U.S. #2767-70: Broadway Musicals - Legends of American Music Series
Issue Date: July 14, 1993
First Day City: New York, New York
Quantity Issued: 515,000,000 (Total for all four Broadway Musicals stamps)
Printed by: American Bank Note Company by Multi-Color Corporation of Scottsburg, Indiana
Printing Method: Photogravure
Format: Booklet, 5 panes of 4 horizontal stamps each, arranged vertically. Gravure printing cylinders of 220 subjects (11 across, 20 around).
Perforations: 10.9 (L perforator)
Tagging: Prephosphored paper
Why the Stamp was Issued:
The issuance of the Broadway Musicals stamps was to celebrate four landmark American musicals and to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Broadway.
About the Stamp Design:
The stamp designs were meticulously crafted by New York City artist Wilson McLean, who created pencil sketches initially for the approval of the Citizen’s Stamp Advisory Committee. Following approval, McLean produced final oil paintings, which were used as the basis for the stamps. McLean received special permission to make his finished paintings larger than the usual size allowed for stamp artists.
First Day City:
New York, New York, was chosen as the First Day City for the Broadway Musicals stamps, fittingly coinciding with the second annual “Broadway on Broadway” event in the city.
About the Legends of American Music Series:
The Legends of American Music Series, which debuted on January 8, 1993, aimed to honor more than 90 artists across various music genres. From rock ‘n’ roll to rhythm and blues, country and western to jazz and pop, opera and classical to gospel and folk, the series celebrated the diverse array of musical talent that has shaped American culture. Notably, the series was a significant step forward in recognizing the contributions of Black and female artists to American music.
History Represented by the Stamps:
Show Boat:
Based on Edna Ferber’s novel, Show Boat was the first musical to tackle serious themes such as racism and poverty. Composed by Jerome Kern and with lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, it was hailed as an "American masterpiece."
Porgy and Bess:
Composed by George Gershwin, Porgy and Bess is set in Catfish Row, Charleston, South Carolina, and is often referred to as a black "folk opera." Despite a modest initial run, it has since become one of the most popular operas written by an American composer.
Oklahoma!:
Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II defied expectations with Oklahoma!, revolutionizing American musical theater. Set in Indian Territory at the turn of the century, it tells the story of a love triangle amidst a backdrop of vibrant musical numbers and dramatic sequences.
My Fair Lady:
Based on George Bernard Shaw’s play Pygmalion, My Fair Lady is considered one of the best musicals of the century. The story revolves around Professor Henry Higgins and Eliza Doolittle, and their transformational journey from illiterate flower girl to refined lady.
The Broadway Musicals stamps not only celebrate the artistic achievements of these landmark productions but also commemorate the cultural significance of Broadway in American history.
(Photo is of actual product)
