Well it's not the Times, but I found this paragraph in an article from the Brooklyn Eagle of April 19, 1944:
Premiere of "Fancy Free" Acclaimed at the Met
Jerome Robbins' ballet of three sailors on shore leave in New York City, rightfully called "Fancy Free," had its world premiere with the Ballet Theater at the Metropolitan Opera House last night. It scored a hit with the audience for the scenery of Oliver Smith, the youthful spirit of the performance, with Jerome Robbins setting the pace, and popular atmosphere of Leonard Bernstein's music conducted by the composer. Of it more can be said at a later date, but it's good news to know of the existence of another highly entertaining work.