2023 - 2024 Broadway Musical Logos: Lempicka

Tamara de Lempicka was a world famous art deco artist, whose works are still en vogue nearly 100 years after they were created. Arguably the most recognizable of her paintings was her 1929 self-portrait, Tamara in the Green Bugatti, and one must assume that that is why that identifiable piece figures so prominently in the logo for the musical about her life.

It makes sense because it is actually her in the key art for Lempicka. But what is so telling about the woman and the show is how that image is presented. Much, like another musical about a strong woman in a world of strong men - Evita, of course - the image is presented as a black silhouette on a plain background. 

Here, as there, it suggests a revolutionary figure whose stylized portrait has been spray painted on any wall it can hold. Revolutionaries have gotten that kind of "for the masses" treatment for decades, centuries, even. The background, a metallic silver with rivets, implies strength. It also appears to be a nod to her art deco style, known for its austere, industrial aesthetic.

I think it is very interesting, and wise even, to adorn the Longacre Theatre not with the logo, but with Ms. de Lempicka's greatest (and provocative) works of art. They are certainly eye-catching and evocative. Passersby will likely pause on their way to take in the mini gallery. And as we know, that kind of pause leads to brand recognition, and then, tickets sales. At least one can hope.

Grade: A