Broadway Ballyhoo: The American Theater Seen in Posters, Photographs, Magazines, Caricatures, and Programs

by Mary C. Henderson

Captures the history of stage presentations through mementos of the event and also, at the same time, provides a trip down memory lane

184 pages, Hardcover

First published November 30, 1989

Reviews

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here's a delightful look back at theater, primarily in NY, and the burgeoning promotion business that developed to support the industry. From b/w single sheet handbills to full color trade magazines, photography and illustration, this is a lovingly researched, handsomely designed and produced book.

Each section: Posters, Photographs, Magazines, Caricatures and Programs examines how the promotion business developed in each area and the artists who became successful in the business providing artwork for newspapers and magazines that contracted their work. From the earliest printer's block typography handbills, to the illustrator's colorful rendition of posters, playbills and magazines, a whole industry proliferated devoted to the stage. Originally actors had studio portraits made and in time photographers shot rehearsal performances so that producers could promote their productions. When a special production warranted, elaborate programs were part of the theatrical experience.

By disseminating photographs actors became better known, indeed some photographers made a small fortune selling images of stars they'd photographed. There is a close look at theatrical trade publications, precursors to motion picture magazines that sprang up with the new industry.

This book gives a charming look back at Broadway's heyday and demonstrates how an industry sprang up devoted to promoting theater and today that industry continues to evolve with a continuing network of artists, writers, illustrators and designers who promote theater, television and film today.