[Horne, Lena. (1917–2010) & Montalbán, Ricardo. (1920–2009)]

"Jamaica" - Original Playbill

Playbill for the 1957 Broadway production of the Yip Harburg, Fred Saidy, and Harold Arlen musical Jamaica, starring Horne and Montalbán in the lead roles.  32 pp.  Light wear to edges, overall in fine condition.  6.5 x 9 inches (16.5 x 22.9 cm.).

Jamaica tells the story of an island community fighting the intrusion of American commercialism.  The music drew from the then-trendy form of Calypso, inspired in large part by the success of Harry Belafonte, for whom the show was originally. When he dropped out due to illness, the show was tailored to fit Lena Horn instead.  It ran on Broadway for 558 performances.


From the collection of Paul McMahon, a critic, photographer and artist who worked for more than 13 years touring with Marlene Dietrich as the icon’s stage manager, announcer, dresser, secretary and escort, and later spent 25 years as an arts and entertainment reviewer and photographer with Gay Community News, Esplanade, Tommy’s Connection, The Mirror, Bay Windows and other publications. (20359)


Program, unsigned
Song
Theater