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The Suit
Autograph Suit with close to 300 autographs and drawings
on it, started by theatre vet Vincent Esoldi at the opening night
party of Sherlock Holmes in 1974, held at Sardi's restaurant. Ethel
Merman was the first autograph (she was loudly enthusiastic). The
range of celebrities- from deceased baseball player Thurman Munson
to composer Richard Rodgers, also includes Lady Rachael Roberts,
Dames Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, and Elizabeth Taylor; Lord Laurence
Olivier; President Gerald Ford; Governor Jerry Brown and Thomas Kean
(his first signature after becoming Governor). Let's not forget Congresswoman
Bella Abzug-Mayors Abe Beame and Ed Koch(whose signature is on the
crotch!). The Kleins-Calvin, and Robert and Kevin Kline too. Lucille
Ball, Desi Arnaz, with Harrison Ford(even little R2D2 Kenny Baker).
Sunset Blvd. Stars Gloria Swanson (film) and Glenn Close (musical).
Stage director Jack Hoffsiss and actor Christopher Reeve before their
terrible accidents. Frank and Barbara Sinatra; Paul Newman and Joanne
Woodward; Merv Griffin and Mrs, Miller. Peter Allen; Henry Fonda
and Jack Lemmon. There's three Carol(e)s- Burnett, Channing and Shelley;
one Cloris- Leachman; one Chita-Rivera and the one and only Cher.
Whew! It's starting to sound like 'Drop That Name' form "Bells
Are Ringing"! Oh yes, Betty Comden & Adolph Green.
The suit as a canvas - Liza Minnelli
drew a happy face; Charles Strouse, composer of Annie, drew a bar
of music; Bob Mackie sketched the bow dress he designed for Alexis
Smith in Platinum; and Theoni V. Aldredge, drew a clown for Barnum,
complete with rhinestones and sequin stars.
The Autograph Suit consists of a jacket, vest, pant,
sneakers, tie, scarf, shirt, and 3 handkerchiefs.
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