Lot # 31 - Latin Quarter Playbill – Red Hot and Beautiful (Ina Ray Hutton Revue)

Latin Quarter Playbill – Red Hot and Beautiful (Ina Ray Hutton Revue)

This rare and authentic Playbill from New York City’s famed Latin Quarter nightclub presents Red Hot and Beautiful—an exuberant 1950s musical revue conceived, produced, and narrated by Lou Walters, celebrated impresario and father of broadcaster Barbara Walters. The production starred the groundbreaking bandleader Ina Ray Hutton, known as the “Queen of Rhythm,” who led her all-female orchestra through stirring live performances of George Gershwin’s “Tribute to Rhythm,” Anton Rubinstein’s “Melody in F,” Franz Liszt’s “Second Hungarian Rhapsody,” and Maurice Ravel’s “Bolero,” with musical arrangements by George Bassman, orchestrations by Maurice Levine, and transitions conducted by Buddy Harlow. Integral to the visual and kinetic artistry of the revue was Mme. Natasha Kamarova, whose staging and choreography unified each of the twelve high-impact scenes with elegance, athleticism, and flair. Scenic design was rendered by Kaj Velden, costume creation by Kathryn Kuhn, lighting enhancements by Lee, and footwear, hosiery, and millinery provided respectively by Beck, Jessie Zimmer, and Lee, while photographic direction fell to Kollar and textile accents came from Maharam. The program showcased a vibrant cast of featured performers including Willie Shore in his standout solo sketch “Favorite Comedy Star,” twin dancers The Costello Twins, vocalists Don Saxon and Gay Hess, ensemble artists Gail Bennett, Dorothy Reed, George Gray, and jazz-era ballet company The Latin Quarter Boys and Girls, whose synchronized tap routines graced the Liszt-themed scene. The cast also featured international dance stars Martell Trio & Mignon, comedy troupe The 3 Hucksters (formerly The Radio Aces), and a medley-filled climax in Scene 11 led by Ina Ray Hutton’s Orchestra, with performances from The Promenaders—Bill Broder, Billy Drews, James Elsegood, Glen Forbes, George Gray, and Tom Kenny—and vocals by returning Broadway artist Don Saxon, famed for his role in Street Scene. The chorus ensemble, billed as “The Loveliest Girls in New York,” included standout performers Charlotte Bergmeyer, Jane Castle, Lynn Hogan, Baby Lake, Sally Mansfield, Lynn Mary, Gloria May, Dawn McInerny, Jean Parsons, Doris Sands, Betty Sherry, Junior Standish, and Ronan York, whose stylized presence underscored the show’s glamour and choreographic sophistication. Every element of this production—from musical pacing to scenic transitions—was expertly unified under Lou Walters’ creative leadership, with Mme. Natasha Kamarova’s choreography and staging providing the theatrical backbone of this lavish nightclub spectacle. This Playbill is not a reproduction, but a verifiable original issued during the revue’s premiere Latin Quarter run. Complete with original saddle-stitch binding, illustrated cover, and full company crediting, it stands as a significant piece of postwar American stage history and an essential acquisition for collectors of jazz-era ephemera and aficionados of Ina Ray Hutton’s pioneering contributions to big band and cabaret entertainment.

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