Cats '88 Playbill

The Playbill for the musical Cats from the Winter Garden Theater in New York depicts the word “CATS” handwritten on a black background. In this program, the Playbill font has transitioned fully into the iconic font used today. The word “PLAYBILL” is centered and runs all the way across the container. The rectangular boxes that separate the two pieces provide a differentiation that communicates to the viewer that Cats is partnering alongside the identity of Playbill which conveys an attitude of belonging in the theater world.

The white handwritten title significantly contrast the black background and following the civil rights movement, this well-known musical discusses the idea that equality is not based on outward appearance. The background can symbolize the all-encompassing nature of the color black and represent acceptance despite different appearances.