Playbill

C0417Guide to Mary Lavigne programs collection C0417Mary Lavigne programs collectionMeghan GlasbrennerGeorge Mason University. Libraries. Special Collections Research Center

January 23, 2024

Fenwick Library, MS2FL4400 University Dr.Fairfax, Virginia 22030Business Number: 703-993-2220Fax Number: 703-993-8911speccoll@gmu.eduURL:

This finding aid was produced using ArchivesSpace on 2024-02-01 07:01:15 -0500.Description is written in: English, Latin script.Describing Archives: A Content Standard George Mason University. Libraries. Special Collections Research Center Mary Lavigne programs collection Lavigne, Mary C0417 /repositories/2/resources/691 2 Linear Feet 4 boxes 1950s-1980s A collection of opera, ballet, concert, art exhibition, and theatrical programs for performances and events in New York City, Richmond, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and various international locations attended by Mary Lavigne. R 71, C 1, S 7 English , German . Access Restrictions

There are no access restrictions.

Use Restrictions

The copyright and related rights status of this collection have not been evaluated (See http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/CNE/1.0/)

Preferred Citation

Mary Lavigne programs collection, C0417, Special Collections Research Center, George Mason University Libraries

Acquisition Information

Donated in 2019 by Mary Lavigne.

Processing Information

Processing and finding aid completed by Meghan Glasbrenner from November 2023 - January 2024.

Historical Information

Dating back to at least the 18th century, the term "bill" has been used to refer to printed advertisements for a theatrical event, starting first with small printed sheets delivered by hand and known as "handbills." By the middle of the 19th century, the word "bill" was used to refer to large printed papers that were posted in public places and provided information about a theatrical production. The word "programme" or "program" came into use in the mid-19th century to refer to short printed pamphlets, containing a cast list, that was handed to audience members attending a theatrical performance. However, by the 1870s, the status of these as one of the only printed papers that were free and widely distributed led to the introduction of advertising into these play "bills" or "programs."

Seeing an opportunity, in 1884 New York businessman Frank Vance Strauss created the first company to specialize in printing theatrical programs that would be provided free of charge to New York City's larger playhouses. Introducing the standard format for theatrical programs still in use today, Strauss' company expanded the short printed pamphlets into magazine-style multi-page programs containing short articles, advertisements, and information about the individual productions that changed weekly. Known in 1911 as the "Strauss Magazine Theatre Program", the publication would formally adopt the name "The Playbill" in 1934. These higher quality programs led to a new practice of keeping and collecting programs as souvenirs, leading to the creation of specially produced "Souvenir Programs" that were filled with full-color illustrations, photographs, and more detailed information on the productions and performers.

Scope and Content

A collection of opera, ballet, concert, art exhibition, and theatrical programs for performances and events in New York City, Richmond, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and various international locations attended by Mary Lavigne. Programs include a mix of types including colorful souvenir booklets and Broadway Playbill editions. Most programs include various inserts, including cast change notices and newspaper clippings, which have been removed and placed in the folder with the program. A number of the programs were also originally grouped into two small binders. All of these specifics have been noted at the folder level where applicable.

Related Materials

The Special Collections Research Center holds other performing arts collections, including other collections of theatrical programs such as the Charles Rodrigues playbill collection, and the Virginia Nelson playbills collection.

Arrangement

This collection is arranged alphabetically by show title and then chronologically.

Bibliography

"Fascinating History of Theater Programs." 2020. The Smith Center. July 13, 2020. https://thesmithcenter.com/explore/smith-center-blog/the-fascinating-history-of-theater-programs/.

Higgins, Sydney. 2009. "A History of Playbills and Theatre Programs." 2009. http://www.ikjordan.plus.com/Players/Playbills/index.html.

Performing arts Musical Theater Musical Theater -- New York (State) -- New York Theater Theater -- New York (State) -- New York Theater programs Theater -- Washington (D.C.) Broadway (New York, N.Y.) Ballet Dance Richmond (Va.) Opera Art Berlin (Germany) London (England) Gershwin, George, 1898-1937. Porgy and Bess Art -- Exhibitions Carnegie Hall (New York, N.Y.) City Center of Music and Drama (New York, N. Y.) Graham, Martha John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts (U.S.) Kongelige Danske ballet London Festival Ballet Marceau, Marcel Metropolitan Opera (New York, N.Y.) National Gallery of Art (U.S.) New York City Ballet New York City Center New York Philharmonic Randolph-Macon Woman's College Royal Ballet Sadler's Wells Ballet Agnes de Mille Dance Theatre, Civic Musical Association of Richmond/repositories/2/archival_objects/181082October 15, 195311Scope and Content

Musical Celebrities: The Concert Magazine, Vol. XXVII, No. 1. Includes "Revised Program" insert.

Aida, Civic Musical Association of Richmond/repositories/2/archival_objects/181083April 30, 195212Scope and Content

Musical Celebrities: The Concert Magazine, Vol. V, No. 12. Metropolitan Opera New Production. Libretto by A. Ghislanzoni, music by Giuseppe Verdi.

The American Mime Theatre, The Richmond Dance Society/repositories/2/archival_objects/181084November 16-17, 195613Scope and Content

At the Virginia Museum Theatre

Anastasia, Lyceum Theatre/repositories/2/archival_objects/181085July 195514Scope and Content

Playbill. Written by Marcelle Murette, English adaptation by Guy Bolton. Removed from binder 1 of 2.

Auntie Mame, The Broadhurst Theatre/repositories/2/archival_objects/181086November 28, 195715Scope and Content

Playbill, Vol. 1, No. 8. Written by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee. Removed from binder 1 of 2.

Bad Seed, Coronet Theatre/repositories/2/archival_objects/181087July 195516Scope and Content

Playbill. Written by Maxwell Anderson. Removed from binder 1 of 2.

The Ballad of Baby Doe, New York City Center/repositories/2/archival_objects/181088April 26, 195817Scope and Content

Playbill. Fourth performance by the New York City Opera Company. Includes NY City Center flyer and newspaper clipping about the show.

Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo, Civic Musical Association of Richmond/repositories/2/archival_objects/181089April 2, 195518Scope and Content

Musical Celebrities: The Concert Magazine, Vol. XXVIII, No. 9.

The Ballet Theatre, European Tour souvenir program/repositories/2/archival_objects/181090May-October 195319Scope and Content

Includes ticket stub for Mosque Theatre April 29, 1954

The Ballet Theatre, The Mosque/repositories/2/archival_objects/181091November 22, 1954110Il Barbiere di Siviglia, Metropolitan Opera/repositories/2/archival_objects/181092November 25, 1954111Scope and Content

The Barber of Seville, libretto by Cesare Sterbini, music by Gioacchino Rossini. Season 1954-1955.

Bolschoi Ballett, Deutschlandhalle/repositories/2/archival_objects/181093October 23-26, 1969112Scope and Content

Item is in German

The Boy Friend, Royale Theatre/repositories/2/archival_objects/181094June-July 1955113Scope and Content

Playbill. Written by Sandy Wilson. July program includes cast change note insert and was removed from binder 1 of 2.

Call Me Madam, The Imperial Theatre/repositories/2/archival_objects/181095April 1952114Scope and Content

Playbill. Music and lyrics by Irving Berlin, book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse. Removed from binder 1 of 2.

Can-Can, Sam S. Shubert Theatre/repositories/2/archival_objects/181096November 1954115Scope and Content

Playbill. Music and lyrics by Cole Porter, book by Abe Burrows. Removed from binder 1 of 2.

Canterbury Tales, Phoenix Theatre souvenir program/repositories/2/archival_objects/181097circa 1971116Scope and Content

Includes cast change note insert

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Morosco Theatre/repositories/2/archival_objects/181098July 1955117Scope and Content

Playbill. Written by Tennessee Williams. Removed from binder 1 of 2.

The Cave Dwellers, The Bijou Theatre/repositories/2/archival_objects/181099October 24, 1957118Scope and Content

Playbill, Vol. 1, No. 4. Written by William Saroyan; Bijou Theatre Series Production No. 3. Removed from binder 1 of 2. Includes 3 newspaper clippings, including one duplicate of a review by Brooks Atkinson.

The Chalk Garden, Ethel Barrymore Theatre/repositories/2/archival_objects/181100December 1955119Scope and Content

Playbill. Written by Enid Bagnold. Removed from binder 1 of 2.

The Country Wife, Adelphi Theatre/repositories/2/archival_objects/181101November 29, 1957120Scope and Content

Playbill, Vol. 1, No. 8. Written by William Wycherley. Removed from binder 1 of 2.

The Crucible, Martinique Theatre/repositories/2/archival_objects/181102May 27, 1958121Scope and Content

Written by Arthur Miller

The Dance Drama Company, Sweet Briar College/repositories/2/archival_objects/181103October 14, 1955122Scope and Content

Featuring Emily Frankel and Mark Ryder

The Dark at the Top of the Stairs, The Music Box/repositories/2/archival_objects/181104February 10, 1958123Scope and Content

Playbill, Vol. 2, No. 5. Written by William Inge. Removed from binder 1 of 2. Includes magazine clipping of a cartoon depicting characters from play.

The Diary of Anne Frank, Cort Theatre/repositories/2/archival_objects/181105December 1955124Scope and Content

Playbill. Written by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett. Removed from binder 1 of 2.

Don Giovanni, Metropolitan Opera/repositories/2/archival_objects/181106April 8, 1958125Scope and Content

Libretto by Lorenzo Da Ponte, music by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Season 1957-1958.

"Edgar Degas (1834-1917): Original Wax Sculptures" exhibition booklet/repositories/2/archival_objects/181107November 9-December 3, 1955126Scope and Content

"This is the first exhibition of the original works in wax by Degas from which the series of bronzes were cast by A.-A. Hébrard". M. Knoedler & Company, Inc.

Endgame, Cherry Lane Theatre/repositories/2/archival_objects/181108January 29, 1958127Scope and Content

Off-B'way Showbill. Written by Samuel Beckett; American Premiere.

The Entertainer, Royale Theatre/repositories/2/archival_objects/181109March 3, 1958128Scope and Content

Playbill, Vol. 2, No. 9. Written by John Osborne. Removed from binder 1 of 2.

Eugene Istomin, Pianist, The Community Concert Association/repositories/2/archival_objects/1811101956-1957129Fanny, Majestic Theatre/repositories/2/archival_objects/181111July 1955130Scope and Content

Playbill. Book by S.N. Behrman and Joshua Logan, music and lyrics by Harold Rome. Removed from binder 1 of 2.

Faust, Metropolitan Opera/repositories/2/archival_objects/181112December 21, 1955131Scope and Content

Libretto by Jules Barbier and Michel Carré, music by Charles Gounod. Season 1955-1956.

Fledermaus Souvenir Libretto, Metropolitan Opera/repositories/2/archival_objects/1811131951132Scope and Content

The Metropolitan Opera's New English Version. Music by Johann Strauss, lyrics by Howard Dietz, and book by Garson Kanin.

Fledermaus, Civic Musical Association of Richmond/repositories/2/archival_objects/181114October 16, 1951133Scope and Content

Musical Celebrities: The Concert Magazine, Vol. V, No. 2. The Metropolitan Opera's New English Version. Music by Johann Strauss, lyrics by Howard Dietz, and book by Garson Kanin. Includes ticket stub and flyer; program has handwritten note on front cover.

Garden District, York Playhouse/repositories/2/archival_objects/1811151958134Scope and Content

Written by Tennessee Williams

George London, Bass-Baritone of the Metropolitan Opera Association, The Community Concert Association/repositories/2/archival_objects/1811161956-1957135Scope and Content

Werner Singer at the Piano

"Goya in the Prado" exhibition booklet, National Gallery of Art, Washington/repositories/2/archival_objects/1811171976136Greek Festival, Randolph-Macon Woman's College/repositories/2/archival_objects/181118May 14-15, 1954137Scope and Content

"In Honor of Professor Mabel Kate Whiteside, Teacher of Greek, 1904-1954"

The Guggenheim Memorial Concerts, On the Mall, Central Park/repositories/2/archival_objects/181119July 3, 1955138Scope and Content

38th Season, 15th Concert. Featuring The Goldman Band, Edwin Franko Goldman, Conductor.

"The Head of Queen Nofretete" exhibition program, Berlin State Museums/repositories/2/archival_objects/18112019614I Am A Camera, The Empire Theatre/repositories/2/archival_objects/181121April 1953139Scope and Content

Playbill. Written by John Van Druten. Removed from binder 1 of 2.

The Iceman Cometh, Circle in the Square/repositories/2/archival_objects/181122August 1956140Scope and Content

Written by Eugene O'Neill

Irén Marik Piano Recital, Sweet Briar College/repositories/2/archival_objects/181123October 17, 1956141Scope and Content

Manson Hall

Irén Marik Piano Recital, Hungarian Relief Benefit, Randolph-Macon Woman's College/repositories/2/archival_objects/181124December 2, 1956142Scope and Content

Smith Memorial Auditorium

"The Irish Players present Three Plays by John Millington Synge," Theatre East/repositories/2/archival_objects/181125October 13, 1957143Scope and Content

Off-B'way Showbill. Includes ticket stubs.

Jose Limon and Dance Company souvenir program/repositories/2/archival_objects/181126circa 1950s144Scope and Content

Includes newspaper clipping on Jose Limon's "Missa Brevis" from May 18, 1958

"Joyce Grenfell bids you a 'Good Evening' with George Bauer at the Piano," Sweet Briar College/repositories/2/archival_objects/181127November 20, 1956145La Traviata, Civic Musical Association of Richmond/repositories/2/archival_objects/181128April 30, 1957146Scope and Content

Musical Celebrities: The Concert Magazine, Vol. XXX, No. 12. Metropolitan Opera New Production. Libretto by F. M. Piave, music by Giuseppe Verdi. Includes 2 newspaper clippings on A Streetcar Named Desire.

The Living Room, Henry Miller's Theatre/repositories/2/archival_objects/181129November 1954147Scope and Content

Playbill. Written by Graham Greene. Removed from binder 1 of 2.

London's Festival Ballet, Civic Musical Association of Richmond/repositories/2/archival_objects/181130January 20, 1955148Scope and Content

Musical Celebrities: The Concert Magazine, Vol. XXVIII, No. 6.

London Festival Ballet, London Coliseum/repositories/2/archival_objects/181131May 14, 1971149Scope and Content

21st Season

"London Festival Ballet 1950/1971," 21st Season Program/repositories/2/archival_objects/1811321970-1971150Long Days Journey Into Night, Helen Hayes Theatre/repositories/2/archival_objects/181133December 1956, October 195721Scope and Content

Playbill. Written by Eugene O'Neill. Both removed from binder 1 of 2. December 1956 program includes The Actor's Fund donation insert. October 1957 Playbill: Vol. 1, No. 3.

Look Back in Anger, Lyceum Theatre/repositories/2/archival_objects/181134February 3, 195822Scope and Content

Playbill, Vol. 2, No. 5. Written by John Osborne. Removed from binder 1 of 2. Includes newspaper clipping about the show.

Look Homeward, Angel, Ethel Barrymore Theatre/repositories/2/archival_objects/181135April 24, 195823Scope and Content

Playbill, Vol. 2, No. 16. Written by Ketti Frings. Removed from binder 1 of 2.

Lucia di Lammermoor, Metropolitan Opera/repositories/2/archival_objects/181136December 19, 195624Scope and Content

Libretto by Salvatore Cammarano, music by Gaetano Donizetti. Season 1956-1957.

Madama Butterfly, Metropolitan Opera/repositories/2/archival_objects/181137March 12, 195825Scope and Content

Libretto by Luigi Illica and Giuseppe Giacosa, music by Giacomo Puccini. Season 1957-1958. Includes magazine clipping on the show.

Major Barbara, Morosco Theatre/repositories/2/archival_objects/181138December 195626Scope and Content

Playbill. Written by George Bernard Shaw. Removed from binder 1 of 2.

"Marcel Marceau and His Partners Pierre Verry and Alvin Epstein in An Evening of Pantomime," Randolph-Macon Woman's College Fine Arts Series/repositories/2/archival_objects/181139October 18, 195527Scope and Content

Smith Memorial Hall. Repertory by Marcel Marceau.

"Marcel Marceau and his partners Gilles Segal and Pierre Verry," New York City Center/repositories/2/archival_objects/181140January 30, 195828Scope and Content

Playbill, Vol. 2, No. 4

Marcel Marceau, Theater des Westens souvenir program/repositories/2/archival_objects/181141September 17, 197129Scope and Content

Inscription on last page

"Marcel Marceau and his Partner Pierre Verry," Kennedy Center souvenir program/repositories/2/archival_objects/181142April 19, 1975210Scope and Content

Inscription inside front cover

Marlene Dietrich accompanied by Burt Bacharach, tour souvenir program/repositories/2/archival_objects/181143circa 1960211Martha Graham and Dance Company souvenir program/repositories/2/archival_objects/18114419584Martha Graham and Her Dance Company, Adelphi Theatre/repositories/2/archival_objects/181145April 9-10, 1958212Scope and Content

Playbill. Both programs Vol. 2, No. 14.

Martha Graham and Dance Company souvenir program/repositories/2/archival_objects/181146October 1966213Martha Graham and Dance Company, Lisner Auditorium of George Washington University/repositories/2/archival_objects/181147October 10-11, 1966214Scope and Content

Institute of Contemporary Arts, Twentieth Anniversary Year. Includes 2 copies of season schedule insert.

Mary Stuart, Phoenix Theatre/repositories/2/archival_objects/181148October 27, 1957215Scope and Content

Off-B'way Showbill. Written by Friedrich Schiller, new adaptation by Jean Stock Goldstone and John Reich. Includes 2 newspaper clippings about the show.

The Matchmaker, Royale Theatre/repositories/2/archival_objects/181149December 1955, August 1956216Scope and Content

Playbill. Written by Thornton Wilder. Both removed from binder 1 of 2.

The Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra, The Community Concert Association/repositories/2/archival_objects/1811501955-1956217Scope and Content

Antal Dorati, Conductor and Gerard Samuel, Assistant Conductor

Mister Roberts, "The Annual Drama Series", New York City Center of Music and Drama/repositories/2/archival_objects/181151December 1956218Scope and Content

Playbill. Written by Joshua Logan and Thomas Heggen. Removed from binder 2 of 2.

Monique, John Golden Theatre/repositories/2/archival_objects/181152November 1957219Scope and Content

Playbill, Vol. 1, No. 10. Written by Dorothy and Michael Blankfort. Removed from binder 2 of 2.

The Most Happy Fella, Imperial Theatre/repositories/2/archival_objects/181153August 1956220Scope and Content

Playbill. Book, music, and lyrics by Frank Loesser. Removed from binder 2 of 2. Includes cast change note insert.

My Fair Lady, Mark Hellinger Theatre/repositories/2/archival_objects/181154August 1956, February 10, 1958221Scope and Content

Playbill. Lyrics and book/libretto by Alan Jay Lerner, music by Frederick Loewe. Includes two copies of August 1956 program; copy with date written on front and February 1958 programs both removed from binder 2 of 2.

National Symphony Orchestra, Randolph-Macon Woman's College/repositories/2/archival_objects/181155March 2, 1957222Scope and Content

Smith Memorial Hall. Founded by Hans Kindler in 1931, Howard Mitchell Music Director, 26th Season.

New York City Ballet, New York City Center of Music and Drama/repositories/2/archival_objects/181156December 13-18, 1955, December 19-23, 1956223Scope and Content

Playbill

New York City Ballet/repositories/2/archival_objects/181157November 30, 1957, January 9, 1958224Scope and Content

Playbill, Vol. 1, No. 8 (1957) and Vol. 2, No. 1 (1958). New York City Ballet Company, Winter Season 1957-1958.

New York City Ballet souvenir program/repositories/2/archival_objects/181158circa 19664New York City Ballet souvenir program/repositories/2/archival_objects/181159circa 1975225New York City Ballet, The Kennedy Center/repositories/2/archival_objects/181160April 5, 1975226Scope and Content

Stagebill, Volume III, No. 8

New York Philharmonic conducted by Thomas Schippers, Carnegie Hall/repositories/2/archival_objects/181161October 19, 1957227Scope and Content