The Hirschfeld Century Podcast looks at the 82-year career of artist Al Hirschfeld through his storied history and greatest works. Al Hirschfeld Foundation Creative Director, David Leopold, and Archives Manager, Katherine Eastman, take a look at Hirschfeld’s drawings of TV, movies, theater, dance, and more.
Reading the feed…
Happy 250th Birthday America! David & Katherine take a journey through the history of the United States of America through productions on Broadway and in Hollywood as drawn by Al Hirschfeld. From the baptism of Virginia Dare in The Lost Colony to Hirschfeld’s last TV Guide cover of the American Flag in the post 9/11 world, Hirschfeld’s works cover over 200 years of American history. You can watch David and Katherine in the visual companion of the podcast only on our YouTube Channel! Hirschfeld’s Icons: A Poster Book is out now! You can get a signed copy now at AlHirschfeldFoundationShop.org Ev
Join us for a special look behind the pages of the new book Hirschfeld’s Icons: A Poster Book! David & Katherine share exciting stories about the process of creating the book including how we narrowed down to 25 icons for the book! You can watch David and Katherine in the visual companion of the podcast only on our YouTube Channel! Hirschfeld’s Icons: A Poster Book is out now! You can get a signed copy now at AlHirschfeldFoundationShop.org Every order on our shop helps support the Al Hirschfeld Foundation and our mission to promote theater and support theaters and performing arts institutes. T
We’re back with a brand-new year of the Hirschfeld Century Podcast! In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re celebrating one of the greatest women in American Theatre, Julie Harris, in our new online exhibition The Belle of Broadway: Hirschfeld Draws Julie Harris. The exhibition is curated by Alan Pally and is available to view now at www.AlHirschfeldFoundation.org/exhibitions. Join David & Katherine as they discuss Hirschfeld’s drawings of Julie Harris from throughout her career and take a look at the making of this online exhibition. Watch the visual companion to see all the works mentioned
Seasons Greetings from the Hirschfeld Century Podcast! Join David & Katherine as they discuss Al Hirschfeld’s drawings of the holiday season, and discuss one of Hirschfeld’s holiday traditions. Plus we have a special announcement during the episode! Thank you everyone for a great 2025 and we look forward to more fun in the world of Hirschfeld in 2026! Watch the YouTube visual companion to see all the works mentioned in this episode: The Holiday Special Visual Companion! Hirschfeld’s Sondheim: A Poster Book, with Abrams ComicArts, is out now! You can get a copy now at AlHirschfeldFoundationShop
David and Katherine take a deep dive at our new book Hirschfeld’s Sondheim! A deluxe oversized poster book, Hirschfeld’s Sondheim features 25 removable poster pages of Al Hirschfeld’s drawings of Stephen Sondheim productions. On the back of every poster you will find information about each drawing and production. For the first time ever, you can watch David and Katherine talk on the podcast exclusively on YouTube! Watch the YouTube visual companion to see all the works mentioned in this episode. Hirschfeld’s Sondheim: A Poster Book, with Abrams ComicArts, is out now! You can get a copy now at
Katherine sits down with astrologer Kathy Biehl in the latest episode of the Hirschfeld Century Podcast to take a look at Al Hirschfeld’s birth chart! Follow along as Kathy Biehl reads the astrology charts in the visual companion of this episode. The visual companion also features never-before-seen images of Al Hirschfeld, his friends, and family from our archives! You can find Kathy Biehl at empowermentunlimited.net Our latest book, Hirschfeld’s Sondheim: A Poster Book, with Abrams ComicArts, is coming September 9! Pre-order now at AlHirschfeldFoundationShop.org The Al Hirschfeld Foundation i
David and Katherine time travel 50 years ago to 1975 in our first Hirschfeld Century Podcast episode of 2025! In a year where Hirschfeld received little work from the New York Times, find out what he was doing throughout the year in films, books, and television, plus a special trip to Japan! For the first time ever, we’re simultaneously releasing the Visual Companion to the Hirschfeld Century Podcast! Watch the podcast with all of the drawings and images as we discuss them, exclusively on YouTube! The Al Hirschfeld Foundation is now on Bluesky! Follow us here! Follow along with the show notes
Today David talks to author Nicholas van Hoogstraten about his brand-new book Broadway Poster Art: 1945-1969 which chronicles the evolution of Broadway posters including many by Al Hirschfeld. David and Nicholas discuss the making of the book, how certain posters got selected, and the stories of some of the many Al Hirschfeld posters featured in the book. Order the book now at BroadwayPosters.com Thank you to the Algonquin Hotel for hosting us for this episode. Happy Holidays to everyone and we’ll see you in the new year with brand-new episodes of the Hirschfeld Century Podcast! Follow along w
David and Katherine celebrate the 100th anniversary of The Al Hirschfeld Theatre, formerly the Martin Beck Theatre. Plus, David interviews artist Justin “Squigs” Robertson about his special project celebrating the theatre’s centennial. Rededicated to Al Hirschfeld on what would have been his 100th birthday in 2003, this is the only Broadway Theatre to ever be named after an artist. In this episode, learn about the many exciting productions played at the theatre, hear about the star-studded rededication, and join us in celebrating the many performers and creatives whose work appeared on the the
David sits down with Emily McGill, the author of the new Hirschfeld Broadway Tarot deck, to discuss their collaboration on this one-of-a-kind Hirschfeld experience. The Hirschfeld Broadway Tarot Deck is available now online and where most books are sold. Order here! Follow along with the show notes to view the works and cards mentioned in this episode. Pippin, 1972 Dot from Sunday in the Park with George, 1984 – The Queen of Cups Candide from Candide, 1997 – 0 the Fool P.T. Barnum from Barnum, 1997 – I the Magician Luis Alberto Molina from Kiss of the Spider Woman, 1993 – VIII Strength Princes
We're celebrating the 50th episode of the Hirschfeld Century Podcast in style with a look back at your favorite episodes. Plus, David and Katherine answer your burning Hirschfeld questions and a few surprises are revealed! Thank you to everyone for listening for the last 50 episodes. We couldn't do it without your support and we look forward to telling more stories from the world of Hirschfeld! Follow along with the show notes to view the works and previous episodes mentioned in this episode. Links for episodes go to alhirschfeldfoundation.org/podcasts. Check your service's listings for past e
David and Katherine take a look at the friendship between Al Hirschfeld and satirist S.J. Perelman including their Broadway-bound flop Sweet Bye and Bye, and their subsequent adventures chronicled in the book Westward Ha! or Around the World in 80 Clichés. Thank you Frank Ferrante for recording Groucho Marx' farewell speech to Hirschfeld and Perelman. More on Frank Ferrante here: EveningWithGroucho.com Thank you Robert Bader for the transcript of Groucho Marx' farewell speech as featured in his book "Grouch Marx and Other Short Stories and Tall Tales: Selected Writings of Groucho Marx": Order
David Leopold interviews actor, writer, cabaret performer, and drag legend Charles Busch on his vivid career and his work on the online exhibition Hirschfeld's Drag Show, celebrating 74 years of performers in drag across 15 drawings by Al Hirschfeld. Hirschfeld's Drag Show is available to view now at alhirschfeldfoundation.org/exhibitions Recorded at The Algonquin Hotel in New York. Check out The Hirschfeld Package at The Algonquin Hotel Visit CharlesBusch.com Follow along with the show notes to view the works mentioned in the episode: Charles Busch (Two Drawings) Charles Ludlam, 1983 Jose Fer
David and Katherine celebrate MGM's centennial with a look back at Hirschfeld's 40+ years working for the studio on many of their iconic films including the Marx Brothers films, Royal Wedding, Meet Me in St. Louis, The Wizard of Oz, and many more! Follow along with the show notes to view the works mentioned in this episode: All MGM Images On Ze Boulevard, 1927 The Green Ghost (Released as "The Unholy Night"), 1929 Ordeal (Released as "The Ship in Shanghai"), 1929 Hallelujah, 1928 Hirschfeld Stamps Laurel and Hardy Min and Bill Poster, 1930 The Wizard of Oz Promoting Pandemonium! - Selling Stan
David sits down with guest curator Alan Pally, a trustee of the Noël Coward Foundation, to discuss our new online exhibition Men About Town: Hirschfeld Draws Noël Coward, now available to view at alhirschfeldfoundation.org/exhibitions Recorded at The Algonquin Hotel in New York, David and Alan look back at Coward's extraordinary career and the many figures he worked with through Hirschfeld's drawings. Important Links: Men About Town: Hirschfeld Draws Noël Coward (Full Exhibition) About the Noël Coward Foundation The NY Public Library for the Performing Arts The Hirschfeld Package at The Algonq
David and Katherine look back 60 years ago to a year that was full of exciting works from Al Hirschfeld: 1964! Fiddler on the Roof, Hello Dolly!, Funny Girl and more premiered on Broadway; My Fair Lady and The Best Man hit the big screen; and Hirschfeld introduces two new series of drawings: "Famous Feuds" and "Unlikely Casting". Follow along with the show notes to view the works mentioned in this episode: Bedtime Story, 1964 What's My Line David Niven The Best Man, 1964 The Best Man ("Movies to Remember" Series), 1979 The Best Man (Broadway), 1960 My Fair Lady (Film), 1964 The Train, 1964 Tri
The Al Hirschfeld Foundation team celebrates Disney's 100th anniversary through Al Hirschfeld's unique relationship with the company including Hirschfeld's critical reviews of early Disney films, his depictions of their characters, and Disney Animation's tributes to Hirschfeld in the films Aladdin and Fantasia 2000! Follow along with the show notes to view the works mentioned in this episode: Hollywood Party, 1934 "Mickey Mouse Can Be All Things To All Men", 1937 Marge Champion Alexander King Hirschfeld's Reviews of Disney Films Walt Disney, 1938 (For Snow White Review) Ray Bolger Eric Goldber
David & Katherine celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of The Lively Years, a collaboration by Al Hirschfeld and his friend, theater critic Brooks Atkinson, featuring over 80 old and new drawings by Hirschfeld looking back at over 50 years of American theatre. Follow along with the show notes to view the works mentioned in this episode: Brooks Atkinson Our Town The Visit, 1958 R.U.R., 1973 Waiting For Godot Summer and Smoke, 1952 Arthur Miller The Beautiful People, 1941 Sidney Lumet Critic and Artist Escaping the Theater, 1948 Guys and Dolls, 1950 The Iceman Cometh, 1946 The Cradle Will Rock, 19
David & Katherine celebrate the 100th anniversary of Warner Brothers by looking at Hirschfeld's work for the studio and the many films he drew from their prestigious library! Follow along with the show notes to view the works mentioned in this episode: Miguel Covarrubias Rin-Tin-Tin George Bonte, Warner Brothers Art Dept., 1925 Set of Borders from Warner Brother Campaign Book, 1925 Selznick Distributing Corporation Brochure, 1924 Ernst Lubitsch, 1925 Sydney Chaplin in The Man on the Box - Irene Rich in My Wife & I, 1925 John Barrymore in Don Juan, 1926 Jason Robards Sr. Monte Blue How Baxter B
At long last, our long-teased prints podcast episode is here! David & Katherine discuss Hirschfeld’s long, exciting history with prints, and answer your burning print questions. Learn more about the Harlem, Rhythm, and Kabuki series, plus many more works! Follow along with the show notes to see the works mentioned in this episode! Lithograph Example: Bob Hope (1988) Etching Example: Barbra Streisand in Funny Girl (1975) The Hook Shop (1926) Fez Drawings (1926) Art Students League - Caricature Study (1926) Railway Station, Kharkov (1928) Art and Industry (1931) The Dizzy Club (1931) La Serviett
Join Al Hirschfeld Foundation Creative Director David Leopold and Archives Manager Katherine Eastman as they take a look at Hirschfeld's works in the 21st Century in honor of his 120th birthday on June 21st. From Friends on TV, to Academy Award nominees, to Reba on Broadway and more; hear about the final works in Al Hirschfeld's career and how his legacy lives on today. The Royal Tenenbaums, 2001 Gangs of New York, 2002 2000 Academy Award Nominees Groucho Marx, 2000 Comedians at Lunch, 2000 The Sopranos, 2001 Friends Seinfeld The West Wing, 2001 Will & Grace American Flag (TV Guide), 2001 Ally
Join Al Hirschfeld Foundation Creative Director David Leopold and Archive Manager Katherine Eastman as they discuss various Hirschfeld murals from the year 1958 including a World's Fair mural caught in the backdrop of the Cold War! Mural at American Pavilion at Brussels World's Fair (1958) The Visit (1958) The First Born (1958) Playwrights Mural for the Playbill Room at the Hotel Manhattan (1958) William Shakespeare and The Taming of the Shrew Eugene O'Neill and Long Day's Journey into Night George Bernard Shaw and My Fair Lady Broadway First Nighters (1958) - for the Hotel Manhattan: Part One
Join Al Hirschfeld Foundation Creative Director David Leopold and Archives Manager Katherine Eastman as they recall Hirschfeld's pivotal trip to Bali that changed his career forever! _________________________ Sydney Chaplin, Man on the Box (1925) On Ze Boulevard (1927) Fred Allen George Kaufman Marx Brothers Tahiti Miquel Covarrubias Bali Charlie Chaplin Sydney Chaplin Al & Flo's Letter to the Chaplins Sunnyside Poster (1927) Art Students League - Study Fanny Brice and George Jessel, 1932 S.J. Perelman The Great Dictator (1940) Charlie Chaplin - Smiling, Man With Both Feet (1942) Charlie Chapi
Join Al Hirschfeld Foundation Creative Director David Leopold and Archives Manager Katherine Eastman as they pursue the new book The American Theatre as seen by Hirschfeld 1962-2002. We guarantee you'll see something you've never seen before! _________________________ Comedians of 1963 (page 24) Jennifer West in Diamond Orchid (page 51) Eartha Kitt in Timbuktu (page 84) Dancin' (page 102) The Entertainer (page 113) On Your Toes (page 160) Largely New York (page 173) Colm Wilkinson and Terrance Mann (page 163) Six Leading Ladies (page 202) Chimere (page 222) Dance of Death (page 235) Tommy Tune
Join Al Hirschfeld Foundation Creative Director David Leopold and author Debby Applegate as they tour the newest online exhibition "Call Her Madam: Sex, Crime, and Fun in Polly Adler's New York". Follow along during the episode by viewing the exhibition here. Call Her Madam Online Exhibition Merch Buy the Call Her Madam (book) here _________________________ Visit our website Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Follow us on Instagram
