The FIRST Playbill

[SweeneyPhanatic]

Posted: 7/9/06 at 3:04pm

I was just looking at my Playbill from "Phantom" and a thought crossed my mind: which show was the first to ever have a "Playbill" like the ones we have today?

Also, which show was the first to sell a souvenier program (like the ones we can buy for $20/+ at almost every show)?

[achancetofly]

Posted: 7/9/06 at 3:06pm

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

Posted: 7/9/06 at 4:46pm

In London, if you want a program you must nuy one. It is like a souvenier (Spelling?) program, laminated, nice. Just silly and expensive.

[suzycat]

Posted: 7/9/06 at 4:56pm

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

[Zachary Goldfarb]

Posted: 7/9/06 at 6:33pm

I want to say I remember reading that the first Playbill was THE BLACK CROOK in the 1800's.

[Mamie]

Posted: 7/9/06 at 6:49pm

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

[millie_dillmount]

Posted: 7/9/06 at 6:51pm

I don't know the answer to the question, but, some programs are $20.

[pab]

Posted: 7/9/06 at 7:10pm

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

[chinkie azn jai]

Posted: 7/9/06 at 7:11pm

Spamalots program was $20, and I think Avenue Qs program was too. Its probably because of the cd that comes with it.

[jo]

Posted: 7/9/06 at 7:19pm

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

[blueroses]

Posted: 7/9/06 at 7:24pm

That's a great question. I wish I knew the answer! I was intrigued enough to e-mail an editor at Playbill. I'll let you know if I hear back.

[missyrose87]

Posted: 7/9/06 at 10:43pm

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

[latheatrelover]

Posted: 7/10/06 at 12:09am

Well, playbills go back a long way, and before there was the actual magazine called "Playbill," there were theater programs the size of Playbills, but only a few pages to list cast and some advertising. Some had some really beautiful house art (not related to the play) on the covers. You can find many that look like Maxfield Parrish (and probably were).

As to souvenir programs, I was startled to find out through eBay that even for plays (not just musicals) of the Thirties and Forties (and probably before) there were souvenir programs. I have gottensome of these and while they didn't indulge in color photos, they were quite good.

[BWIDB Charlie]

Posted: 7/10/06 at 4:15am

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
[e-mail]



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

[BWIDB Charlie]

Posted: 7/10/06 at 4:17am

Updated On: 7/10/06 at 04:17 AM

[allofmylife]

Posted: 7/10/06 at 5:28am

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.

[elphaba432]

Posted: 7/10/06 at 7:20am

The most I've ever paid for a program was at Wicked for $21.

[millie_dillmount]

Posted: 7/10/06 at 11:25am

What's on the CD of the Spamalot program?

[allofmylife]

Posted: 7/10/06 at 6:13pm

The most you've paid is $21? Was that new? Jeese, hope it came with hair clippings.

[Just_John]

Posted: 7/10/06 at 11:45pm

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???

[BJC899]

Posted: 7/11/06 at 12:32am

Playbill says it's been "serving theatre since 1884"

What shows were playing in 1884?

[SweeneyPhanatic]

Posted: 7/11/06 at 5:21pm

"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.

[Max4903]

Posted: 7/12/06 at 12:34am

Do they still give out the CD with the AvenueQ program? I thought they stopped doing that

[RentBoy86]

Posted: 7/12/06 at 12:52am

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?

[Katurian2]

Posted: 7/13/06 at 12:57pm

I always buy them when I go to London- the percent of buyers is higher than in the US, but I wouldn't say most of the theatre. Although- I have only been to about 3 West End shows, so another opinion would be needed to say for sure.