TLS signed “Noel,” one page, 5.25 x 7.25, 404 East 55th Street letterhead, May 21, 1958. Letter to impresario Hugh Beaumont, in part: "Yes, I am very keen about the Feydeau play and, of course, Vivien would be divine in it. Cole is at this moment in Jamaica doing a word or word translation for me as the one already done by some American gentleman is quite beneath contempt…In the meantime, I am writing a new play of my own which I will discuss with you when I see you. I do think, dear Bink, it would be a good idea if you flew out to stay with me for a few days as there is a great deal I want to discuss with you…Isn't it lovely about THE VISIT being the biggest smash hit in New York. Grandpa and Grandma are over the moon and bright as buttons, and I must say they are wonderful in it and the production is magnificent." Archivally double-matted and framed with a photo to an overall size of 18 x 14. In fine condition, with staple holes to the upper left corner.
The Visit starred Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne ("Grandpa and Grandma") in their last stage performance. Opening on May 5, 1958, it was ecstatically received by critics and audiences in New York and London. Coward's "new play" was Waiting in the Wings, a flop at the time that is now considered a minor gem in the Coward oeuvre. The George Feydeau play, a farce called Look after Lulu in the English version, was translated and produced for Vivien Leigh at her request. In the end, she did not much enjoy the experience and neither did anyone else as it closed after a run of 39 performances. Beaumont is credited with almost single-handedly keeping the theatres open in London during World War II.
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