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.

Life With Lucy Cast & Crew Sweatshirt

Aaron Spelling Productions started a new weekly series on ABC for the Fall of 1986 called “Life With Lucy.” Lucille Ball would return to television in an attempt to resurrect the “Lucy” character fans all knew and loved. Wanting to get ‘back in her arena’ she called on veteran actor Gale Gordon to be her straight man and co-star.

This sweatshirt is believed to be a gift to the cast and crew or possibly a prototype. Since the show was unfortunately canceled early on, plans to potentially mass produce these ceased. It features the Al Hirschfeld caricature and a variation of show’s logo printed in a totally 80’s salmon pink with royal blue shadowing. Similar promotional items were made including hats, bumper stickers and a jacket (which was shared in a past post).

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.”