Original Listing Description

I'm currently listing a large number of playbills from out-of-town tryouts prior to the Broadway runs. Many are from early performances when revisions were common and include song titles that were cut before opening in New York. (See cut songs below.) ....... This is a rare autographed September 30th, 1977 playbill from the Pre-Broadway tryout and WORLD PREMIERE engagement of the LOUIS LaRUSSO II, WILL HOLT and GARY WILLIAM FRIEDMAN musical flop "SUNSET" at the Studio Arena Theatre in Buffalo, New York. (The production, retitled "PLATINUM" would open November 12th, 1978 at the Mark Hellinger Theatre in New York City and close after only 33 performances. An attempt to revive "SUNSET" in 1983 at the Off-Broadway Village Gate Downstairs would result in a one-performance failure.) ..... The musical starred ALEXIS SMITH (who signed the front cover) as an aging film star and featured BUDDY VEST, BILL STARR, LISA MORDENTE, RONALD "Ron" PERLMAN, YOLANDA RAY RAVEN, TERRY RIESER, CHERYL ALEXANDER, CHRISTINE FAITH and DIVA GRAY. (Note: ALEXIS SMITH and LISA MORDENTE are the only cast members who were retained for the Broadway run of "PLATINUM".) ..... CREDITS: Book by LOUIS LaRUSSO II (who would be replaced by BRUCE VILANCH) from an original concept by WILL HOLT; Lyrics by WILL HOLT; Music by GARY WILLIAM FRIEDMAN ("The Me Nobody Knows"); Sets designed by DOUGLAS W. SCHMIDT (who would be replaced by DAVID HAYS); Costumes designed by JOSEPH G. AULISI (who would be replaced by BOB MACKIE); Choreographed and Directed by TOMMY TUNE (who would be replaced by JOE LAYTON); Produced by STUDIO ARENA THEATRE ..... DETAILS: The 24 page playbill measures 5 5/8" X 9" inches and includes full production credits, cast list, synopsis of scenes, list of musical numbers and bios of each of the leading actors and members of the creative team but with the exception of the front cover, no cast photos ..... CUT SONGS: The list of musical numbers includes "Retreat", "Rock is My Way of Life", "True Music" and "Waltz" which were cut out-of-town ..... CONDITION: This rare playbill is in excellent condition and will make a wonderful addition to the collection of any musical theatre aficionado or historian. This item will be carefully packaged in a protective, carded sleeve and backed by stiff cardboard ..... SHIPPING DISCOUNTS: Check my "Other Items" for additional rare Broadway playbills and other theatre related memorabilia. Shipping discounts are available for multiple purchases when all items are combined into a single payment. Please wait for a revised invoice before sending payment ..... THANKS !!! Pay me securely with any major credit card through PayPal!

Note: This item has been sold and is no longer available. This page serves as a historical price reference for Playbill collectors and appraisers.