New York: George Abbott Theatre, 1969.
Price: $3,000.00
Unbound. A small archive of material related to the five-day run of Muhammad Ali's starring role in the live musical stage production of *Buck White*. Included is a mimeograph slip of paper (8½" x 2") given out as an invitation to the dress rehearsal on November 17, 1969; a double-sided handbill (6" x 8¾") listing the cast and crew; and a gelatin silver press photograph (8½" x 7") of Ali in costume showing the applauding crowd, with a handwritten note on the back and a partial press clipping stamped in red: "Chronicle Nov 19 1969." Overall near fine with the photo trimmed at the edges and some creasing on the handbill and the invitation, which no doubt was stuffed into a pocket or purse.
The musical, based on the Off-Broadway play *Big Time Buck White* and inspired by the Watts Riots, was set at a meeting of a black militant group. Prolific Broadway producer Zev Buffman decided to turn it into a musical, bringing on lyricist and activist Oscar Brown, Jr. and Ali, who at the time had lost his boxing title for refusing to go to Vietnam. Previews were a smash with Buffman calling Ali brilliant. Unfortunately, the play closed after just five performances. While playbills for the show can usually be found online, other related material is scarce.
An interesting collection of ephemera from this short-lived production featuring one of the most influential sports figures of the 20th Century.
Item #580259
