On March 1, 1979, the original production of Stephen Sondheims masterpiece Sweeney Todd opened at the Uris Theatre (now the Gershwin Theatre). Directed by Hal Prince and starring Angela Lansbury and Len Cariou as Mrs. Lovett and Sweeney Todd, this glorious first production was nominated for nine Tony Awards, winning eight including Best Actress in a Musical for Lansbury.

The following season, a revival of The Little Foxes, starring mega-star Elizabeth Taylor opened on May 7 to critical acclaim and sold out audiences for the 126 performances of its limited engagement at the Martin Beck Theatre (now the Hirschfeld Theatre).

Rivka Katvan, brilliant photographer and dear friend of Broadway Cares, was granted rare permission to photograph both Lansbury and Taylor in their dressing rooms before a performance. Take home these intimate portraits of beloved stars, first classmates at MGM, then celebrated leading ladies on Broadway and now recognized as two of the most iconic stars of the stage, film and television.

Note: These portraits are not signed by either Lansbury or Taylor. However, this special lot does include Sweeney Todd sheet music signed by Lansbury and her Sweeney, Len Cariou.

Renowned photographer Rivka Katvan, one of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS most ardent champions, began taking backstage photographs in 1978. She has documented the celebrated stars of Broadway and the theaters community of creative artists for more than four decades. Since 1996, Rivka and her husband, Moshe Katvan, have donated more than 100 extraordinary legendary portraits of Broadways best, raising more than $300,000 for Broadway Cares as part of the Grand Auction. Today, Rivka offers a collection of beautifully captured private moments with Broadways most celebrated stars and creators.

Courtesy of Rivka Katvan and Moshe Katvan