Description :

Curran & Geary Playbill Set – SF Theatre Gems 1967–1978

This rare four-piece auction set features authentic Playbills and performance magazines from San Francisco’s most iconic theatrical venues—Geary Theater, Marines Memorial Theatre, and the Curran Theatre—spanning the years 1967 to 1978. Each item is a genuine production-issued artifact, not a reproduction, and reflects the vibrancy of the city’s performing arts scene during a pivotal cultural era.

American Conservatory Theatre – ACT Season (Jan 21–Jun 18, 1967) Held at the Geary Theater and Marines Memorial Theatre, this Playbill represents the inaugural season of the American Conservatory Theatre under the visionary leadership of William Ball, General Director. The repertory company featured a rotating ensemble of classically trained actors including Rene Auberjonois, Peter Donat, Richard Dysart, and Barbara Bosson, with direction by Ball himself and guest directors such as Allen Fletcher and Edward Hastings. Scenic design was led by John Lee Beatty, with costumes by Patricia Zipprodt and lighting by Martin Aronstein. This foundational season established ACT as a national leader in regional theatre.

Curran Theatre – I Love My Wife (1977) Presented under the banner of “Best of Broadway,” this Playbill from the Curran Theatre features the original San Francisco staging of I Love My Wife, directed by Gene Saks and produced by Carole Shorenstein Hays and James M. Nederlander. The musical starred Lenny Baker, Joanna Gleason, James Naughton, and Ilene Graff, with music by Cy Coleman and lyrics by Michael Stewart. Choreography was by Patricia Birch, scenic design by Tony Walton, and costumes by Ann Roth. The production was praised for its witty exploration of marital dynamics and its jazzy score.

Curtain Call Magazine – Half a Sixpence (Jul 26–Sep 10, 1978) This issue of SFCLO’s Curtain Call Magazine documents the San Francisco Civic Light Opera production of Half a Sixpence at the Curran Theatre, starring Tony Tanner as Arthur Kipps. Directed by Jack Bender, with musical direction by Paul Reiwelmer, the production featured choreography by Tommy Tune, scenic design by Peter Wolf, and costumes by Willa Kim. The ensemble included Susan Watson, George S. Irving, and Barbara Sharma, delivering a lively rendition of the British musical originally made famous by Tommy Steele.

Curtain Call Magazine – Fiddler on the Roof (Jun 7–Jul 23, 1978) Also from SFCLO, this magazine captures the summer staging of Fiddler on the Roof at the Curran Theatre, starring Theodore Bikel as Tevye. Directed by Harold Prince, with original choreography by Jerome Robbins, the production featured Beverly Wolff as Golde, Michael Lembeck as Motel, and Tovah Feldshuh as Tzeitel. Musical direction was by Stan Freeman, with scenic design by Boris Aronson, costumes by Patricia Zipprodt, and lighting by Tharon Musser. This staging preserved the integrity of the original Broadway production while resonating deeply with Bay Area audiences.

Each booklet in this set is a testament to San Francisco’s theatrical excellence, showcasing legendary performers, Tony-winning creative teams, and historically significant productions. Ideal for collectors of regional theatre ephemera, Broadway historians, and connoisseurs of mid-century stagecraft.

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