I thought I had read every play Neil Simon had ever written, but while looking through some new books at the library around 1980, I came across a play called Fools which I had never seen nor heard of before.

As I read the fable/fairy tale I found myself laughing out loud to the point of crying. It had some of the funniest story and dialogue of any of Simon's works.

There were times when I was positive a song was coming. Fables lend themselves to musicalization very easily. I went home that evening and immediately wrote "Not a Prayer" and "Sophia's Wish".

Then I put the idea away for a few years.

When I returned to the work, I immediately set about adapting the book and finishing a score. Eventually, I had a read-thru. One of the actors I chose was the director of theater at a nearby college.

In 1990, I approached him about doing the show. He said if I got the rights, he'd do it. I contacted Neil Simon and, through his lawyer, he very generously gave his permission to produce the show.

I actually got to thank Simon personally a few years later when I saw him at San Francisco International Airport. He was very kind and was glad the show went well. And I got to meet one of my writing heroes.
Kulyenchikov  Vocal by Ric Forrester
A Love Song?  Vocal by Corie Whitcomb
Good Morning Again Vocal by Michael Miller
Beyond the Tree   Vocals by Ensemble
The Curse Vocals by Ric Forrester & Philip Barnes
Not a Prayer  Vocals by Philip Barnes & Carol Sher
Sophia's Wish  Vocal by Corie Whitcomb
When God Wished  Vocal by Ric Forrester
Gregor's Proposal  Vocal by Dennis Rossow
Song of the Sparrow Vocal by Corie Whitcomb
Fools  Vocal by Dennis Rossow
My Papa, My Son  Vocal by Ric Forrester & Dennis Rossow
You're Only Fooling Yourself  Vocals by Ensemble

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