Description
The Lady In Question by Artist Unknown, 1989 Unsigned Offset Lithograph. Paper size is 22 x 14 inches, with an image size of 22 x 14 inches. The Offset Lithograph is from an unknown edition size. and is not framed. The condition was rated B: Very Good Condition, with signs of handling or age. Additional details: This original 1989 lobby card was created to promote The Lady in Question, the acclaimed stage production written by and starring Charles Busch at the historic Orpheum Theatre. Designed in the spirit of classic Hollywood movie advertising, the piece captures the wit, glamour, and theatrical parody that made Busch one of the defining figures of downtown New York theater in the late 20th century.
Styled after vintage 1940s film ephemera, the composition features Busch in character as the elegant leading lady, surrounded by dramatic typography, illustrated scenery, and cast portraits arranged like a classic cinema promotion. The design intentionally blurs the boundary between stage production and Golden Age film marketing, perfectly reflecting Busch's celebrated ability to merge camp, melodrama, and sophisticated theatrical satire.
Subtitled A Wartime Tale of Romance and Courage, the production lovingly referenced Hollywood wartime dramas while simultaneously subverting them through humor, drag performance, and exaggerated theatricality. Busch's productions became cult favorites for their sharp wit and affectionate homage to studio-era cinema, helping redefine contemporary Off-Broadway performance culture during the 1980s.
The bold purple palette, stylized lettering, and retro graphic treatment give the lobby card a strong visual presence reminiscent of authentic mid-century film promotions. Printed in the pre-digital era, the piece retains the rich color saturation and tactile quality associated with offset lithographic theater advertising of the period.
Original promotional material from Charles Busch's early productions has become increasingly collectible, particularly among collectors of theater memorabilia, LGBTQ+ cultural history, and vintage-inspired graphic design.
A rare and highly decorative piece of New York theatrical ephemera, ideal for collectors of performing arts memorabilia, classic Hollywood-inspired graphics, and alternative theater history.
Framing available upon request.
Shipping Size:41 in. x 4 in. x 4 in.
Reserve: $20.00
Shipping:Domestic: Flat-rate of $29.00 to anywhere within the contiguous U.S. International: Foreign shipping rates are determined by destination. International shipping may be subject to VAT. Combined shipping: Please ask about combined shipping for multiple lots before bidding. Location: This item ships from Brooklyn, NY .
Your purchase is protected:
In the rare event that the item did not conform to the lot description in the sale, Chairish Auctions specialists are here to help. Buyers may return the item for a full refund provided you notify Chairish Auctions within 5 days of receiving the item.
Styled after vintage 1940s film ephemera, the composition features Busch in character as the elegant leading lady, surrounded by dramatic typography, illustrated scenery, and cast portraits arranged like a classic cinema promotion. The design intentionally blurs the boundary between stage production and Golden Age film marketing, perfectly reflecting Busch's celebrated ability to merge camp, melodrama, and sophisticated theatrical satire.
Subtitled A Wartime Tale of Romance and Courage, the production lovingly referenced Hollywood wartime dramas while simultaneously subverting them through humor, drag performance, and exaggerated theatricality. Busch's productions became cult favorites for their sharp wit and affectionate homage to studio-era cinema, helping redefine contemporary Off-Broadway performance culture during the 1980s.
The bold purple palette, stylized lettering, and retro graphic treatment give the lobby card a strong visual presence reminiscent of authentic mid-century film promotions. Printed in the pre-digital era, the piece retains the rich color saturation and tactile quality associated with offset lithographic theater advertising of the period.
Original promotional material from Charles Busch's early productions has become increasingly collectible, particularly among collectors of theater memorabilia, LGBTQ+ cultural history, and vintage-inspired graphic design.
A rare and highly decorative piece of New York theatrical ephemera, ideal for collectors of performing arts memorabilia, classic Hollywood-inspired graphics, and alternative theater history.
Framing available upon request.
Shipping Size:41 in. x 4 in. x 4 in.
Reserve: $20.00
Shipping:
Your purchase is protected:
In the rare event that the item did not conform to the lot description in the sale, Chairish Auctions specialists are here to help. Buyers may return the item for a full refund provided you notify Chairish Auctions within 5 days of receiving the item.
Condition
B: Very Good Condition, with signs of handling or age
Buyer's Premium
20%
The Lady In Question
Estimate $200-$250
Starting Price
$20
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May 27, 2026 4:00 PM EDTNew York, NY, United States
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