The Venice of the American tourist provides a colorful background of which Richard Rodgers takes expert advantage in "Do I Hear a Waltz?" His new musical play … is so winning in its score, lyrics, setting, cast, production, spirit and general atmosphere that it offers an evening of charming and tasteful entertainment despite certain strong reservations I have concerning the libretto by Arthur Laurents.

In a Richard Rodgers show, the music deserves first attention, and his latest score, while perhaps not one of his most spectacular, is tuneful and thoroughly appealing. The lyrics contributed by Stephen Sondheim are deft and intelligent, and the attractive numbers are delightfully sung….

Since the story plays a large part in "Do I Hear a Waltz?," its frailties are important, but they should blind no one to its blessings. The score is filled with pleasures including the haunting title song, the charming "Moon in...