Page "West Side Story" Paragraph 4

In 1955, theatrical producer Martin Gabel was working on a stage adaptation of the James M. Cain novel Serenade, about an opera singer who comes to the realization he is homosexual, and he invited Laurents to write the book.

Laurents accepted and suggested Bernstein and Robbins join the creative team.

Robbins felt if the three were going to join forces, they should return to East Side Story, and Bernstein agreed.

Laurents, however, was committed to Gabel, who introduced him to the young composer / lyricist Stephen Sondheim.

Sondheim auditioned by playing the score for Saturday Night, his musical that was scheduled to open in the fall.

Laurents liked the lyrics but was not impressed with the music.

Sondheim did not care for Laurents ' opinion.

Serenade ultimately was shelved.