Old Wicked Songs was first produced by Walnut Street Theatre in Philadelphia.

"Old Wicked Songs," a finalist for the 1996 Pulitzer Prize for drama, is possibly a little too well constructed.

"Old Wicked Songs," selected by the old guard, was an economically viable choice: a two-character, one-set play in a co-production with two other regional theaters.

The story of "Old Wicked Songs" might have stymied a writer less versed in music.

"Old Wicked Songs" takes its title loosely from the first line of the final song, "Die alten, bosen Lieder."

According to Mr. Robinson, "Old Wicked Songs" is a musical too.

In fact, the most intriguing opposition in "Old Wicked Songs" isn't between its two characters.

What particularly sets "Wicked Old Songs" apart is the way in which it makes use of that music, with its stirring admixture of joy and sorrow.

"Old Wicked Songs" is a tear-jerker, all right.

Dichterliebe is prominently featured in Jon Marans' play Old Wicked Songs.