The story centers on a busload of lonely American widows hoping to catch husbands while touring Israel and is set against the backdrop of the country's struggle for recognition as an independent nation.

Herman was playing the piano for Parade, his most recent revue following I Feel Wonderful and Nitecap, when he was approached by theatre producer Gerard Oestreicher, who was seeking a composer for a project about Israel he hoped to mount on Broadway.

"[2] Directed by Albert Marre, choreographed by Donald Saddler and orchestrated by Hershy Kay and Eddie Sauter, Milk and Honey began its pre-Broadway tryout run at New Haven, Connecticut's Shubert Theatre on August 28, 1961.

The critical reception was positive, but Herman felt third lead Molly Picon, who clearly was an audience favorite, needed another song and composed "Chin Up, Ladies" for her.

In addition to Picon, the show featured Metropolitan Opera stars Mimi Benzell and Robert Weede, and dancer-singer Tommy Rall.

[3] New York Times theater critic Howard Taubman praised the musical for its "heartwarming integrity" and for "taste and imagination," and lauded its performances, especially Picon's.

Phil Arkin, an American visiting his married daughter, defends the boy, and in the ensuing fracas he meets Ruth Stein, a tourist travelling with a group of widows from the United States.

But the young man vows his devotion to his country and is joined in its praise by his neighbors, including his cynical friend Adi, who claims he would rather live in the city ("Milk and Honey").

When they eye the virile young farmers, the ladies, led by Clara Weiss, reveal their hopes of finding suitable husbands.

The cast included Chevi Colton, Katy Selverstone, Ron Holgate (who had a small role in the original production), Avi Hoffman and James Barbour.

In his review in The New York Times, David Richards wrote, "Jerry Herman's score is the best reason for reviving Milk and Honey...