On this day in 1959 the musical Once Upon a Mattress opened off-Broadway. 

On this day in 1881 Smetana’s Libuse premiered in Prague.

Born on this day in 1895 composer William Grant Still.

Born on this day in 1902 soprano Bidu Sayao.

Happy 84th birthday bass Arnold Voketaitis.

Happy 62nd birthday composer Judith Weir.

Happy 59th birthday tenor Giuseppe Sabbatini.

On this day in 1965 the Kander-Ebb musical Flora the Red Menace opened on Broadway.