Cabin In The Sky

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Cabin In The Sky

About the Item

First performed as a Broadway musical in 1940, Cabin in the Sky tells the story of a wayward gambler, little Joe, who dies in a brawl but is granted six months to salvage his soul and earn the chance to ascend to heaven. A battle ensues between Lucifer Jr. and an angelic figure named ‘The General’ who vie for the right to claim Little Joe’s soul after his death. The General is aided by Little Joe’s neglected wife Petunia, and with their combined efforts, Little Joe eventually mends his ways and is allowed entry into ‘ the cabin in the sky’. Like the stage production, the film version of Cabin in the Sky featured an all black cast, which in the 1940s was still a rarity. Amongst them were such illustrious performers as Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and Ethel Waters, who reprised her role of Petunia from Broadway. Waters had an extraordinary career spanning vaudeville, Broadway, radio, film, and TV, continuing to beguile audiences well into her 50s. Packed with songs, dance, laughs, and drama, Cabin in the Sky is remembered especially for the irresistible flair of its performers, who delivered a show buzzing with energy and passion.Petunia is the story’s true heroine, so it is she who occupies the centre of Al Hirschfeld’s poster composition. Hirschfeld’s dynamic lines create the illusion of animated movement as Petunia shields Little Joe from the devil lurking behind her, while The General looks on anxiously from a cloud. There is a wonderful grace and tension in her stance. Al hirschfeld is recognized as one of the most prolific and influential American illustrators of the 20th century. Cabin in the Sky is one of his many posters for MGM, where he worked for thirty years and designed the posters for such iconic films as Pack Up Your Troubles and A Day at the Races. At a young age, Hirschfeld gained prominence with his sparse, incisive character sketches of Broadway stars and entertainment figures. Celebrated for his drawings for theatre productions, Hirschfeld had an even more productive career in film posters, working with some of Hollywood’s major studios and continuing to publish and illustrate until his death in 2003. This poster is unique in the collection for being hand signed by the artist.

Creator:
Albert Al Hirschfeld (Artist)
Dimensions:
Height: 41 in (104.14 cm)Width: 27 in (68.58 cm)
Place of Origin:
United States
Period:
1940-1949
Date of Manufacture:
1943
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use.
Seller Location:
London, GB
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU98911309392