FLANDERS AND SWANN (IN OCT. 26, 1959 PLAYBILL: A WEEKLY MAGAZINE FOR THEATREGOERS (SIGNED BY BOTH MICHAEL FLANDERS AND DONALD SWANN)
New York: Playbill, Incorporated, 1959. Vol. 3 No. 43. Staplebound Pamphlet. Staplebound Pamphlet (9 in. x 6 1/2 in.). This issue featured Flanders and Swann's marvelous collection of songs which comprised "At The Drop of A Hat", performed at the John Golden Theatre, in association with Joseph I. Levine. SIGNED on front cover by both Michael Flanders and Donald Swann. Maybe a teeny bit musty smelling, in the right wind.
"Michael Flanders and Donald Swann were in traditional top hat and tails when they first conspired at Westminster School, in the shadow of the Abbey, where their mates included Peter Ustinoff, director Peter Brook, and R. von Ribbentrop..At Westminster, Flanders headed the dramatic society. GO TO IT, a school revue he fashioned with Swann presiding at the Piano, was put on at Exeter when the school was evacuated...during the Blitz...It was their custom to try out new songs, patter and material, on a party of their friends...Thus AT THE DROP OF A HAT, without scenery, musicians, chorus or furniture, was christened on New Year's Eve, '56, at a total expenditure of $300..."
Punch's critic described "At The Drop of a Hat" as "one of the most civilized and amusing entertainments London has been offered in years..." Very Good. Item #87911
"Flanders and Swann were a British comedy duo and musicians. Michael Flanders (1922–1975) was a lyricist, actor, and singer. He collaborated with Donald Swann (1923–1994), a composer and pianist, in writing and performing comic songs..." (Wikipedia). Their most famous show was called "At The Drop of A Hat" and later, "At The Drop of Another Hat". Give a listen to their Hippopotamus song. Indisputably brilliant!
(and the photos the 1960 automobiles -- Cadillac, Oldsmobile, Renault Dauphine [!!] etc. are fabulous!).
Price: $125.00