Phyllis Perlman

240 CENTRAL PARK SOUTH • NEW YORK CITY 19 • TELEPHONE Circle 6-7913

PUBLICITY

Jan.31.1946

Dear Mr. Bontemps,

I am sorry I didn't see you before you left town.

It is important that you do one thing for me as quickly as possible. In fact it should be done and mailed to me over the weekend.

The dramatic critic of the Boston Post wants a story signed by you telling how you came to write the play "St. Louis Woman" with Countee Cullen. Since this is the only publicity we can get in that most important newspaper there, it is imperative that I get the xaraxionx article from you within the next few days.

It should be no longer than 600 words and you might explain that you wrote the novel first, then met Mr. Cullen and together collaborated on a straight play. You thought it was to be presented that way--tell when you both dramatized the book--until Mr. Gross suggested it be turned into a musical. Tell how pleased you are with the music and lyrics and direction, and make some comment on how the scenery and costumes fit in with the mood of the play. Also explain that when you think it represents in life of the negro people.

Even if you only send me a rough typed draft of it, I can have it copied. Please mail it to me special delivery to the address above

16Q Stamps

occ below where I will await it.

Phyllis Perlman
Agent "St. Louis Woman"
Shubert Theatre
Boston

I hate asking you to rush such a piece, but if you don't do it, we won't get any publicity on the show in the Post. Thanks very much.

Sincerely,