Description :

Original Alcazar & Curran Theatre Playbill Set – Mid-Century Legends

This exceptional auction set features three rare and authentic Playbills from landmark theatrical performances at San Francisco’s Alcazar and Curran Theatres in the 1950s—each a vivid snapshot of American stage history and star power.

The first Playbill showcases Tallulah Bankhead in “Dear Charles” at the Alcazar Theatre, dated May 9, 1955. Bankhead, in one of her final stage triumphs, portrayed Dolores, a witty French novelist navigating motherhood with unapologetic flair. The production was directed by Edmund Baylies, and presented by Richard Aldrich, Richard Myers, and Julius Fleischmann. The distinguished supporting cast included Patsy Kelly, Robert Coote, Theodore Newton, Werner Klemperer, William Roerick, Norah Howard, Larry Robinson, Tom Raynor, Grace Raynor, Ruth Hartley, and Peter Pell. This Playbill captures Bankhead’s magnetic return to the footlights, following her celebrated run in Noël Coward’s Private Lives.

The second Playbill features “The Teahouse of the August Moon” at the Curran Theatre, dated February 21, 1955. Adapted by John Patrick from Vern Sneider’s novel, this Pulitzer Prize-winning comedy starred John Forsythe as Captain Fisby and David Wayne as Sakini, with a cast that brought post-war Okinawa to life through humor and cultural nuance. The production’s creative team included scenic designer George Jenkins, and the show was originally directed by Robert Lewis on Broadway. This San Francisco engagement preserved the original spirit and cast integrity, making this Playbill a prized artifact from its national tour.

The third Playbill presents Shirley Booth in “The Desk Set” at the Curran Theatre, dated November 19, 1956. Booth, fresh off her Tony-winning performance, led the cast as Bunny Watson in William Marchant’s sharp-witted office comedy. The production was directed by John Cromwell, with scenic and costume design by George Jenkins. The cast featured Frank Milan, Dorothy Blackburn, Louis Gossett, Byron Sanders, Elizabeth Wilson, Harry Ellerbe, Mary Gildea, Clarice Blackburn, Martha Randall, Frank Roberts, Doris Roberts, Mike Steen, Wayne Carson, Sterling Jensen, and Joyce Van Patten. Produced by Robert Fryer and Lawrence Carr, this Playbill reflects Booth’s commanding presence and the ensemble’s comedic precision.