Offered is an original Broadway window card for the acclaimed 1976 revival of Edward Albee’s Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, presented at New York’s historic Music Box Theatre.
The design is one of the most memorable theatrical graphics of the decade, featuring a dramatic black-and-white photographic close-up of Colleen Dewhurst and Ben Gazzara facing one another in an emotionally charged confrontation. Bold review quotes from Clive Barnes of The New York Times (“Deliriously funny”) and T. E. Kalem of Time Magazine (“Triumphant”) dominate the upper portion of the card, while the title and theatre information anchor the lower section in clean modern typography.
Unlike many Broadway advertising pieces, this design relies almost entirely on stark photography and typography, creating an exceptionally striking display with strong visual impact.
The card measures approximately 14 x 22 inches.
Condition is very good overall for a vintage theatre display piece. Visible wear includes light edge and corner wear, several small edge creases and nicks, minor surface handling, and age-related toning around the borders. The reverse shows remnants of old mounting tape from prior display. The artwork remains bold with excellent contrast and presents beautifully when framed. Please examine all photographs carefully as they form part of the description.
⸻
Production & Historical Context
This original window card was produced for the 1976 Broadway revival of Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? at the Music Box Theatre in New York City. The production opened on April 1, 1976, and closed on July 11, 1976, following 117 performances.
The revival starred Colleen Dewhurst as Martha, Ben Gazzara as George, Maureen Anderman as Honey, and Richard Kelton as Nick. In a unique distinction, the production was directed by Edward Albee, the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright himself. Scenic and lighting design were by William Ritman, with costumes by celebrated designer Jane Greenwood. The production was presented by Ken Marsolais and James Scott Productions, Inc., in association with MPL, Ltd., by arrangement with original producers Richard Barr and Clinton Wilder.
The revival received significant critical acclaim. Colleen Dewhurst and Ben Gazzara both earned Tony Award nominations for their performances, while the production received a Drama Desk nomination for Outstanding Revival and Richard Kelton received a Theatre World Award.
⸻
Why This Is a Strong Collector Piece
Original Broadway window cards from this 1976 revival are considerably less common than material from later revivals and represent one of the most respected interpretations of Albee’s masterpiece. The pairing of Colleen Dewhurst and Ben Gazzara, combined with Albee directing his own work, gives this production lasting historical importance in American theatre.
The bold photographic artwork is among the most recognizable advertising images associated with Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? and makes for an exceptional framed display. It is equally desirable to collectors of Broadway memorabilia, Edward Albee, twentieth-century American drama, and theatre graphic design.
⸻
Size & Shipping
* Approx. 14 x 22 inches * Ships flat in a sturdy box for safe delivery.