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One of the most iconic remaining pieces of physical media can be found eight times a week in Midtown , Manhattan. But is it here to stay? We’re talking about the Playbill , of course—and more specifically, the often hastily-printed understudy slip tucked inside.

The History of Playbills

The long-standing tradition of Playbills began all the way back in 1884 , when Frank Vance Strauss began creating the magazine-style theater program in New York City. The programs have been a Broadway landmark and memorable keepsake for generations. They’re informative, decorative, and so effortlessly New York .

The tradition recently celebrated a milestone birthday, as well. Last year, for Playbill’s 140th anniversary , the covers of each show returned to vintage versions of the belove

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