Kitt, Eartha. (1927-2008) & Clary, Robert. (b. 1926) & Ghostley, Alice. (1923-2007) & Graham, Ronny. (1919-1999) & De Luce, Virginia. (1921-1997) & Hammerlee, Patricia. (b. 1929)

"Leonard Sillman's New Faces of 1952" - Signed Program

Rare original program from a performance of the musical revue Leonard Sillman's New Faces of 1952, signed by five members of the cast, including a 25-year-old Eartha Kitt whose storied career was launched by this production. 32 pp. In fine condition. 6.5 x 9 inches (16.5 x 22.9 cm.).

Producer Leonard Sillman's (1908-1982) claim to fame was a concept that he developed at the Pasadena Playhouse in 1933 and brought to Broadway in 1934 as New Faces. The idea was just that; round up some young (and eager to work for bare-minimum-or-less) actors and give them something to do. The series introduced a number of future stars to the Broadway audience, including Inga Swenson, John Lund, Madeline Kahn, and Maggie Smith. New Faces of 1952, which was adapted into a film two years later, helped launch the careers of cast members Eartha Kitt (who became an overnight sensation) and Paul Lynde as well as Alice Ghostley, Ronnie Graham, Robert Clary and Carol Lawrence (five years before "West Side Story") and writer Mel Brooks—credited as Melvin—and lyricist Sheldon Harnick.

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. (20878)

Theater Signed Document/Item Signature Performing Arts & Media Film