Evening Primrose (1966)

Evening Primrose is a television musical. It was a one-hour episode of the TV series Stage 67, which featured original musicals and plays written specifically for the show. Sondheim wrote much of the music and four songs for Evening Primrose, with “I Remember Sky” and “Take Me to the World” frequently included in Sondheim concerts.

Plot Summary
The bizarre story is based on a short story by John Collier. The protagonist, Charles, is a poet who decides to escape the world by living in a department store. This way, he has everything he needs and never has to go outside again. Soon, he discovers he’s not alone—many others are already living there for the same reason. Charles falls in love with Ella, who longs to escape but is being held captive. The community in the store guards their secret by turning anyone who tries to leave into mannequins.

Development and Reception
At the time, Sondheim and James Goldman were collaborating on Follies and successfully pitched a contribution to the TV series for financial reasons. The musical aired only once and went largely unnoticed. However, it features songs in Sondheim’s signature style, which have been frequently performed since. These songs include inner monologues, character development, rich harmonies with surprising shifts, use of sound effects, lyrics with both surface and deeper meaning, and inventive musical themes.
In 2010, a DVD of the full episode was released. It is in black and white, as the color version has been lost.

Video excerpts (in episode's order)

• In “If you can find me I’m here” Charles makes the decision to live in the department store. The music carries a heartbeat rhythm from the beginning, and the lyrics reflect a stream-of-consciousness style.
• “I remember sky” is the most well-known song from the musical and has been widely covered over the decades. During the (online, due to COVID restrictions) celebration of Sondheim’s 90th birthday, Laura Benanti performed this song. In the musical, the song reflects the literal dark side of life inside the store.
• “When” shows the romance between Charles and Ella.
• “Take me to the world” is the final song of the television musical, in which Ella convinces Charles to escape with her. “Take Me to the World” was also the title of the previously mentioned 90th birthday celebration.

Take me to a world
where I can be alive.

I remember sky.
It was blue as ink.
Or at least I think
I remember sky.

When all the screaming has died away,
come and visit
my hideaway.
I will be glad
to provide a way.
If you can find me,
I’m here.