Ridiculous! The Theatrical Life And Times Of Charles Ludlam

New York: Applause Books, 2002. 1st Edition . Cloth with Dustjacket. Nearly 500pg biography of the late and important larger than life American theatre genius who founded The Ridiculous Theatrical Company and wrote and starred in most if not all of their productions up to his untimely death from AIDS in 1987 at the age of 44, and whose obituary appeared on the front page of The New York Times. Illustrated with 32pgs. of photographs on plates along with photographic endsheets of the troupe by Richard Avedon, dustjacket photo by Arthur Tress & spine illustration by Al Hirschfeld. Fine/fine. Laid in is a wonderful scarce collection of nine playbills from productions by the great theatrical troupe. Several are from productions that also starred the unique playwright & actor Charles Ludlam, but most are from productions that starred the equally unique Everett Quinton. Laid in is several publicity sheets and fund raiser handbill. All are vg. Also laid in is a small 30pg. paper copy of Ludlam's version of "Medea" . Also laid in is a folded handbill for a play "Dilbert Dingle -Dong" by and starring Ethyl Eichelberger which also featured Black-Eyed Susan both of whom were actors who starred in many Ridiculous plays. The play was most likely done in the 80's and was performed at the legendary La Mama. The book is a fine copy with former owner signature on the top of the title pg. Sold as a collection only.