuck with law)
In the NY Times article (see below) they quote one his lyrics. This is sung by an "Arabian Dancer"about his unrequited love.
"Allah knows the Moslem maid on whom I'm stuck!
0, Allah, Allah, please listen to my call!
She's just driving me (Oy!)
Up the Wailing Wall."
https://www.nytimes.com/1974/04/14/archives/songwriting-judge-under-nadjari-inquiry-earlier-effort-method-of.html
You cannot make these things up. |
