(133) Vintage Magazines, Playbills, Pieces of Film and Theatrical Memorabilia, Etc.  An incredible treasure trove of works (many the first issued or from the original productions) cataloguing the history of the American theater on Broadway and in film, as well as issues of Mad Magazine. Particularly large assortment of pieces from Playbill and its (now defunct) rival Stagebill. 

Condition: Commensurate with age. None are pristine. 

Size (Individual): 12 x 9 in. 

Playbill collecting is a particularly niche type of collecting that focuses on works performed in major metropolitan hubs such as New York City or London, and specifically the documents produced for the edification of the audience members. A small leaflet, flier, or booklet is provided to theatergoers when entering the venue that often lists pertinent information such as the cast list, producers, background on the show or creators, and often advertisements and topical articles, some of which are more highly sought out than others for their rarity, timeliness, or other key factors. The word comes directly from “Playbill,” a magazine first printed in 1884 that eventually became the standard format for all Broadway theaters, with most regional and local theaters throughout the United States and the rest of the world following suit to various degrees. It almost always bears a yellow banner with the name across the top, with the artwork of the play to be seen below. In addition to collecting playbills, there is a significant market for the collection of signatures from the cast on them as well, as it adds a layer of authenticity to the piece, indicating that the owner of the playbill was there at the show and met the cast in person. Some playbills can go for thousands of dollars at auction, particularly older pieces in mint condition from before the collection of them became common.

Commensurate with age. None are pristine.