The Seven Year Itch: A Romantic Comedy in Three Acts is a seminal play by American playwright George Axelrod, first premiering on Broadway in 1952. The narrative centers on Richard Sherman, a middle-aged publishing executive in New York City, who experiences a midlife crisis during a summer heatwave while his family is away. His encounter with an attractive young neighbor ignites a series of comedic fantasies and moral dilemmas, exploring themes of fidelity, temptation, and the complexities of married life. The play's success led to a 1955 film adaptation directed by Billy Wilder, starring Marilyn Monroe and Tom Ewell, which further cemented its place in popular culture. Axelrod's sharp wit and insightful commentary on mid-20th-century American society make this work a timeless piece in the canon of American theater.