There's No Business Like Show Business

An original costume used during the production of There's No Business Like Show Business, the 1954 musical directed by Walter Lang and starring Marilyn Monroe.

This waistcoat was bespoke made for popular American singer Johnnie Ray as Steve Donahue and used in the scenes where the cast sing Alexander's Ragtime Band. Created for the production by noted industry costumiers Western Costume the creme silk waistcoat features pockets to the front and pearlescent buttons. The costume is stamped to the interior and also features a period Wester Costume label which is type written with the number '76-2671-1' and 'JOHNNIE RAY' with the chest size marked '37'.

The waistcoat remains in good condition considering its age with some wear and having been cut up the back with ties added, likely to enable it to fit someone slightly bigger for use in a subsequent unknown production.

An incredibly rare example of principal character wardrobe from this Academy Award nominated production.