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Original 1957 WEST SIDE STORY Broadway Playbill
Winter Garden Theatre
Week of December 23, 1957
Vol. 1 • No. 13
Offered here is an authentic early-run Broadway Playbill from the original production ofWest Side Story— one of the most important musicals in American theatre history.
Music by Leonard Bernstein
Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Book by Arthur Laurents
Directed & Choreographed by Jerome Robbins
Original Cast Includes:
• Carol Lawrence (Maria)
• Larry Kert (Tony)
• Chita Rivera (Anita)
• Mickey Calin (Riff)
This issue dates to December 1957, only months after opening night (September 1957), making it an early production example.
Advertising Highlights (Strong Crossover Appeal)
This issue is loaded with premium mid-century advertising, including:
• L&M Filters (full back cover)
• Kent Filters
• Benson & Hedges
• Dewar’s White Label
• Gilbey’s Gin
• Black & White Scotch
• Rheingold Beer
• Lanvin Parfums
• Buick Limited
• Coty
Appeals to:
✔ Broadway collectors
✔ Sondheim collectors
✔ Bernstein collectors
✔ Jerome Robbins dance collectors
✔ 1950s tobacco advertising collectors
✔ Mid-century graphic design collectors
Condition
• Complete and intact
• Moderate age toning
• Light cover wear consistent with age
• Clean interior pages
• Binding solid
• No missing pages observed
Displays beautifully for its age (1957).
Why This Is a Strong Piece
This is:
✔ Original 1957 production
✔ Winter Garden Theatre issue
✔ Vol. 1 / No. 13 (early in run)
✔ Original cast lineup
✔ Major American theatre milestone
✔ Heavy 1950s advertising content
West Side Story early-run issues consistently outperform average 1950s Playbills.
✅ Item Specifics
Industry: Theater
Object Type: Playbill
Original/Reproduction: Original
Production: West Side Story
Theatre: Winter Garden Theatre
Date: Week of December 23, 1957
Volume: Vol. 1
Issue Number: No. 13
Music By: Leonard Bernstein
Lyrics By: Stephen Sondheim
Book By: Arthur Laurents
Directed By: Jerome Robbins
Cast Includes: Carol Lawrence, Larry Kert, Chita Rivera, Mickey Calin, Ken Le Roy
Era: 1950s
Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
Material: Paper
Features: Original Broadway Production
Vintage Advertising: L&M Filters, Kent Filters, Benson & Hedges, Dewar’s White Label, Gilbey’s Gin, Lanvin, Buick, Coty, Black & White Scotch, Rheingold Beer
Condition: Good Vintage Condition
Modified Item: No
