Tag: Program

Lucille Ball’s 1983 March of Dimes Jack Benny Memorial Award

On Thursday evening, June 2, 1983 Lucille Ball was honored by the March of Dimes with the Jack Benny Memorial Award at the Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles. Guests for the event included Julie Andrews, Bob Hope, Jack Lemmon, Dean Martin and Gregory Peck. Close friend and fellow comedian Carol Burnett presented Lucy the award for lifelong contributions to the world of entertainment and her dedicated support of charitable causes.

The award is actually an enameled wood music box that measures roughly 9 inches by 5 inches and features a bronze plaque on the inside engraved “March of Dimes Jack Benny Memorial Award presented to Lucille Ball – June 2, 1983” along with a depiction of Benny’s signature violin and the March of Dimes logo.

The exterior lid is adorned with a decorative antique porcelain rose from the People’s Republic of China, crafted circa 1862-74 by Tung Chih. Also shown here is an original silver program from the ceremony with an illustration sketch of Lucille on the cover. Ball also signed it on the front as well inside with an inscription “To Eddy.” The program is filled with photos and salutations from various celebrities, friends, industry leaders and networks.

by Categories: Autograph, Awards, Bob Hope, Carol Burnett, Jack Benny, Lucille Ball, Personal, Program, TelevisionTags: , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Wildcat Broadway Playbill Signed by Lucille Ball

The musical comedy “Wildcat” debuted in Philadelphia on October 29, 1960. However, the official Broadway premiere was delayed because of a major blizzard that left the trucks hauling sets and costumes to New York City stranded for several days. Finally on December 16th it opened at the Alvin Theatre in Midtown Manhattan.

This an original playbill from one of the performances on West 52nd Street that has been signed “Love Lucy” by the headliner herself, Lucille Ball. Three other signatures also adorn the cover who are believed to be dancers or other actors in the show.

by Categories: Desilu, Lucille Ball, Television, WildcatTags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Television Academy Arts & Sciences 14th Annual Ball Honoring Lucille Ball Ticket & Program

The Television Academy Arts & Sciences honored Lucille Ball on October 25, 1969 with an award and event proclaiming her “The First Lady of Television.” Held in the International Room at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, the 14th annual affair was emceed by ‘Mr. Television’ himself Milton Berle in front of 1,000 members. Also in attendance was Lucy’s husband Gary Morton, Lucie Arnaz and Desi Arnaz, Jr., Vivian Vance and many other friends.

Shown here is an original program, ticket and RSVP stub from the ball. A three-inch gold-plated metal table favor was also given to guests that evening. Lucy wore a beautiful aqua chiffon grown adorned with beads and rhinestones that trimmed the collar and front hem with sleeves that were engulfed with ostrich feathers at the ends. (to be featured in another post)

by Categories: Al Hirschfeld, Awards, CBS, Desi Arnaz Jr, Emmy Awards, Gary Morton, Gifts, I Love Lucy, Lucie Arnaz, Lucille Ball, Milton Berle, Personal, Photo, Program, Television, Ticket, Vivian VanceTags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Vivian Vance’s “The Voice of the Turtle” Program from La Jolla Playhouse

In July of 1951 Vivian Vance was performing at the La Jolla Playhouse in the production of “The Voice of the Turtle.” This would be the stage where Desi Arnaz and Jess Oppenheimer watched their soon to be ‘Ethel Mertz’ portray Olive Lashbrooke in the Saturday, July 28th matinee.

The program shown here is the original copy Vivian Vance kept for her archives. Viv’s sister Lou Ann Graham inherited all of her programs from her years of stage performances. These were sold to the public in Lucille Ball’s hometown of Jamestown, NY during one of the annual festivals.

by Categories: Broadway, Desi Arnaz, Ethel Mertz, I Love Lucy, Jamestown, Jess Oppenheimer, Lucille Ball, Personal, Program, Television, The Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Show, The Lucy Show, The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour, Vivian VanceTags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Lucille Ball in Wildcat Broadway Promotional Items

In 1960 Lucille Ball headed East to star in the musical comedy “Wildcat” on Broadway. The show, which was partially financed by Desilu, debuted in Philadelphia on October 29, 1960. The official Broadway premiere was delayed because of a major blizzard that left the trucks hauling sets and costumes to New York City stranded for several days. However, on December 16th it opened at the Alvin Theatre on West 52nd Street.

These are some original promotional items which include a large program featuring cast bios on the inside and a fantastic photo of Lucy as Wildcat “Wildy” Jacson on the back, an oversized sticker and pinback button both with matching color scheme of a red and yellow and the proclamation “Broadway Loves Lucy.”

by Categories: Desilu, Lucille Ball, Television, WildcatTags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Lucille Ball’s 1985 Will Rogers Memorial Award

On March 1, 1985 Lucille Ball was the recipient of the annual Will Rogers Memorial Award from the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce and Civic Association, at a black-tie Silver Anniversary Ball held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. Past honorees include Bob Hope, Carol Burnett, Ella Fitzgerald, George Burns with Jimmy Durante being the first entertainer recognized in 1960 for outstanding contributions to the entertainment world.

The wooden plaque measures 11″ x 13.5″ with a copper-faced plate featuring the sculptured relief image of Will Rogers at the top and the engraved commendation below. Paired with the award is an original program from the evening signed by Lucy on the cover.

by Categories: Autograph, Awards, Lucille Ball, Personal, Television, Will RogersTags: , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment