Popular Entertainment

Elvis Presley Record

This Museum's popular entertainment collections hold some of the Smithsonian's most beloved artifacts. The ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland in The Wizard of Oz reside here, along with the Muppet character Kermit the Frog, and props from popular television series such as M*A*S*H and All in the Family. But as in many of the Museum's collections, the best-known objects are a small part of the story.

The collection also encompasses many other artifacts of 19th- and 20th-century commercial theater, film, radio, and TV—some 50,000 sound recordings dating back to 1903; posters, publicity stills, and programs from films and performances; puppets; numerous items from World's Fairs from 1851 to 1992; and audiovisual materials on Groucho Marx, to name only a few.

Date: 2000s

MC Lyte is Lytro Da Undaground Heat, Vol. 1

MC Lyte. MC Lyte is Lytro da Undaground Heat, Vol. 1.(BMG ‎– 80119-01094-2). CDCurrently not on view
Description (Brief)
MC Lyte. MC Lyte is Lytro da Undaground Heat, Vol. 1.
(BMG ‎– 80119-01094-2). CD
Location
Currently not on view
date made
2003
maker
Lyte, MC
ID Number
2006.0057.03
accession number
2006.0057

Pair of Boots worn by Lucy Lawless in the role of Xena on the TV Series Xena: Warrior Princess

Xena: Warrior Princess (1995-2001) was one of the most popular syndicated dramas on American television. Audience interest in the program helped lead a new wave of tough female action-adventure heroes in American popular culture.
Description
Xena: Warrior Princess (1995-2001) was one of the most popular syndicated dramas on American television. Audience interest in the program helped lead a new wave of tough female action-adventure heroes in American popular culture. The character remains a touchstone to many, including as a LGBTQ icon, with that aspect of the character's life hinted at strongly throughout the show.
Portrayed by American actress Lucy Lawless, the character of Xena was first introduced on the program Hercules: The Legendary Journeys (1995-1999.) Like Hercules, the spin-off Xena: Warrior Princess was set in a fantastical historical era based on the mythology of Ancient Greece.
On the program, Xena, a fierce fighter with exceptional abilities, embarks upon good deeds to atone for past sins. She is accompanied on her journey by her close companion Gabrielle, played by Renee O'Connor.
The show attracted a devoted following, and during its run was consistently amongst the most watched syndicated television programs in the United States. Having aired in over 100 countries around the world, its success has spawned numerous tie-ins such as video games, comic books and an animated movie.
date made
1995 - 2001
Associated Name
Lawless, Lucy
ID Number
2005.0281.07
accession number
2005.0281
catalog number
2005.0281.07

Jimmy Martin

Jimmy Martin (James Henry Martin, 1927-2005) has been described as "the king" of the bluegrass lead singers. Early in his career, Martin played and wrote with Bill Monroe, and worked briefly with the Osborne Brothers.
Description
Jimmy Martin (James Henry Martin, 1927-2005) has been described as "the king" of the bluegrass lead singers. Early in his career, Martin played and wrote with Bill Monroe, and worked briefly with the Osborne Brothers. In 1955 he began to lead his own group, the Sunny Mountain Boys.
Location
Currently not on view
negative
1972
print
2003
depicted (sitter)
Martin, Jimmy
maker
Horenstein, Henry
ID Number
2003.0169.012
accession number
2003.0169
catalog number
2003.0169.012

Pair of stockings from Grizabella costume used in the musical Cats

This pair of stockings is part of a costume worn by actresses portraying the character Grizabella in the original Broadway production of Cats.
Description (Brief)
This pair of stockings is part of a costume worn by actresses portraying the character Grizabella in the original Broadway production of Cats. The stockings are made of sparkled synthetic knit fabric printed with a variegated horizontal brown, beige, gray, and black stripe pattern.
Grizabella the Glamour Cat is the musical’s main character, responsible for singing the hit song “Memory.” Grizabella was once a glamourous cat but is now lonely and decrepit; she is ostracized by the Jellicle tribe and seeks re-acceptance in the community. She is eventually chosen as the “Jellicle choice” to ascend to the Heaviside Layer and return to a new life. Grizabella’s story was not included in Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, as it was deemed “too sad for children.” T. S. Eliot’s widow, Valerie Eliot, gave Andrew Lloyd Webber the poem which describes the former glamour cat who has fallen on hard times and roams the red-light district near Tottenham Court. Elaine Page originated the role on the West End in 1981 and reprised the role in the 1998 film. Betty Buckley later took on the role on Broadway in 1982. Jennifer Hudson portrayed her in the 2019 film adaptation.
Cats broke Broadway records with its run of 7,485 performances from 1982 until 2000 at New York’s Winter Garden Theatre. The play, written and composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber based on stories and characters from T. S. Eliot's 1939 Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats, and first premiered in London’s West End in 1981. The expensive and spectacular production has been called the first “megamusical,” inaugurating a new period of Broadway theater history when big-budget shows with elaborate special effects, spectacular costumes, and rock music revived the theater district’s sagging fortunes. Cats earned multiple Tony awards in its original run and has since been revived on Broadway and in numerous national and international tours.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1982-2000
designer
Napier, John
ID Number
2000.0219.03.06
accession number
2000.0219
catalog number
2000.0219.03.06

Pete Souza's Apple Powerbook

Apple Computer manufactured this PowerBook G3 laptop computer in the fall of 2000. Photojournalist Pete Souza used the computer to transmit images to the Chicago Tribune from Afghanistan as he covered the war in the early 2000s.
Description
Apple Computer manufactured this PowerBook G3 laptop computer in the fall of 2000. Photojournalist Pete Souza used the computer to transmit images to the Chicago Tribune from Afghanistan as he covered the war in the early 2000s. Souza made his way into Afghanistan by crossing the Hindu Kush mountains with his gear carried on mules. At one point his gear fell, resulting in a crack in the laptop’s screen.
Location
Currently not on view (case)
date made
2000
maker
Apple Computer, Inc.
ID Number
2002.0335.01
accession number
2002.0335
catalog number
2002.0335.01

Dress from Grizabella costume used in the musical Cats

This dress is part of a costume worn by actresses portraying the character Grizabella in the original Broadway production of Cats.
Description (Brief)
This dress is part of a costume worn by actresses portraying the character Grizabella in the original Broadway production of Cats. The dress is made of sheer black synthetic knit fabric with heavy brown and black bugle beading attached in a chevron pattern down from the neck to hem.
Grizabella the Glamour Cat is the musical’s main character, responsible for singing the hit song “Memory.” Grizabella was once a glamourous cat but is now lonely and decrepit; she is ostracized by the Jellicle tribe and seeks re-acceptance in the community. She is eventually chosen as the “Jellicle choice” to ascend to the Heaviside Layer and return to a new life. Grizabella’s story was not included in Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, as it was deemed “too sad for children.” T. S. Eliot’s widow, Valerie Eliot, gave Andrew Lloyd Webber the poem which describes the former glamour cat who has fallen on hard times and roams the red-light district near Tottenham Court. Elaine Page originated the role on the West End in 1981 and reprised the role in the 1998 film. Betty Buckley later took on the role on Broadway in 1982. Jennifer Hudson portrayed her in the 2019 film adaptation.
Cats broke Broadway records with its run of 7,485 performances from 1982 until 2000 at New York’s Winter Garden Theatre. The play, written and composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber based on stories and characters from T. S. Eliot's 1939 Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats, and first premiered in London’s West End in 1981. The expensive and spectacular production has been called the first “megamusical,” inaugurating a new period of Broadway theater history when big-budget shows with elaborate special effects, spectacular costumes, and rock music revived the theater district’s sagging fortunes. Cats earned multiple Tony awards in its original run and has since been revived on Broadway and in numerous national and international tours.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1982-2000
designer
Napier, John
ID Number
2000.0219.03.03
accession number
2000.0219
catalog number
2000.0219.03.03

Collar from Rum Tum Tugger costume used in the musical Cats

This black leather pet collar is part of a costume worn by actors portraying the character Rum Tum Tugger in the original Broadway production of Cats.
Description (Brief)
This black leather pet collar is part of a costume worn by actors portraying the character Rum Tum Tugger in the original Broadway production of Cats. The collar is studded with brass bullet-shaped appliques and a round disk pendant engraved with the letter T is attached at the front.
One of the Jellicle tribe that introduces themselves over the course of the show, Rum Tum Tugger is portrayed as a rebellious and flirtatious cat who loves to be the center of attention. Rum Tum Tugger is a singing role with several solos like “The Rum Tum Tugger,” “Magical Mr. Mistoffelees,” and other featured parts. He originally embodied a rock star persona but takes on more of a rapper style in more recent adaptations, like the 2014 West End revival and the 2019 film adaptation. Paul Nicholas originated the role on the West End in 1981 and Terrance Mann later took on the role on Broadway in 1982. On the screen, John Partridge portrayed the character in the 1998 film and Jason Derulo portrayed him in the 2019 film adaptation.
Cats broke Broadway records with its run of 7,485 performances from 1982 until 2000 at New York’s Winter Garden Theatre. The play, written and composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber based on stories and characters from T. S. Eliot's 1939 Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats, and first premiered in London’s West End in 1981. The expensive and spectacular production has been called the first “megamusical,” inaugurating a new period of Broadway theater history when big-budget shows with elaborate special effects, spectacular costumes, and rock music revived the theater district’s sagging fortunes. Cats earned multiple Tony awards in its original run and has since been revived on Broadway and in numerous national and international tours.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1982-2000
designer
Napier, John
ID Number
2000.0219.04.07
accession number
2000.0219
catalog number
2000.0219.04.07

Backplate Armor worn by Lucy Lawless in the role of Xena on the TV Series Xena: Warrior Princess

Xena: Warrior Princess (1995-2001) was one of the most popular syndicated dramas on American television. Audience interest in the program helped lead a new wave of tough female action-adventure heroes in American popular culture.
Description
Xena: Warrior Princess (1995-2001) was one of the most popular syndicated dramas on American television. Audience interest in the program helped lead a new wave of tough female action-adventure heroes in American popular culture. The character remains a touchstone to many, including as a LGBTQ icon, with that aspect of the character's life hinted at strongly throughout the show.
Portrayed by American actress Lucy Lawless, the character of Xena was first introduced on the program Hercules: The Legendary Journeys (1995-1999.) Like Hercules, the spin-off Xena: Warrior Princess was set in a fantastical historical era based on the mythology of Ancient Greece.
On the program, Xena, a fierce fighter with exceptional abilities, embarks upon good deeds to atone for past sins. She is accompanied on her journey by her close companion Gabrielle, played by Renee O'Connor.
The show attracted a devoted following, and during its run was consistently amongst the most watched syndicated television programs in the United States. Having aired in over 100 countries around the world, its success has spawned numerous tie-ins such as video games, comic books and an animated movie.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1995 - 2001
Associated Name
Lawless, Lucy
ID Number
2005.0281.04
accession number
2005.0281
catalog number
2005.0281.04

Harmonica Frank Floyd

Photographed backstage, "Harmonica" Frank Floyd (1908-1984) was an entertainer for the better part of the 20th century. After running away from home at age twelve, he began playing harmonica in carnivals and medicine shows.
Description
Photographed backstage, "Harmonica" Frank Floyd (1908-1984) was an entertainer for the better part of the 20th century. After running away from home at age twelve, he began playing harmonica in carnivals and medicine shows. His repertoire included jokes, tricks, songs, and stories.
Location
Currently not on view
negative
1973
print
2003
depicted (sitter)
Floyd, Frank
maker
Horenstein, Henry
ID Number
2003.0169.006
accession number
2003.0169
catalog number
2003.0169.006

Shoes from Bombalurina costume used in the musical Cats

This pair of shoes is part of a costume worn by actresses portraying the character Bombalurina in the original Broadway production of Cats.
Description (Brief)
This pair of shoes is part of a costume worn by actresses portraying the character Bombalurina in the original Broadway production of Cats. The shoes are made of a white leather upper and plastic soles with pebbled plastic heels and toe pads.
Bombalurina is a flirtatious and confident feline who often has featured solos in the show’s numbers “The Gumbie Cat,” “Rum Tum Tugger,” “Grizabella the Glamour Cat,” and “Bustopher Jones.” Bombalurina’s largest singing part is in “Macavity.” Depending on the production, Bombalurina sings various parts of these songs and usually sings the entirety of “Macavity.” Geraldine Gardner originated the role on the West End in 1981 and Donna King and Marlene Danielle later took on the role on Broadway. On the screen, Rosemarie Ford portrayed the character in the 1998 film and Taylor Swift portrayed her in the 2019 film adaptation.
Cats broke Broadway records with its run of 7,485 performances from 1982 until 2000 at New York’s Winter Garden Theatre. The play, written and composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber based on stories and characters from T. S. Eliot's 1939 Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats, and first premiered in London’s West End in 1981. The expensive and spectacular production has been called the first “megamusical,” inaugurating a new period of Broadway theater history when big-budget shows with elaborate special effects, spectacular costumes, and rock music revived the theater district’s sagging fortunes. Cats earned multiple Tony awards in its original run and has since been revived on Broadway and in numerous national and international tours.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1982-2000
designer
Napier, John
ID Number
2000.0219.02.06
catalog number
2000.0219.02.06
accession number
2000.0219

Socks worn by Lucy Lawless in the role of Xena on the TV Series Xena: Warrior Princess

Xena: Warrior Princess (1995-2001) was one of the most popular syndicated dramas on American television. Audience interest in the program helped lead a new wave of tough female action-adventure heroes in American popular culture.
Description
Xena: Warrior Princess (1995-2001) was one of the most popular syndicated dramas on American television. Audience interest in the program helped lead a new wave of tough female action-adventure heroes in American popular culture. The character remains a touchstone to many, including as a LGBTQ icon, with that aspect of the character's life hinted at strongly throughout the show.
Portrayed by American actress Lucy Lawless, the character of Xena was first introduced on the program Hercules: The Legendary Journeys (1995-1999.) Like Hercules, the spin-off Xena: Warrior Princess was set in a fantastical historical era based on the mythology of Ancient Greece.
On the program, Xena, a fierce fighter with exceptional abilities, embarks upon good deeds to atone for past sins. She is accompanied on her journey by her close companion Gabrielle, played by Renee O'Connor.
The show attracted a devoted following, and during its run was consistently amongst the most watched syndicated television programs in the United States. Having aired in over 100 countries around the world, its success has spawned numerous tie-ins such as video games, comic books and an animated movie.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1995 - 2001
Associated Name
Lawless, Lucy
ID Number
2005.0281.09
accession number
2005.0281
catalog number
2005.0281.09

Self-Portraits of Phyllis Diller

These two drawings on corrugated cardboard were probably completed by Phyllis Diller as she packed up her donations to send to the National Museum of American History.
Description

These two drawings on corrugated cardboard were probably completed by Phyllis Diller as she packed up her donations to send to the National Museum of American History. They depict two female faces and are possibly self-portraits.

Diller’s art medium of choice was painting, and she began painting for pleasure in the mid-1980s. During this time, she was staying in a large suite at Harrah’s in Reno, NV where she had enough space to set up several easels and canvases. She described her style as painting quickly and without too much thought about each individual painting. This quick style allowed her to complete anywhere from ten to twenty-five paintings per day.

Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 2003
maker
Diller, Phyllis
ID Number
2003.0289.22
accession number
2003.0289
catalog number
2003.0289.22

Gatemouth Brown

Talented on many instruments--guitar, fiddle, harmonica, drums--Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown (1924-2005) was one of the most versatile musicians of his time. Defying easy categorization, Gatemouth said he just wanted to play American music "Texas-style."Currently not on view
Description
Talented on many instruments--guitar, fiddle, harmonica, drums--Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown (1924-2005) was one of the most versatile musicians of his time. Defying easy categorization, Gatemouth said he just wanted to play American music "Texas-style."
Location
Currently not on view
negative
1976
print
2003
depicted (sitter)
Brown, Clarence
maker
Horenstein, Henry
ID Number
2003.0169.003
accession number
2003.0169
catalog number
2003.0169.003

Doc Watson and Merle Watson

Doc Watson (Arthel Lane Watson, b. 1923), blind since his early life, achieved national acclaim primarily as a result of his involvement in the folk song revival of the 1960s.
Description
Doc Watson (Arthel Lane Watson, b. 1923), blind since his early life, achieved national acclaim primarily as a result of his involvement in the folk song revival of the 1960s. Watson remained a powerful influence in many different forms of acoustic music, including blues, old time, country, and bluegrass. His, son Merle (1946-1985), frequently performed on guitar with him until his untimely death in a tractor accident.
Location
Currently not on view
negative
1974
print
2003
maker
Horenstein, Henry
ID Number
2003.0169.024
accession number
2003.0169
catalog number
2003.0169.024

Wig from Grizabella costume used in the musical Cats

This wig is part of a costume worn by actresses portraying the character Grizabella in the original Broadway production of Cats.
Description (Brief)
This wig is part of a costume worn by actresses portraying the character Grizabella in the original Broadway production of Cats. The wig is made of curly brown and blond synthetic hair stitched to a synthetic net cap.
Grizabella the Glamour Cat is the musical’s main character, responsible for singing the hit song “Memory.” Grizabella was once a glamourous cat but is now lonely and decrepit; she is ostracized by the Jellicle tribe and seeks re-acceptance in the community. She is eventually chosen as the “Jellicle choice” to ascend to the Heaviside Layer and return to a new life. Grizabella’s story was not included in Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, as it was deemed “too sad for children.” T. S. Eliot’s widow, Valerie Eliot, gave Andrew Lloyd Webber the poem which describes the former glamour cat who has fallen on hard times and roams the red-light district near Tottenham Court. Elaine Page originated the role on the West End in 1981 and reprised the role in the 1998 film. Betty Buckley later took on the role on Broadway in 1982. Jennifer Hudson portrayed her in the 2019 film adaptation.
Cats broke Broadway records with its run of 7,485 performances from 1982 until 2000 at New York’s Winter Garden Theatre. The play, written and composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber based on stories and characters from T. S. Eliot's 1939 Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats, and first premiered in London’s West End in 1981. The expensive and spectacular production has been called the first “megamusical,” inaugurating a new period of Broadway theater history when big-budget shows with elaborate special effects, spectacular costumes, and rock music revived the theater district’s sagging fortunes. Cats earned multiple Tony awards in its original run and has since been revived on Broadway and in numerous national and international tours.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1982-2000
designer
Napier, John
ID Number
2000.0219.03.01
accession number
2000.0219
catalog number
2000.0219.03.01

Tail from Bombalurina costume used in the musical Cats

This tail is part of a costume worn by actresses portraying the character Bombalurina in the original Broadway production of Cats.
Description (Brief)
This tail is part of a costume worn by actresses portraying the character Bombalurina in the original Broadway production of Cats. The tail is made of black, orange, and white looped and fringed yarn braided with orange and brown patterned synthetic fabric sewn over a rope support.
Bombalurina is a flirtatious and confident feline who often has featured solos in the show’s numbers “The Gumbie Cat,” “Rum Tum Tugger,” “Grizabella the Glamour Cat,” and “Bustopher Jones.” Bombalurina’s largest singing part is in “Macavity.” Depending on the production, Bombalurina sings various parts of these songs and usually sings the entirety of “Macavity.” Geraldine Gardner originated the role on the West End in 1981 and Donna King and Marlene Danielle later took on the role on Broadway. On the screen, Rosemarie Ford portrayed the character in the 1998 film and Taylor Swift portrayed her in the 2019 film adaptation.
Cats broke Broadway records with its run of 7,485 performances from 1982 until 2000 at New York’s Winter Garden Theatre. The play, written and composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber based on stories and characters from T. S. Eliot's 1939 Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats, and first premiered in London’s West End in 1981. The expensive and spectacular production has been called the first “megamusical,” inaugurating a new period of Broadway theater history when big-budget shows with elaborate special effects, spectacular costumes, and rock music revived the theater district’s sagging fortunes. Cats earned multiple Tony awards in its original run and has since been revived on Broadway and in numerous national and international tours.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1982-2000
designer
Napier, John
ID Number
2000.0219.02.07
catalog number
2000.0219.02.07
accession number
2000.0219

Knee scarf from Rum Tum Tugger costume used in the musical Cats

This knee scarf is part of a costume worn by actors portraying the character Rum Tum Tugger in the original Broadway production of Cats.
Description (Brief)
This knee scarf is part of a costume worn by actors portraying the character Rum Tum Tugger in the original Broadway production of Cats. The knee scarf is made of black synthetic fabric with brown and beige leopard spots printed alongside beige synthetic hair.
One of the Jellicle tribe that introduces themselves over the course of the show, Rum Tum Tugger is portrayed as a rebellious and flirtatious cat who loves to be the center of attention. Rum Tum Tugger is a singing role with several solos like “The Rum Tum Tugger,” “Magical Mr. Mistoffelees,” and other featured parts. He originally embodied a rock star persona but takes on more of a rapper style in more recent adaptations, like the 2014 West End revival and the 2019 film adaptation. Paul Nicholas originated the role on the West End in 1981 and Terrance Mann later took on the role on Broadway in 1982. On the screen, John Partridge portrayed the character in the 1998 film and Jason Derulo portrayed him in the 2019 film adaptation.
Cats broke Broadway records with its run of 7,485 performances from 1982 until 2000 at New York’s Winter Garden Theatre. The play, written and composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber based on stories and characters from T. S. Eliot's 1939 Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats, and first premiered in London’s West End in 1981. The expensive and spectacular production has been called the first “megamusical,” inaugurating a new period of Broadway theater history when big-budget shows with elaborate special effects, spectacular costumes, and rock music revived the theater district’s sagging fortunes. Cats earned multiple Tony awards in its original run and has since been revived on Broadway and in numerous national and international tours.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1982-2000
designer
Napier, John
ID Number
2000.0219.04.06
accession number
2000.0219
catalog number
2000.0219.04.06
2000.0219.04.06

Del McCoury

Del McCoury's voice is known as one of the finest examples of traditional bluegrass's "high lonesome" sound. Delano Floyd McCoury (b.1939) got his first big break in 1963 when Bill Monroe hired McCoury's band to play a few shows.
Description
Del McCoury's voice is known as one of the finest examples of traditional bluegrass's "high lonesome" sound. Delano Floyd McCoury (b.1939) got his first big break in 1963 when Bill Monroe hired McCoury's band to play a few shows. McCoury briefly joined Monroe's band, but returned to a successful career with his own group. He was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 2004.
Location
Currently not on view
negative
1975
print
2003
maker
Horenstein, Henry
ID Number
2003.0169.013
accession number
2003.0169
catalog number
2003.0169.013

Leg warmers for Rum Tum Tugger costume used in the musical Cats

This pair of leg warmers is part of a costume worn by actors portraying the character Rum Tum Tugger in the original Broadway production of Cats.
Description (Brief)
This pair of leg warmers is part of a costume worn by actors portraying the character Rum Tum Tugger in the original Broadway production of Cats. The leg warmers are knit with synthetic yarn and printed in brown and black on a beige ground.
One of the Jellicle tribe that introduces themselves over the course of the show, Rum Tum Tugger is portrayed as a rebellious and flirtatious cat who loves to be the center of attention. Rum Tum Tugger is a singing role with several solos like “The Rum Tum Tugger,” “Magical Mr. Mistoffelees,” and other featured parts. He originally embodied a rock star persona but takes on more of a rapper style in more recent adaptations, like the 2014 West End revival and the 2019 film adaptation. Paul Nicholas originated the role on the West End in 1981 and Terrance Mann later took on the role on Broadway in 1982. On the screen, John Partridge portrayed the character in the 1998 film and Jason Derulo portrayed him in the 2019 film adaptation.
Cats broke Broadway records with its run of 7,485 performances from 1982 until 2000 at New York’s Winter Garden Theatre. The play, written and composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber based on stories and characters from T. S. Eliot's 1939 Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats, and first premiered in London’s West End in 1981. The expensive and spectacular production has been called the first “megamusical,” inaugurating a new period of Broadway theater history when big-budget shows with elaborate special effects, spectacular costumes, and rock music revived the theater district’s sagging fortunes. Cats earned multiple Tony awards in its original run and has since been revived on Broadway and in numerous national and international tours.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1982-2000
ID Number
2000.0219.04.10
accession number
2000.0219
catalog number
2000.0219.04.10

Arm Bands worn by Lucy Lawless in the role of Xena on the TV Series Xena: Warrior Princess

Xena: Warrior Princess (1995-2001) was one of the most popular syndicated dramas on American television. Audience interest in the program helped lead a new wave of tough female action-adventure heroes in American popular culture.
Description
Xena: Warrior Princess (1995-2001) was one of the most popular syndicated dramas on American television. Audience interest in the program helped lead a new wave of tough female action-adventure heroes in American popular culture. The character remains a touchstone to many, including as a LGBTQ icon, with that aspect of the character's life hinted at strongly throughout the show.
Portrayed by American actress Lucy Lawless, the character of Xena was first introduced on the program Hercules: The Legendary Journeys (1995-1999.) Like Hercules, the spin-off Xena: Warrior Princess was set in a fantastical historical era based on the mythology of Ancient Greece.
On the program, Xena, a fierce fighter with exceptional abilities, embarks upon good deeds to atone for past sins. She is accompanied on her journey by her close companion Gabrielle, played by Renee O'Connor.
The show attracted a devoted following, and during its run was consistently amongst the most watched syndicated television programs in the United States. Having aired in over 100 countries around the world, its success has spawned numerous tie-ins such as video games, comic books and an animated movie.
date made
1995 - 2001
Associated Name
Lawless, Lucy
ID Number
2005.0281.05
accession number
2005.0281
catalog number
2005.0281.05

Wig from Bombalurina costume used in the musical Cats

This wig is part of a costume worn by actresses portraying the character Bombalurina in the original Broadway production of Cats. The orange, brown, blond, white, and black wig is made of synthetic fur stitched to a net cap and is styled to suggest cat ears.
Description (Brief)
This wig is part of a costume worn by actresses portraying the character Bombalurina in the original Broadway production of Cats. The orange, brown, blond, white, and black wig is made of synthetic fur stitched to a net cap and is styled to suggest cat ears. Bombalurina is a flirtatious and confident feline who often has featured solos in the show’s numbers “The Gumbie Cat,” “Rum Tum Tugger,” “Grizabella the Glamour Cat,” and “Bustopher Jones.” Bombalurina’s largest singing part is in “Macavity.” Depending on the production, Bombalurina sings various parts of these songs and usually sings the entirety of “Macavity.” Geraldine Gardner originated the role on the West End in 1981 and Donna King and Marlene Danielle later took on the role on Broadway. On the screen, Rosemarie Ford portrayed the character in the 1998 film and Taylor Swift portrayed her in the 2019 film adaptation.
Cats broke Broadway records with its run of 7,485 performances from 1982 until 2000 at New York’s Winter Garden Theatre. The play, written and composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber based on stories and characters from T. S. Eliot's 1939 Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats, and first premiered in London’s West End in 1981. The expensive and spectacular production has been called the first “megamusical,” inaugurating a new period of Broadway theater history when big-budget shows with elaborate special effects, spectacular costumes, and rock music revived the theater district’s sagging fortunes. Cats earned multiple Tony awards in its original run and has since been revived on Broadway and in numerous national and international tours.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1982-2000
designer
Napier, John
ID Number
2000.0219.02.01
catalog number
2000.0219.02.01
accession number
2000.0219

Blue Sky Boys

Beginning in 1936, brothers Earl (1919-1998) and Bill Bolick (b. 1917), known for their intricate melodies on guitar and mandolin, influenced many other duet performers.
Description
Beginning in 1936, brothers Earl (1919-1998) and Bill Bolick (b. 1917), known for their intricate melodies on guitar and mandolin, influenced many other duet performers. The Blue Sky Boys retired in 1951, but returned to performing in 1962, drawn by the rising interest in folk and traditional country music.
Location
Currently not on view
negative
1974
print
2003
maker
Horenstein, Henry
ID Number
2003.0169.002
accession number
2003.0169
catalog number
2003.0169.002

Prop Sword and Sheath from TV Series Xena: Warrior Princess

Xena: Warrior Princess (1995-2001) was one of the most popular syndicated dramas on American television. Audience interest in the program helped lead a new wave of tough female action-adventure heroes in American popular culture.
Description
Xena: Warrior Princess (1995-2001) was one of the most popular syndicated dramas on American television. Audience interest in the program helped lead a new wave of tough female action-adventure heroes in American popular culture. The character remains a touchstone to many, including as a LGBTQ icon, with that aspect of the character's life hinted at strongly throughout the show.
Portrayed by American actress Lucy Lawless, the character of Xena was first introduced on the program Hercules: The Legendary Journeys (1995-1999.) Like Hercules, the spin-off Xena: Warrior Princess was set in a fantastical historical era based on the mythology of Ancient Greece.
On the program, Xena, a fierce fighter with exceptional abilities, embarks upon good deeds to atone for past sins. She is accompanied on her journey by her close companion Gabrielle, played by Renee O'Connor.
The show attracted a devoted following, and during its run was consistently amongst the most watched syndicated television programs in the United States. Having aired in over 100 countries around the world, its success has spawned numerous tie-ins such as video games, comic books and an animated movie.
Location
Currently not on view (sheath)
date made
1995 - 2001
Associated Name
Lawless, Lucy
ID Number
2005.0281.11
accession number
2005.0281
catalog number
2005.0281.11

Unitard from Rum Tum Tugger costume used in the musical Cats

This unitard is part of a costume worn by actors portraying the character Rum Tum Tugger in the original Broadway production of Cats. The black synthetic fabric unitard is printed with a leopard spot pattern at neck, chest, below elbows, and below knees in brown and beige.
Description (Brief)
This unitard is part of a costume worn by actors portraying the character Rum Tum Tugger in the original Broadway production of Cats. The black synthetic fabric unitard is printed with a leopard spot pattern at neck, chest, below elbows, and below knees in brown and beige. The unitard has long sleeves with loops over hands and legs with feet, all in one with body, and a high neck.
One of the Jellicle tribe that introduces themselves over the course of the show, Rum Tum Tugger is portrayed as a rebellious and flirtatious cat who loves to be the center of attention. Rum Tum Tugger is a singing role with several solos like “The Rum Tum Tugger,” “Magical Mr. Mistoffelees,” and other featured parts. He originally embodied a rock star persona but takes on more of a rapper style in more recent adaptations, like the 2014 West End revival and the 2019 film adaptation. Paul Nicholas originated the role on the West End in 1981 and Terrance Mann later took on the role on Broadway in 1982. On the screen, John Partridge portrayed the character in the 1998 film and Jason Derulo portrayed him in the 2019 film adaptation.
Cats broke Broadway records with its run of 7,485 performances from 1982 until 2000 at New York’s Winter Garden Theatre. The play, written and composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber based on stories and characters from T. S. Eliot's 1939 Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats, and first premiered in London’s West End in 1981. The expensive and spectacular production has been called the first “megamusical,” inaugurating a new period of Broadway theater history when big-budget shows with elaborate special effects, spectacular costumes, and rock music revived the theater district’s sagging fortunes. Cats earned multiple Tony awards in its original run and has since been revived on Broadway and in numerous national and international tours.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1982-2000
designer
Napier, John
ID Number
2000.0219.04.02
accession number
2000.0219
catalog number
2000.0219.04.02

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