Oliver Smith encouraged his two friends to expand the ballet into a musical. Bernstein and Robbins took up the idea, and invited Bernstein's friends from The Revuers, Comden and Green, to write the book and lyrics. "On the Town" opened on Broadway's Adelphi Theatre on December 28, 1944. The show resonated with audiences, coming as it did in the midst of World War II. It was noteworthy for breaking race barriers on Broadway: Japanese-American dancer Sono Osato in a leading role; a multiracial cast dancing as mixed race couples; and a Black concertmaster, Everett Lee, who eventually took over as music director of the show. "On the Town" became an MGM motion picture in 1949, starring Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra, and Jules Munshin as the three sailors. Only part of Bernstein's score was used in the film; additional songs were provided by Roger Edens.