Value: Sondheim's signature

[BluCat500]

Posted: 12/10/12 at 4:15pm

Quick Question: I was hoping for some guidance in assigning an approx. value to the 2006 revival Sweeney Todd Cast Recording signed by the entire cast and Sondheim in very good condition, I have?

I can't find any information online and I've been wondering awhile if I should make it available to someone who is a more avid collector.

Thanks!

[EricMontreal22]

Posted: 12/10/12 at 7:20pm

I think it's still too recent, and his signature pretty "out there" to really be worth much right now. I have three letters from the early 90s when he responed to some of my fan mail with his signature, but I can't see them being worth anything (except to myself--which is why I am keeping them).

[wonkit]

Posted: 12/10/12 at 7:34pm

I goes without saying that a signature to a letter is worth far more than a non-personalized signature on merchandise. I have purchased Sondheim signed librettos from Roundabout for the pleasure of owning them, not in anticipation that they are of any appreciated value.

[binau]

Posted: 12/10/12 at 7:38pm

To me that does go with saying..I would personally pay more for signed merchandise than a signed letter that was written for someone else.....but maybe that's just me.

Updated On: 12/10/12 at 07:38 PM

[wonkit]

Posted: 12/10/12 at 10:20pm

If the question is one of value rather than personal preference though, there may 300 copies of a signed cd, but only one of a particular letter. Uniqueness always increases price because the owner is the ONLY owner.

[PalJoey]

Posted: 12/10/12 at 10:38pm

Good luck, kid

Updated On: 12/11/12 at 10:38 PM

[CalebMeyer]

Posted: 12/10/12 at 10:49pm

^ and the claws are out, ladies and gentleman.

[Kelly2]

Posted: 12/10/12 at 10:51pm

Unfortunately, most theatre memorabilia is worth more in sentimental value than $. That being said, I've seen people charge 40$ for signed cast recordings of similar stature and I've seen people charge 100$. It's just about finding the right place to sell and the right buyer.

[Horton]

Posted: 12/10/12 at 11:13pm

Doesn't anybody else watch Pawn Stars. I think with an item like this, the CD is basically worth what somebody is willing to pay for it based on how much they want it. Despite the fact that there are many of them out there, they hold sentimental vale to most people and so few people want to sell them. If you are curious as to what you can get for it, put it in EBay with a reserve of 40 bucks or whatever the minimum you're willing to take for the CD and see how high it goes.

If I am not mistaken, Sondheim and Co. did a few nights of signing the CD of that revival at the theater with the line around the block and so there are quite a few of that exact same item floating around. Also keep in mind that this a very limited market item.

[BluCat500]

Posted: 12/10/12 at 11:15pm

Thanks for the help guys, I appreciate the input.

Not sure the intent behind the attack? A disgusting euphemism? It's not as if its ill-gotten gains, as a young 22 year old Broadway enthusiast, I waited on line for it in the freezing cold, I saw Sweeney multiple times and as many shows as I could possibly budget in, I waited on countless rush lines. I was extremely active on bww for years.

I'm still a huge Sondheim fan, listen to the music constantly, but I live on my own now and sentimentality has to be measured against resources, I can't afford more than one show a year, I'm not actively engaged in theater at the moment, and its only rational to acknowledge the active fervor other fans currently feel. I find the inaccessibility of theater extremely frustrating these days actually.

Perspective, guys, I'm not a reseller hoarding it waiting for the price to boom.

[Kelly2]

Posted: 12/10/12 at 11:26pm

BluCat500, ignore the judgmental people. After 6 years working in or being a fan of theatre here in New York, I've acquired many cool pieces of memorabilia and it's not that I don't have great memories or love it, but my apartment is only so big and sometimes I need the $ more than I need the item. It isn't a crime. I sell things at a fair price and I'm glad that they go to a place where they would be able to be displayed more than space allows me.

[BobbyRobbyBobbyBaby]

Posted: 12/11/12 at 12:07am

There were several of the signed Sweeney CDs on eBay awhile back and they were all priced between $150-$175 and they all sold. Currently there are signed Merrily CDs for $120-$150 and many have sold. I think there's only one left.

[blaxx]

Posted: 12/11/12 at 12:30am

They sold SITPWG autographed by Sondheim scripts during the revival. I assumed one day it may be valuable, but not for a few decades.

[PalJoey]

Posted: 12/11/12 at 12:42am

Good luck, kid

Updated On: 12/11/12 at 12:42 AM

[g.d.e.l.g.i.]

Posted: 12/11/12 at 2:05am

PJ, I think you're taking this a little harder than you should be. You've never been in a tough spot for money? The kid's love for theater and Sondheim in particular seems sincere to me.

[jimmycurry01]

Posted: 12/11/12 at 3:15am

I am really hoping someone has hacked PJ's account. He is usually someone I have a great deal of respect for on the boards. I have even raced to his defense a few times. The posts here seem a bit uncalled for though.

[mattyp4]

Posted: 12/11/12 at 8:00am

Chill out, PalJoey!

And BluCat500, "disgusting euphemism" or not, I'd genuinely be interested in buying it if you ever agree to go through with the sale. I remember wanting to go to that signing but I couldn't make it that particular evening.

Just PM me if you want.

[Huss417]

Posted: 12/11/12 at 9:32am

I'm confused all Pal Joey said was "Good Luck, kid."

[mattyp4]

Posted: 12/11/12 at 9:42am

He edited his posts... significantly.

[BluCat500]

Posted: 12/11/12 at 2:05pm

Lmao,well color me curious, clearly I missed something. Oh how I've missed forum invective.


Thanks to everyone else for assisting me with my casual, on topic inquiry via this public forum designed to be a comprehensive informational resource of all things Broadway and a friendly hub of communication amongst its fans.

[Wynbish]

Posted: 12/11/12 at 2:32pm

^




Updated On: 12/11/12 at 02:32 PM

Posted: 12/11/12 at 2:42pm

Good luck bitter old man.

[BluCat500]

Posted: 12/13/12 at 10:08am

Bit the bullet! Certainly can't hurt. Thanks again for advice.

I still have my signed play bills etc for memories sake!
Sweeney Todd Cast Recording-Signed by ALL

Posted: 12/13/12 at 10:12am

Good luck!

(Don't tell anyone but Phyllis and I are going to try to buy it for a friend of ours! He's been so cranky lately, we think this might just be the thing to cheer him up!)

[howardbf]

Posted: 12/13/12 at 4:59pm

Depends on how many zeros come after the 1 on the check.