The latest Forever® stamp issued by the United States Postal Stamp will bear the image of Helen Hayes, regarded as “First Lady of the American Theater”. The first date of issue will be Monday, April 25, 2011 and will be honored with a special ceremony that evening at the Helen Hayes Awards ceremony.
Art for the image of Ms. Hayes, taken from a 1958 photograph, was created by Drew Struzan, known for his movie poster art for “Indiana Jones” and the “Star Wars” series. The stamp itself was designed by Howard E. Paine of Delaplane, VA.
The Helen Hayes first class (44 cents) stamps and cancellation envelopes will be available for sale to the general public from 3-5 pm at the JW Marriott from USPS staff, as well as to Helen Hayes Awards guests gathered for the Awards ceremony later that evening.
Today’s press announcement from the Helen Hayes Awards states: “Helen Hayes began her lifelong love affair with theatre at the age of five after seeing her first play at The National Theatre. Her legendary work ethic and standards of excellence earned her the title “First Lady of the American Theatre.” Eighty years after her first visit to The National Theatre, she presided over the inaugural presentation of her namesake awards and continued to inspire the Washington artists that followed in her footsteps.”
USPS Chief Financial Officer and Vice President, Joseph Corbett, who will be on hand to present the stamp to the Awards audience of nearly 2,000 members of the theatre community has said:
“The United States Postal Service is honored to salute the life, career and remarkable legacy of Helen Hayes, the ‘First Lady of the American Theater,’ with a commemorative Forever stamp. Postage stamps like this one help us to bind this great nation together, and at the same time, celebrate the incredible cultural legacy that is at the heart of the American experience. From this day forward, this wonderful image of Miss Hayes will travel quickly, easily, and affordably on letters and packages throughout the country, and at the same time, will serve as a lasting tribute to a great American actress whose career in theatre, film, television, recording and publishing spanned all ten decades of the twentieth century.”
For information on the Helen Hayes Awards presentation, visit www.helenhayes.org. We understand there are a limited number of orchestra seats still available for the Awards presentations which includes the glittering Gala after party. Call 202 337-4572.
Related:
2011 Curtain Call: Interviews with the Helen Hayes Nominees
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