The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts will offer an exhibition of musical theatre recordings this spring.

From March 6, 2003, through June 7, the Library's Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Center will house an exhibition that illuminates the "history, art and craft" of original cast recordings. The era of the original cast recording began with the 1943 release of the two 78rpm sets of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Oklahoma! These albums will be displayed at the exhibit as will a wide selection of LP covers from such labels as Decca, Columbia, Capitol and RCA Victor.

The exhibition will also feature recordings from the Rodgers and Hammerstein Archives of Recorded Sound as well as posters, photographs and promotional products from the Billy Rose Theatre Collection and the Jerome Robbins Dance and Music Divisions. Touch-screens that enable attendees to enjoy over three hours of excerpts as well as a gallery overtures will also be accessible.

The exhibition will be open to the public from noon to 6 PM on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays and from noon to 8 PM on Thursdays. Admission is free. The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts' Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Center is located in New York City at 40 Lincoln Center Plaza. For more information, call (212) 870-1630.

—By Andrew Gans