Estate / Collection: Property of a Los Angeles Lady
A CHORUS LINE
Poster and shirt signed by Michael Bennett. A circa 1976 poster for A Chorus Line with the lettering in reflective silver over an oatmeal-colored background with a photographic reproduction of the cast on the chorus line, signed "Michael Bennett" in black across the bottom, 22 x 14 inches (56 x 36 cm), two corners bent, other minor wear. The shirt similarly colored and with the same motif, signed in black "Michael Bennett." Faint pink stains but fine overall.
Michael Bennett (1943-1987) was the seven-time Tony Award-winning choreographer and director of Follies, Dreamgirls, and of course, A Chorus Line, which opened in July 1975 and ran for a record-setting 6,137 shows. A classic Broadway show about Broadway shows, A Chorus Line was based on the workshop audition process pioneered by Bennett. Unfortunately, Michael Bennett died of an AIDS-related illness in 1987. The signature of this towering figure of dance and musical theater is scarce.
Sold for $409
Estimated at $300 - $500
Includes Buyer's Premium
Estate / Collection: Property of a Los Angeles Lady
A CHORUS LINE
Poster and shirt signed by Michael Bennett. A circa 1976 poster for A Chorus Line with the lettering in reflective silver over an oatmeal-colored background with a photographic reproduction of the cast on the chorus line, signed "Michael Bennett" in black across the bottom, 22 x 14 inches (56 x 36 cm), two corners bent, other minor wear. The shirt similarly colored and with the same motif, signed in black "Michael Bennett." Faint pink stains but fine overall.
Michael Bennett (1943-1987) was the seven-time Tony Award-winning choreographer and director of Follies, Dreamgirls, and of course, A Chorus Line, which opened in July 1975 and ran for a record-setting 6,137 shows. A classic Broadway show about Broadway shows, A Chorus Line was based on the workshop audition process pioneered by Bennett. Unfortunately, Michael Bennett died of an AIDS-related illness in 1987. The signature of this towering figure of dance and musical theater is scarce.
Auction: Stage & Screen, Dec 15, 2023
NEW YORK, NY -- Doyle's third annual Stage & Screen auction on December 15, 2023 attracted determined competition from collectors and fans around the world resulting in a sale total that surpassed expectations! Held in collaboration with the Entertainment Community Fund, the auction offered artwork, memorabilia, props, autographs and photographs from the vast history of the performing arts: Theater, Hollywood, Music and Dance.
Recognizing the importance of the performing arts to the fabric of New York, and the terrible toll the pandemic and recent strikes have taken on the entertainment community, Doyle is proud to donate 10% of our profit from this auction to the Entertainment Community Fund.
Highlighting the sale was an important 1969 letter and drawing from rock legend Freddie Mercury to Ibex bandmate Mick "Miffer" Smith that soared past its $12,000-18,000 estimate to achieve $50,400. Penned a year before forming Queen, Mercury discusses seeing Led Zeppelin, his sexuality, his songwriting, and his early bands’, Ibex and Wreckage, upcoming performances. The letter is a tour-de-force of descriptive thought and shows his growing passion for writing music.
A special section of the auction comprising lots 5001 - 5019 featured celebrity memorabilia presented by the Entertainment Community Fund. While a portion of proceeds from every item in the auction benefited the Fund, 100% of the hammer price of the lots in this section goes entirely to the Entertainment Community Fund.
A highlight of this section was the stunning pink double-breasted velvet tuxedo jacket worn by Daniel Craig to the world premiere of No Time To Die at London's Royal Albert Hall on September 28, 2021. With competition from both sides of the Atlantic, the tuxedo jacket sold for $10,710, more than doubling its $3,000-5,000 estimate.
Founded in 1882, the Entertainment Community Fund (formerly The Actors Fund) is a national 501(c)(3) charitable organization for performing arts and entertainment professionals. The Fund helps address the specific needs of those in the industry, with a unique understanding of the challenges involved in a life in the arts. Read More ►
Consignments are currently being accepted for future auctions. We invite you to contact us for a free auction estimate.
For information, please contact Peter Costanzo at 212-427-4141, ext 248, or email Peter.Costanzo@Doyle.com