Description: Here is an original theatre program from the Iroquois Theatre production of Mr. Blue Beard, the week of November 23rd...just weeks before the tragic fire. This program is in Good Condition, but is missing the back cover. some pages loose.Possible a full program but may be missing some pages. This was found in the estate of a Chicago collector.Cast lists Eddie Foy, among others, including crew and techs.Advertisements of the day. "Absolutely Fireproof" Serious inquiries, only. Ships Priority in protective sleeve and rigid mailer. "A fire in the Iroquois Theater in Chicago IL kills more than 600 people on December 30, 1903. It was the deadliest theater fire in U.S. history. Blocked fire exits and the lack of a fire-safety plan caused most of the deaths.The Iroquois Theater, designed by Benjamin Marshall in a Renaissance style, was highly luxurious and had been deemed fireproof upon its opening in 1903. In fact, George Williams, Chicago’s building commissioner, and fire inspector Ed Laughlin looked over the theater in November 1903 and declared that it was “fireproof beyond all doubt.” They also noted its 30 exits, 27 of which were double doors. However, at the same time, William Clendenin, the editor of Fireproof magazine, also inspected the Iroquois and wrote a scathing editorial about its fire dangers, pointing out that there was a great deal of wood trim, no fire alarm and no sprinkler system over the stage.During the matinee performance of December 30, while a full house was watching Eddie Foy star in Mr. Bluebeard, 27 of the theater’s 30 exits were locked. In addition, stage manager Bill Carlton went out front to watch the show with the 2,000 patrons while the other stage hands left the theater and went out for a drink. It was a spotlight operator who first noticed that one of the calcium lights seemed to have sparked a fire backstage. The cluttered area was full of fire fuel–wooden stage props and oily rags..."
Price: 1200 USD
Location: Highland Park, Illinois
End Time: 2024-11-18T15:56:27.000Z
Shipping Cost: N/A USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
Restocking Fee: No
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 30 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Year: 1903
Theme: Cities & Towns
Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
