Oscar Hammerstein II, Richard Rodgers

Signed first edition, first printing of Rogers and Hammerstein's Allegro with two autographed letters by Agnes De Mille and Helen Hayes.

• Richard Rodgers (American).
• Oscar Hammerstein II (American).
• New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1948. 
• 157 pages.
• Octavo.
• Price uncut $2.50.
• Spine red with yellow titling.
• Includes two autographed letters signed by Agnes de Mille and by Helen Hayes.

Signed by nearly the entire original cast and Richard Rogers, being 64 total signatures. The signatures are on the first 8 pages, extending from the front pastedown through the title page, plus the half-title and one rear endpaper. Richard Rogers Signature is alone on the title page. There are very few hints as to the recipient of this book, but multiple inscriptions begin "To Ray," one inscription reads "Wishing you a happy future "Professor" Ray", one inscription reads "Here's to future shows together," and one names the recipients as "Ray + Julia Humphries." While we can only postulate, there was a Julia Humphries and a Ray Harrison in the original cast, neither of whom signed this book.

With an Autograph Letter Signed from Agnes de Mille, the director and choreographer, on her letterhead, reading "The performance I saw this afternoon was 100% better than the one I saw last, particularity in all the ___ scene which were thoughtful, restrained, pointed and true. I was very impressed and grateful. A. de Mille". There is no recipient.

With a Typed Letter Signed by Helen Hayes, on her letterhead, dated May 14, 1948, reading "Dear Allegro Cast: On my own behalf and that of Sydenham Hospital, I want to thank you most sincerely for your aid and generosity in connection with the dinner on April 28 given in honor of Richard Rogers and Oscar Hammerstein, II. With Every good wish, I am Cordially Yours, Helen Hayes."