The FIRST Playbill

I don't know the answer, but AWESOME question!

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I don't know the answer, but most souvenir programs are $10-$15, not $20. I'd never pay that much.

They have a web site - why don't you ask them?

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A History of Playbills and (depending on which spelling you prefer) Theatre Programs, Theater Programs or Theatre Programmes

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I saw OKLAHOMA! at the West End in 1999 - but did not buy a programme ( with the cover which looks like a PLAYBILL). I went to see it ( at the last minute) mainly because I liked Rodgers and Hammerstein. So, I only faintly remembered that the leading man ( whose face I couldn't see from my Dress Circle seat) had a commanding stage presence and had a strong musical theatre voice. I read his name on the list of the Company posted in the lobby. But I completely forgot all about him

Last year, I bought a copy of that programme from eBay and I thought I was very lucky to have paid only thrice as much compared to what I would have paid if I had bought the Playbill when I was at the Lyceum theatre

Hello, Hugh Jackman

Updated On: 7/9/06 at 07:19 PM

I payed $20 for Wicked's program and $10 for Phantom of the Opera's- which had more recent pictures.

Well, I can't provide any additional information, but I dug out program/souvenir books, from the original 1st run of OKLAHOMA, from my collection. I thought you might find them interesting. I've included them in my next post.

Charlie Piane
charlie@pianeproductions.org

Updated On: 7/10/06 at 04:15 AM

Here is one of the rarest souvenir programs of all time. I collect Fred Astaire on stage and I had no idea there even WAS a souvenir program for ANY of Fred's shows. Then this popped up on ebay and sold for hundreds of dollars. I bid, but was trumped. Next time one comes up, my starting bid will be in the thousands. IF one ever comes up again.

I believe the rarest of all would be the souvenir program for Pal Joey, with Gene Kelly. In 30 years of collecting, I've never even seen a photograph of one.

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What's on the CD of the Spamalot program?

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The CD that comes with the SPAMALOT souvenier program is Mike Nichols singing some song. It had nothing to do with Spamalot.

Also why is this thread even talking about souvenier programs when the original poster asked about playbills???

"Also why is this thread even talking about souvenier programs when the original poster asked about playbills???"

Actually, I asked about both, and the information that has been posted has been quite helpful. Thanks to all who contributed.

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I don't like that they don't give them out in London. That seems kind of disrespectful to the cast and crew and creative team. Do most people end up buying the soveniur programs?