Description :

Original Barrymore Playbill Dou Set – Streetcar Named Desire (1947)

This rare and authentic Playbill set from the Ethel Barrymore Theatre’s historic 1947 production of A Streetcar Named Desire—Tennessee Williams’ Pulitzer Prize-winning drama—is a cornerstone of American theatrical heritage. The production premiered on December 3, 1947, and ran for a remarkable 855 performances, forever altering the landscape of modern drama with its psychological intensity and poetic realism. Headlining the cast was the magnetic Marlon Brando as Stanley Kowalski, alongside Jessica Tandy in her Tony-winning role as Blanche DuBois, Kim Hunter as Stella Kowalski, and Karl Malden as Harold “Mitch” Mitchell—each delivering career-defining performances. Supporting cast members included Rudy Bond as Steve Hubbell, Nick Dennis as Pablo Gonzales, Peg Hillias as Eunice Hubbell, Ann Dere as the Nurse, Richard Garrick as the Doctor, Edna Thomas as the Mexican Woman, and Gee Gee James as the Matron. Their combined contributions brought Williams’ complex vision vividly to life.

Directed by the visionary Elia Kazan with foundational support from Cheryl Crawford, the production pioneered innovative staging and emotional depth. Alex North composed the original score, blending atmospheric jazz themes that accentuated the play’s brooding tone. Jo Mielziner’s scenic and lighting designs redefined Broadway aesthetics with their stark realism and poetic framing, while Lucinda Ballard’s costumes provided expressive period-accurate silhouettes that enhanced character nuance. The technical team also included Jean Rosenthal as production manager, Ralph Alswang as stage manager, and John F. Kennedy as associate manager. The show was produced by Irene Selznick and Cheryl Crawford, whose bold collaboration empowered Williams’ narrative to reach its full dramatic potential. Casting was led by Stella Adler, whose sharp eye for raw theatrical talent proved visionary. Press efforts were driven by Richard Maney and William Fields, and advertising services were managed by Benton & Bowles.

This original Playbill set includes a monochrome program booklet with the celebrated cover title “A Streetcar Named Desire – Pulitzer Prize and Critics’ Award,” accompanied by another Playbill featuring detailed cast credits and artwork evoking the New Orleans setting. Both items are production-issued from the show’s original Barrymore run and not reprints or revival editions. This is an extraordinary set for dedicated collectors of post-war Broadway memorabilia, Tennessee Williams enthusiasts, and connoisseurs of iconic stagecraft.

Measurements:

A Streetcar Named Desire – Pulitzer Prize and Critics’ Award:

Length: 11 1/2 Inches;

Width: 9 Inches;

A Streetcar Named Desire – Playbill:

Length: 9 Inches;

Width: 6 1/2 Inches;

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