Do I Hear a Waltz?: Musical Information & Synopsis
Synopsis
Do I Hear a Waltz? follows the story of Leona Samish, an American tourist who embarks on a solo vacation to find love and adventure. In Venice, she encounters a charming shopkeeper, Renato Di Rossi, and the two share a whirlwind romance. As their relationship unfolds, Leona grapples with the complexities of love, desire, and societal expectations. Do I Hear a Waltz? is an exploration of culture, self discovery and the pursuit of happiness.
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Musical Information
Musical Type: Post-Golden Age (1965)
Cast Size: 15+
Genre: Romance
Setting: 1960s / Italy (Venice)
Creative Team
Music: Richard Rodgers
Lyrics: Stephen Sondheim
Book: Arthur Laurents
Based On: The Time of the Cuckoo➝ by Arthur Laurents
Cast Albums
Original Broadway Cast (1965)➝
Pasadena Playhouse Cast (2001)➝
Licensing
Do I Hear a Waltz? is available to license through Concord Theatricals.
UK Licensing
USA/Canada Licensing
Resources
Sheet Music: Musicnotes➝
Tags
1960s, Based on a Play, Child Role, Female Lead, Infidelity, Romantic, Travel
Similar Musicals
References
The following sources were used to verify the accuracy of this musical overview:
- “Do I Hear a Waltz?” Interview, Part 1➝ with Sondheim and Laurents (New Line Theatre)
- “Do I Hear a Waltz?” Interview, Part 2➝ with Sondheim and Laurents (New Line Theatre)
- Finishing the Hat by Stephen Sondheim (p. 141-162)
- Do I Hear a Waltz? Playbill Archives (1965)➝
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Last Reviewed: March 16, 2026