Socks worn by Joel Grey as the Emcee in Cabaret

Socks worn by Joel Grey as the Emcee in Cabaret

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Description
Joel Grey wore these socks as part of a costume portraying the Emcee (Master of Ceremonies) in the 1972 movie version and 1987-1989 national tour of the musical Cabaret. The black polyester socks each have a gray stripe at the top.
The musical Cabaret premiered on Broadway in 1966. With music by John Kander, lyrics by Fred Ebb, and book by Joe Masteroff, the show was an adaptation of John Van Druten's 1951 play I Am a Camera, which itself was based on Christopher Isherwood's 1939 memoir Goodbye to Berlin. Cabaret is the story of love triangle centered around Berlin's Kit Kat Klub amidst the decadence, corruption, and political intrigue of the Weimar Republic era. The musical was celebrated for its originality, but was also controversial for its moral ambiguity, frank sensuality, and mature themes, including homosexuality, abortion, anti-semitism, and the rise of the Nazi party. In 1972, director Bob Fosse adapted Cabaret as a critically- lauded and popular film.
For his performances as the impish, leering Emcee in both the stage and film productions, Grey won the Tony Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Broadway Musical in 1967 and Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in 1972.
Location
Currently not on view
Object Name
socks, pair of
date made
before 1972
wearer
Grey, Joel
Physical Description
polyester (overall material)
Measurements
overall: 23 in; 58.42 cm
ID Number
1989.0374.09
accession number
1989.0374
catalog number
1989.0374.09
Credit Line
Joel Grey
subject
Movie
Music
Musical Theater
See more items in
Culture and the Arts: Entertainment
Popular Entertainment
Movies
Movie Collection
Data Source
National Museum of American History
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