Rodgers, Richard. (1902-1979) & de Mille, Agnes. (1905-1993) & Gresham, Edith. (1897-1976)

"Oklahoma!" - Signed Souvenir Program

Oversize deluxe souvenir program from an early touring production of the classic musical Oklahoma!, signed beside their respective printed portraits by the composer, the choreographer, and company member Edith Gresham (Aunt Eller).  16 pp.  Light foxing to cover, overall in fine condition.  9 x 12 inches (22.9 x 30.5 cm.).

Based on the 1931 Lynn Riggs play Green Grow the Lilacs, Oklahoma! was the first musical written by the duo of Rodgers and Hammerstein and a massive success for them from the moment it opened on Broadway in March of 1943, running for an unprecedented 2,212 performances.  The first fully-integrated musical, a production where all of the music, dance, and dialogue worked together to tell one story with serious dramatic themes, Rodgers and Hammerstein won a special Pulitzer Prize for Oklahoma! in 1944.

From the collection of Paul McMahon, a critic, photographer and artist who worked for more than 13 years touring with Marlene Dietrich as the icon’s stage manager, announcer, dresser, secretary and escort, and later spent 25 years as an arts and entertainment reviewer and photographer with Gay Community News, Esplanade, Tommy’s Connection, The Mirror, Bay Windows and other publications. (20902)


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