[South Pacific] Martin, Mary. (1913-1990) & Pinza, Ezio. (1892-1957) & Hall, Juanita. (1901-1968) & McCormick, Myron. (1908-1962) & St. John, Betta. (b. 1929)
Signed Playbill from the Original Broadway Cast
Playbill program from the original Broadway production of Rodgers & Hammerstein's South Pacific, signed to cover by four members of the cast, including leads Mary Martin and Ezio Pinza, Myron McCormick, and Betta St. John. 48 pp. In fine condition. 6.5 x 9 inches (16.5 x 22.9 cm.). Together with a signed candid photograph of Juanita Hall, who won a Tony Award for her performance as Bloody Mary. Hall has inscribed "To Paul / from / Juanita Hall." In very fine condition. 3.5 x 5.5 inches (8.9 x 14 cm.).South Pacific opened at the Majestic Theatre on Broadway in 1949, and was an instant smash. It ran for over 1,900 performances, the second-longest run in the history of Broadway at that time. The show, which dealt frankly with issues of racism, won ten Tony Awards, including all four performance categories, and ultimately received the 1950 Pulitzer Prize for Drama.
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. (21052)
Signed Photograph Theater Film Signature Ephemera