Description :

Broadway Time Capsules: Iconic Playbills Preserving Musical Theatre History

This exquisite collection of three original Playbills offers an unmatched, fully credited chronicle of Broadway and pre-Broadway premieres that helped shape American musical theatre. Each item, preserved from its specific theatrical moment—not from revivals or touring productions—reflects the artistic rigor and iconic talent of its era.

The How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying Playbill from July 9, 1962 at the 46th Street Theatre features Robert Morse as J. Pierrepont Finch, Rudy Vallée as J.B. Biggley, Bonnie Scott as Rosemary, Charles Nelson Reilly as Bud Frump, and Virginia Martin as Hedy LaRue. Directed by Abe Burrows, with music and lyrics by Frank Loesser, the show’s choreography was devised by Hugh Lambert, with Bob Fosse credited for musical staging. Musical direction by Elliot Lawrence, orchestrations by Robert Ginzler, scenic and lighting design by Robert Randolph, costumes by Robert Fletcher, and hair styling by Ronnie De Mann contributed to its professional sheen. Stage management was led by Roger L. Stevens, assisted by Barbara Poses Kafka, Robert S. Kane, Phil Friedman, Lawrence N. Kasha, Lanier Davis, and Stuart Fleming. Press and publicity were handled by Merle Debuskey, Seymour Krawitz, and Madi Ross, with choreography supervision by Dale Moreda and Merritt Thompson.

The November 11, 1963 Playbill for 110 in the Shade at the Broadhurst Theatre showcases Inga Swenson as Lizzie Curry, Robert Horton as Starbuck, Stephen Douglass as File, and Lesley Ann Warren in her Broadway debut. Featuring Will Geer, George Church, Steve Roland, and Scooter Teague, the show was directed by Joseph Anthony, choreographed by Agnes de Mille, with music by Harvey Schmidt, lyrics by Tom Jones, and orchestrations by Hershy Kay. Vocal arrangements by Robert DeCormier, dance arrangements by William Goldenberg, scenic design by Oliver Smith, costumes by Motley, lighting by John Harvey, and hair design by Michel Kazan rounded out the design. The backstage and creative team featured Bill Ross, Charles Blackwell, May Muth, Neil Hartley, Jack Schlissel, Ethel Davis, David Payne, and Helen Nickerson. Publicity and advertising came from Harvey B. Sabinson, Lee Solters, David Powers, and Fred Golden, with music contracting and copying by Morris Stonzek and Bob Haring Jr. Dance captain duties fell to Vernon Lusby, with Ann McIntosh assisting the director and Mavis Ray supporting choreography.

The November–December 1978 Playbill for The Grand Tour at San Francisco’s Curran Theatre documents its pre-Broadway engagement starring Joel Grey as Jacobowsky, Ron Holgate as Colonel Stjerbinsky, and Florence Lacey as Marianne. Supporting cast includes Chevi Colton, Travis Hudson, Kenneth Kantor, Jack Karcher, Grace Keagy, Bob Morrisey, and Jay Pierce. Directed by Gerald Freedman, choreographed by Donald Saddler, musical staging by Tommy Tune, and featuring music and lyrics by Jerry Herman. The book was penned by Michael Stewart and Mark Bramble, adapted from S.N. Behrman and based on Franz Werfel's play. Production credits include scenic design by Oliver Smith, costumes by Theoni V. Aldredge, lighting by Tharon Musser, and vocal arrangements by Robert DeCormier. Musical direction was again by Donald Pippin, orchestrations by Philip J. Lang, and dance arrangements by Peter Howard. Production support mirrored that of 110 in the Shade, with the same dedicated team ensuring continuity and excellence.

Each Playbill remains in crisp vintage condition, printed in monochrome and saddle-stitched. Period ads—ranging from Cutty Sark to Bardelli’s—along with era-specific editorial features capture the societal tone of their respective decades. This auction set is an irreplaceable artifact for collectors, researchers, and connoisseurs of Broadway’s golden era.

Measurements:

How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying:

Length: 9 Inches;

Width: 6 Inches;

110 in the Shade:

Length: 9 Inches;

Width: 6 Inches;

Joel Grey Grand Tour 1978:

Length: 9 Inches;

Width: 6 Inches;

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