See the girl on the bottom? That is Neva Small. The girl above her is Robin Wilson, and the show was "Henry, Sweet Henry," a musical version of "The World Of Henry Orient." The show was supposed to make Robin a Legend Of The Musical Stage, but those roles went to Alice Playten and Neva. When composer-lyricist Bob Merrill heard her sing, he went crazy over her. I did, too, the first time I heard her sing "I Wonder How It Is," on the cast album of this show.
Merrill kept writing stuff for Neva that never got to Broadway. But some of it is on record, and just fantastic. Then there was her role in "Fiddler On The Roof," for which she is still mostly known, even though that was forty four years ago!
She also appeared in "Leonard Bernstein's Mass," being his goddaughter,
Today, Neva turns 63, is married, has raised children, and still turns up on the performance circuit. I keep my eyes open for her at 54 Below; if any of you girls spot she is appearing there, let me know!
So, Happy Birthday, Neva Small! It is an honor to have your birthday be the day before mine!
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