John Raitt (Signed) "PAJAMA GAME" Carol Haney / Shirley MacLaine 1954 Program

Description

This is a rare autographed souvenir program from the Pre-Broadway tryouts of the RICHARD ADLER and JERRY ROSS musical comedy hit "THE PAJAMA GAME". (The production would open May 13th, 1954 at the St. James Theatre in New York City and run for 1061 performances.) ..... The musical starred JOHN RAITT, EDDIE FOY, JR. and JANIS PAIGE and featured CAROL HANEY, RETA SHAW, RALPH DUNN, STANLEY PRAGER, JACK WALDRON, MARION COLBY and RALPH W. CHAMBERS. Among the ensemble were SHIRLEY MacLAINE, THELMA PELISH, VIRGINIA MARTIN, LIDA LOEHRING and JOHN FORD ..... NOTE: The back cover of the program was signed by cast members JOHN RAITT, EDDIE FOY, JR., CAROL HANEY, RETA SHAW, SHIRLEY MacLAINE (inscribed "Lots of Luck"), THELMA PELISH, VIRGINIA MARTIN, LIDA LOEHRING and JOHN FORD. Several are inscribed "To Renna" and with the exception of Eddie Foy, Jr.'s signature, all are signed in pencil. Also, on the title page you can still faintly see where Janis Paige's name was crossed out (in pencil) by the original theatregoer and Shirley MacLaine's name was added beneath it. Apparently MacLaine stepped into the starring role at this particular tryout performance ..... Side Note: Hollywood producer Hal Wallis attended an early Broadway performance of "THE PAJAMA GAME" expressly to see Carol Haney's performance, however torn ligaments kept Miss Haney on the sidelines for the dance numbers. Wallis was so impressed with her understudy, SHIRLEY MacLAINE, that he offered her a contract immediately after the show. It was not long before MacLaine left the show and was starring in her first motion picture. "THE PAJAMA GAME" was the winner of six 1955 Tony Awards including "Best Musical" ..... CREDITS: Book by GEORGE ABBOTT and RICHARD BISSELL based on the novel, "7 1/2 Cents" by RICHARD BISSELL; Music and Lyrics by RICHARD ADLER and JERRY ROSS ("Damn Yankees"); Sets and Costumes designed by LEMUEL AYERS; Choreographed by BOB FOSSE; Directed by GEORGE ABBOTT and JEROME ROBBINS; Produced by FREDERICK BRISSON, ROBERT E. GRIFFITH and HAROLD S. PRINCE ..... DETAILS: The oversized 20 page program measures 9" X 12" inches and includes full production credits, photos and bios of each of the leading actors and members of the creative team and several pages of rehearsal photos ..... PLEASE NOTE: The scanned pages have been cropped due to the limitations of my scanner. The margins are slightly wider than shown ..... CONDITION: With the exception of light creasing, this program is in excellent condition and will make a wonderful addition to the collection of any musical theatre aficionado or historian. Check my "Other Auctions" for additional rare Pre-Broadway programs and playbills, Original Cast CD's and other theatre related memorabilia. Multiple purchases are always combined to save on shipping costs ..... NO RESERVE! ..... This item will be carefully packaged in a protective sleeve and backed by stiff cardboard ..... U.S. SHIPPING: Buyer pays choice of .75 USPS first class/ media rate shipping with delivery confirmation (50 cents for each additional program or playbill purchased when combined into a single payment - U.S. addresses only) or .95 USPS Priority with delivery confirmation. PayPal preferred ..... INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMERS: (Please Note!) I can now ship by USPS International First Class Airmail (.50 to Canada / .50 to all other international destinations) or by USPS Priority International recorded delivery (.00 to Canada / .00 to all other international destinations). Please email me with any other inquiries ..... THANKS !!!
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