Photo Flash: HIRSCHFELD AT THE PLAYHOUSE Celebrates Portrait Artist in Westport

Westport Country Playhouse hosted "Hirschfeld at the Playhouse," a one-night-only celebration of the artistry of Al Hirschfeld last night, June 29, with an exhibition of his works and a screening of the documentary about his life and career, "The Line King: The Al Hirschfeld Story." The 1996 Academy Award-nominated film, directed and written by Susan W. Dryfoos, was produced by Times History Productions, a division of The New York Times Company. Scroll down for photos from the event!

"Hirschfeld at the Playhouse" coincides with the New-York Historical Society Museum and Library exhibition "The Hirschfeld Century: The Art of Al Hirschfeld," running now through October 12, and its companion book "The Hirschfeld Century: Portrait of an Artist and His Age," recently published by Alfred A. Knopf. The exhibition has been organized by Louise Kerz Hirschfeld, president of The Al Hirschfeld Foundation, and is guest curated by David Leopold, creative director of The Al Hirschfeld Foundation.

Al Hirschfeld (1903-2003) began his performance portraiture in 1926. His signature work, defined by a linear calligraphic style, made his name a verb. To be "Hirschfelded" was a sign that one has arrived. To a great extent, Hirschfeld documented the history of the performing arts in the twentieth century and beyond.

The American Masters' 52-minute version of "The Line King: The Al Hirschfeld Story" was screened in the Playhouse's Jason Robards Theater at 8 p.m. A Q&A followed, moderated by Lamos, with Mrs. Hirschfeld and. Ms. Dryfoos. Guests then moved to the Sheffer Studio to view the exhibition. Author David Leopold was on hand to sign copies of his book "The Hirschfeld Century: Portrait of an Artist and His Age."

The Hirschfeld display at the Playhouse features art from private collections. Many of the works are originals, some of which have never been publicly seen. Among the Playhouse friends loaning their Hirschfelds to the exhibit are Christopher Plummer, James Earl Jones, Joanna Gleason, Jill Eikenberry, Maureen Anderman, Jake Robards, and Edwin Schloss.

The Playhouse exhibition is organized by Mrs. Hirschfeld, and Edwin Schloss, vice president of The Al Hirschfeld Foundation, with generous support from Joanne Woodward, and special thanks to Julian Schlossberg.

Photo Credit: Peter Chenot

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