 Another candidate was Janet Leigh, whom Rodgers admired greatly, but the actress proved to be unavailable.The producers settled on Judy Tyler, auditioned after Rodgers spotted her on television while watching "The Howdy Doody Show", in which she appeared as Princess Summerfall Winterspring.To direct the play, the duo engaged Harold Clurman, noted for his work in drama and one of the founders of the Group Theatre.