Description :

20^th Century Stage Legends: A Theatrical Treasure Trove

Step into a curated collection of mid-century performance history with this rare auction set of original releases, flyers, and programs spanning ballet, musical theatre, and dramatic productions. This set includes:

Circle Star Theatre’s “Call Me Madam” program featuring the legendary Ethel Merman as Sally Adams, alongside Richard Eastham, Russell Nype, and Alan Hewitt. Produced by Leland Hayward, with music and lyrics by Irving Berlin, book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse, direction by George Abbott, choreography by Jerome Robbins, and costume/scenic design by Raoul Pène Du Bois.

A San Francisco Ballet flyer showcasing the iconic duo Margot Fonteyn and Rudolf Nureyev, performing with the company in 1964. Musical direction by Ren Takahashi, with production coordination by David Haber, and guest conducting by Emerson Buckley. This historic performance was organized by the Community Civic Music Association and marked a high point in international ballet collaboration.

A Takarazuka Dance Theatre program from its 1959 U.S. tour, featuring a full cast of celebrated performers including Otome Amatsu, Misa Uchibuki, Hikaru Kuroki, and Mayumi Azusa. Directed by Tetsuzo Shirai, Shiro Takagi, and Shigenori Utsumi, with musical direction by Ren Takahashi and production coordination by David Haber.

A stylized poster for “Dames at Sea”, a 1966 musical parody starring Bernadette Peters in its original Off-Off-Broadway run, with music by Jim Wise, book and lyrics by George Haimsohn and Robin Miller, and orchestrations by Jonathan Tunick. Later Broadway revivals featured stars like Ann-Margret, Ann Miller, and Fred Gwynne, with direction and choreography by Randy Skinner.

A typewritten program from Hansel and Gretel, performed at the Kaiser Center Auditorium on December 30, 1972, listing a full cast including Hansel, Gretel, Mother, Father, and supporting roles. Though the full creative team remains partially archived, the production reflects the rich tradition of community and regional theatre.

A vibrant flyer for “Take Me Along” at Ben Kapen’s Melodyland Theatre, dated August 17–29, 1965, starring Hal March, Gale Gordon, and Ruth Warrick. Based on Eugene O’Neill’s Ah, Wilderness!, the musical featured music and lyrics by Bob Merrill, book by Joseph Stein and Robert Russell, and was originally produced by David Merrick with direction by Peter Glenville and choreography by Onna White.