Sondheim Musicals: Original Production Merchandise?

[StylishCynic]

Posted: 4/25/19 at 8:11pm

Sondheim shows are, without putting it lightly, highly revered and adored compositions. Many of the world premiere productions had short stints (Anyone Can White, Merrily We Roll Along, Assassins) but garnered a cult following and almost mythic status because of the small window to see the original production.

 

What sort of merchandise was available for sale at the original productions? Are there any items that are rare and coveted?

 

Truth be told, I've seen a few t-shirts listed on various auction sites (I've been lucky to acquire a few), but I really haven't seen much else pop up besides window cards and the occassional mug. I don't see Sondheim as the type to be hawking merch at his show, but, at the same time, it offsets costs and is a necessary part of the Broadway machine.

 

Did Sondheim's shows offer any novel merchandise outside of the aforementioned for sale during the original productions? Would anyone have any pictures or recollections of merch for sale during the original productions?