Clever Broadway Merch
Clever Broadway Merch
#1Clever Broadway Merch
Posted: 5/6/13 at 1:21am
At *Macbeth,* there were a number of very clever merch items (outside of the usual logo poster/magnet). For example, there was a coffee mug with the line " 'twas a rough night" in "horror movie" font on one side, and the "Macbeth" logo on the other. There was a food-safe bamboo spoon emblazoned with "Double, Double, Toil and Trouble . . . Macbeth."
Other interesting merch that comes to mind include the "Paris Original" shirt from "How to Succeed," the recycled tote bag from "Hair," and the infamous "Follies" pillow.
It struck me that some shows put out particularly clever merchandise that goes beyond slapping the logo on a shirt. What are some of the "best" or most interesting merch you can think of? Or, what merch would you bring into the world if you could?
#2Clever Broadway Merch
Posted: 5/6/13 at 1:26amThe slipper socks at Cinderella gave me quite the chuckle.
#2Clever Broadway Merch
Posted: 5/6/13 at 1:55am
My sister and I are big fans of clever/cute/kitschy merch items for shows.
A favorite of ours is the "Next to Normal" pill box.
I also cherish my "Tales of the City" branded condoms and "Anna Madrigal's Rolling Papers".
And of course, my beloved "Follies" pillow (which I was quoted on in their in store display).
Looking forward to when I go to NY to see "The Nance" to pick up the tassel pasties...
#3Clever Broadway Merch
Posted: 5/6/13 at 1:57amThey sold flasks at Bonnie & Clyde (and my brother found it clever enough to purchase one).
#4Clever Broadway Merch
Posted: 5/6/13 at 2:11am
Ooh, i remember the pillbox! And the shirt that said, "Valium is my favorite color."
I have to confess, I did buy that "Macbeth" spoon! I didn't get a good look at all of "Pippin's" merch, but I did see little plush ducks wearing "Pippin" logo T-shirts (the size of Beanie Babies) and T-shirts with the word "Extraordinary" written in a spiral pattern. Other "Macbeth" stuff included a bright red ladies' T-shirt that read "Something Wicked This Way Comes" with steam from a cauldron in the background, but I didn't buy it because it was too obnoxiously red to be flattering.
#5Clever Broadway Merch
Posted: 5/6/13 at 2:17am
I finally tracked down the "Harvey" plush bunny and got one. When my sister and I went to see it, she got one, but I decided not to get one. But I regretted that, and I finally got it online.
We've seen a bunch of shows with bunnies in them or referenced bunnies. We kinda wished that when we saw a regional production of "Good People" at the Seattle Rep, that they would sell Dottie's craft bunnies. They did post instructions on how to make your own craft bunnies on their blog, so we just have to get around to making one 
Scottsacto
Stand-by Joined: 4/3/05
#6Clever Broadway Merch
Posted: 5/6/13 at 4:05am
I loved the Back-Pack at "Young Frankenstein" that read "What Hump?" Was told by the clerk that it was Mel Brooks favorite item from the show.
I got the Pill Case from "Next to Normal", also.
I like when the marketing people devise something different to remember a show by.
#7Clever Broadway Merch
Posted: 5/6/13 at 4:11am
Yeah, I have to admit I gave in and bought myself one of the adorable cuddly ducks at pippin!
Updated On: 5/6/13 at 04:11 AM
#8Clever Broadway Merch
Posted: 5/6/13 at 4:23amIn my experience, the FOLLIES pillow brings new meaning to the word "pillow biter".
#9Clever Broadway Merch
Posted: 5/6/13 at 6:59amI love my Pippin duck. And while not technically merch, I love the Wonderland souvenir cup that says "Drink Me" on the side. And i love that the big Newsies program is styled and shaped like a newspaper.
showchoirguy
Broadway Star Joined: 7/14/10
#10Clever Broadway Merch
Posted: 5/6/13 at 7:30am
I love the Newsies program! Whoever thought of that really put some thought into it.
#11Clever Broadway Merch
Posted: 5/6/13 at 7:53amGrey Gardens had a bunch of interesting things. A few that I remember were a teapot, buttons with Edie quotes on them, a throw blanket with the logo on it, plush kitties. I know there was more, but I'm drawing a blank on the rest.
#12Clever Broadway Merch
Posted: 5/6/13 at 8:54am
Still love my tshirt from The Life -- a big red platform shoe with the phrase, "you're not in Kansas any more".
And also my Jekyl and Hyde tshirt, with the long streak of red blook running down the middle with the phrase "there's a fine line between a good man and bad" (did I get that right?)
rorschach37
Broadway Star Joined: 4/3/10
#13Clever Broadway Merch
Posted: 5/6/13 at 9:04amI enjoyed the Next to Normal Coffee mug with the phrase "Living on a latte and a prayer".
#14Clever Broadway Merch
Posted: 5/6/13 at 9:08am
The cut-out nun doll book from The Divine Sister, as well as the "Holy Toast" maker.
The Pee Wee Herman Activity book.
The Next to Normal Pillbox.
The Urinetown boardgame.
Follies pillow.
The set of buttons from Grey Gardens.
Pop up books from Wicked, Phantom of the Opera and the original La Cage aux Folles.
The lines blur between what souveneirs I purchased from the theatres and the annual flea market.
Updated On: 5/6/13 at 09:08 AM
mamaleh
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/11/04
#15Clever Broadway Merch
Posted: 5/6/13 at 9:29amI liked the mini-handcuffs from A STEADY RAIN. They're hanging from my keychain.
#16Clever Broadway Merch
Posted: 5/6/13 at 9:29am
the infamous "Follies" pillow
Why "infamous"? Did it do something wrong?
#17Clever Broadway Merch
Posted: 5/6/13 at 9:55am
Well, it did get around....
I love these. :) The cool thing about that Jekyll shirt was that the word "bad" is written on the other side of the line than the rest of the lyric. I really wanted that shirt when I saw the Boston tour, but I was 14 and didn't have $20.
Another great shirt was from "War Horse," which diagrammed the different parts of Joey.
oasisjeff
Broadway Star Joined: 11/15/07
#18Clever Broadway Merch
Posted: 5/6/13 at 3:58pmMormon sells a plushie frog, of course. And an "I'm Wet With Salvation" beach towel.
#19Clever Broadway Merch
Posted: 5/6/13 at 4:39pm
I remember suggesting to the merch people when it first opened that a frog would be great. I'm so glad it actually happened! (I'm not taking credit for it, BTW.)
I think they have an umbrella that says "I got doused by Heavenly Father."
oasisjeff
Broadway Star Joined: 11/15/07
#20Clever Broadway Merch
Posted: 5/6/13 at 4:43pmOh, and Kinky Boots now sells red knee-high socks that look like the Kinky Boots.
Wildcard
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/21/06
#21Clever Broadway Merch
Posted: 5/6/13 at 5:09pmI like the "I have maggots in my scrotum" boxers from Book of Mormon and the Mary Poppins umbrella
Someday
Featured Actor Joined: 4/4/06
#22Clever Broadway Merch
Posted: 5/6/13 at 5:31pm
Speaking of maggots, I picked up this fun coffee mug at Matilda in London. (It's for sale at the RSC link below.) Wonder if they're selling these at the Shubert. Anyone know?
Matilda /
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