Tag: Wildcat

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.

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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.”

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Lucille Ball’s Glass Coaster from NYC Apartment

Lucille Ball returned to New York City in the early 1980’s when she and Gary moved into an apartment on the East side of Manhattan so she could be closer to her grandkids and daughter Lucie. Paula Stewart, close friend and co-star of the Broadway musical Wildcat, was tasked to be the interior decorator. Lucy wanted a “clean, uncomplicated space that was cheerful and child-proof.” This glass coaster with silver trim was part of that decor and adorned her dining room table as featured in the May 1984 issue of Architectural Digest.

by Categories: Gary Morton, I Love Lucy, Lucie Arnaz, Lucille Ball, Personal, TelevisionTags: , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Lucille Ball’s Yellow Paisley Blouse Worn on Dinah!

This yellow paisley blouse was custom-made for Lucille Ball in the early 1970’s and is constructed of a sheer silk chiffon. It features a deep V, ruffled neckline and balloon sleeves with snap closure ruffled cuffs, all in a yellow and green print. The inside is lined with champagne silk and has a built-in adjustable waistband with snap buttons.

The blouse was first worn on screen by Lucie Arnaz in an episode of Here’s Lucy “Lucy and the Mountain Climber” which aired on September 20, 1971. In June of 1976 Lucille was a guest on Dinah Shore’s show DINAH! wearing the top with guests Carol Burnett, Valerie Harper and a surprise appearance by Gale Gordon. Later that same year Lucy is seen in it again, guest starring on Danny Thomas’ show The Practice playing an eccentric patient named Matilda Morrison. This blouse is an example where if Ms. Ball liked a particular style of clothing she often had similar ones made. We have a nearly identical top but with pink polka-dot fabric so please check out our past post!

by Categories: Dinah Shore, Gale Gordon, Here's Lucy, Lucie Arnaz, Lucille Ball, Personal, TelevisionTags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Lucille Ball’s Italian Ceramic Ashtray

French Empire, Venetian and Provincial was the decor of Lucille Ball’s Manhattan apartment in the early 1960’s. The color scheme of sunshine yellow and whites were all throughout the 23th floor of the Imperial House at 150 E. 69th Street.

This large, circular shaped ashtray with rooster design sat on the side table in her ‘comfortable’ guest-study. Measuring 9″ across the hand-painted ceramic piece was made in Italy with less than 495 in existance, this one being #50. When Lucy moved back to Beverly Hills she gifted the ashtray to her neice, Pamela Ball-Von Pinnon who retained it for the next five decades.

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Lucille Ball’s Crystal Table Lighter

If Lucille Ball liked something whether it be a garment or household item she held onto it as long as possible. This very ornate crystal table lighter is one such thing. Standing 8 inches tall it features three sections of crystal in a diamond cut or etched pattern. The solid square base anchors the piece while a brass rod holds it all together. The refillable lighter is in working condition with a push knob flint.

This lighter is (to our knowledge) first seen on the coffee table inside Lucy’s dressing room at Desilu Studios in the late 1950’s/early 60’s. When she moved to New York City and was doing Wildcat on Broadway, it appeared on the side table of the living room. Fast forward to 1974 when The Sunday Times Magazine interviewed Lucille Ball and did a spread at home for their coverstory entitled, “The eternal Lucy show” it is visible in her Beverly Hills sitting room.

by Categories: Cigarettes, Desi Arnaz, Desilu, I Love Lucy, Lighter, Lucille Ball, Personal, TelevisionTags: , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment