Various (Brando, Marlon; Fonda, Henry; Hayes, Helen; Meredith, Burgess; West, Mae et al.)

The Playgoer (1950-1959) with: Ephemera

San Francisco, CA, USA: Frentrup Publishing Company, 1950-1959. First Editions. Stapled Wrappers; Single Sheets. Signed by Mae West. “Mae West played ‘Diamond Lil’ for ten months to record-breaking crowds in London and then triumphed in New York, where she played the same role which she originated on Broadway in 1928 to standing room audiences. Likewise, Miss West’s ‘Diamond Lil’ enchanted capacity audiences in Chicago.” (pg. 2) “The Playgoer” and its publisher Frentrup both have faded into obscurity, and little-to-no information is available about them online. The only thing we know for sure is it was established in 1900, as indicated on the contents page. With advertisements on every page, each playbill includes “Who’s who in the cast” (actor biographies) and “Foyer Chat” (news and reviews) along with the cast of the production and a synopsis of scenes. “The Playgoer” printed playbills for several theatres in the San Francisco area. The Geary Theatre was designated a historic landmark in 1975 and has since become the American Conservatory Theater offering both classical and contemporary productions and acting school. The San Francisco Repertory Theatre was housed in what became the Boarding House, one of San Francisco’s premiere music and comedy theatres that launched the careers of Robin Williams & Steve Martin. The Curran Theatre opened in 1922 and is named after its founder, theatre producer Homer Curran (1885-1952). Included in this bundle are (1) The Playgoer: Geary Theatre – Mae West as “Diamond Lil’” (signed on front cover) (April 1, 1951); (2) The Playgoer: Curran Theatre – Burgess Meredith & Scott McKay in “The Teahouse of the August Moon” (March 14, 1955); (3) The Playgoer: Curran Theatre – Helen Hayes in “What Every Woman Knows” (November 1, 1954); (4) The Playgoer: Geary Theatre – Donald Harron & Pippa Scott in “Look Back in Anger” (April 20, 1959); (5) The Playgoer: Repertory Theatre – Frederic Gadette in “The Adding Machine” (May 22nd, 1950). Additionally, corresponding flyers and folded playbills are tucked between the pages of most volumes, including (6) Geary Theatre: “Bus Stop” by William Inge (October 3, 1955) (folded sheet); (7) Geary Theatre: “Henry Fonda in Mister Roberts” (May 1, 1951) (single sheet); (8) Curran Theatre: Noel Coward in “Nude with Violin” & “Present Laughter” (Feb 11, 1952) (folded sheet); (9) The Playhouse Repertory Company: A Phoenix too Frequent by Christopher Fry (folded pamphlet); (10) Geary Theatre: “Two for the Seesaw” (May 25, 1959) (single sheet); (11) Curran Theatre: “Li’l Abner” (Apr 27, 1959). Small-format magazines in stapled wrappers (6” x 9”): presumed first editions, first-&-only printings. In relatively fine condition with minor bumping, creasing to the fine edges and corners of front, back covers and some pages; minor rubbing, spotting to covers; idle pencil markings in bottom left corner of front cover of (3). Near Fine. [Item #7100]

Price: $250.00