Publisher's Synopsis
This visual bonanza shines the spotlight on 750 striking advertising posters for the musicals and plays of Broadway's golden age and shares untold behind-the-scenes stories Fans of the theatre will be thrilled to discover the original posters for hundreds of Broadway's biggest and most beloved hits, including My Fair Lady, The Fantasticks, Hello, Dolly!, Fiddler on the Roof, Death of a Salesman, A Raisin in the Sun, and A Streetcar Named Desire—plus rare and striking designs that tried in vain to sell some of the era's epic flops. In addition to being an important resource, this book is a fun read thanks to the inclusion of previously untold stories of the men and women behind the shows and the art. Featuring • a treasure trove of masterpieces by the theatre's best illustrators, designers, photographers, and graphic artists, including Charles Addams, Peter Arno, Saul Bass, Eileen Darby, Whitney Darrow Jr., Hap Hadley, Al Hirschfeld, and David Klein; • never-before-seen artist progressions from conception to completion, as well as alternate and rejected designs; • facts and legends about the productions; • a look at how the posters were used around the city; • rare images—many one of a kind—sourced from private collections, archives, and libraries nationwide; and • an index of artists and shows. The deepest dive ever into this colorful corner of American show business, this opus boasts an appeal that goes far beyond just poster fans. Broadway Poster Art: 1945-1969 is a must-have for anyone with a love of the performing arts, graphic design, entertainment history, and Broadway's golden age. "One of my earliest memories is when my parents decided my brother and I were old enough to be taken to Dad's 'office' on Broadway and see him perform in The Pajama Game. Mom had a tight grip on our hands as we crossed Times Square to reach his theatre. I was awestruck by the colors of those huge posters that were everywhere, larger than life, fighting for my attention. Mom pointed out a red one and told us it was Dad's show. Then we turned the corner and I saw the same picture, surrounded by bright lights high above the crowded entrance. This incredible collection of the best Broadway art brings back all the excitement of going to that Saturday matinee!" —Bonnie Raitt, iconic American musician and daughter of Broadway star John Raitt "My family has been in the theatre business for over a century. Each poster in this amazing collection brings life to Broadway's brilliant history, full of crazy characters and show business legends. It's a real treat to find surprises on every page—I can't put it down!" —James L. Nederlander, Broadway theatre owner and producer "This definitive new book brings the magic of mid-century Broadway stunningly back to life through hundreds of gorgeous, seductive, eye-catching posters and the delicious descriptions and stories behind them. I fell in love with the theater all over again as I turned each page!" —John Rubinstein, Tony Award-winning actor (Children of a Lesser God, Pippin).
