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Oppenheimer collection of theater programs

 Collection
Identifier: MS 0489
Finding aid note: Stored off-site at the Library Service Center. Please request this material via woodson@rice.edu or call 713-348-2586.

Scope and Contents

A collection of theater programs mainly from Houston, Texas, but also including New York, London, Dallas, and Fort Worth, collected by Ed Oppenheimer.

Dates

  • 1906-1999 (bulk 1950-1999)
  • Majority of material found within 1950 - 1999

Creator

Access Restrictions

This material is open for research. Stored off-site at the Library Service Center. Please request this material via woodson@rice.edu or call 713-348-2586.

Restrictions on Use

Permission to publish material from the Oppenheimer collection of theater programs must be obtained from the Woodson Research Center, Fondren Library.

Biographical Note

The city of Houston has been a home to theater almost since its founding, with the first professional production on June 11, 1838. Since then, the Houston Theater District has grown until it seats the second largest number of people in the country, behind only New York. In 1951, “Houston was the site…of The Playhouse, the first permanent building built in America specifically to be a theatre-in-the-round” (Dauphin, 83). Another historic venue is the Alley Theatre whose growth mirrors that of Houston theater, evolving from one simple room to hosting two main stages holding 824 and 310 seats. Productions at the Alley tended to be popular, modern plays early on, and it was only later that they leaned towards the classics. Other venues today include the “national AIA prize-winning Jesse H. Jones Hall for the Performing Arts” (Holmes 2), the Miller Outdoor Theatre, and the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts. The Hobby Center is home to Theatre Under The Stars, the “largest non-profit producer of musical theater in America” (About).

Houstonian Ed Oppenheimer collected these programs from the 1900s to the 1990s from various theaters in Houston as well as New York, London, Dallas, and Fort Worth.

Extent

2 Linear Feet ( (2 boxes))

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract:

A collection of theater programs mainly from Houston, Texas, but also including New York, London, Dallas, and Fort Worth, collected by Ed Oppenheimer.

Acquisition Information

From Edward Oppenheimer, Jr. on January 24, 2000, 438 play programs from 1906-1999.

General Physical Description note

2 lin. ft. (2 boxes)

Subjects

Record Groups

Related Names

Creator

Finding Aid & Administrative Information

Title
Guide to the Oppenheimer collection of theater programs, 1906-1999
Status
Completed
Date
2008
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
English

Repository Details

Repository Details

Part of the Woodson Research Center, Rice University, Houston, Texas Repository

https://library.rice.edu/woodson
Contact:
Fondren Library MS-44, Rice University
6100 Main St.
Houston Texas 77005 USA

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Harmful Content Statement
© 2023 Woodson Research Center
Fondren Library, Rice University
Physical Address: 6100 Main, Houston, Texas 77005-1827
Mailing Address: MS-44, P.O. Box 1892, Houston, Texas 77251-1892