Master of Ceremonies: The Joel Grey Collection Takes the Stage at Freeman’s | Hindman

Freeman’s | Hindman is honored to present Master of Ceremonies: The Joel Grey Collection, a vibrant tribute to the legendary performer’s life and legacy as a collector, artist, and cultural icon. Drawn from Grey’s longtime New York residence, the sale on June 20th features an intimate selection of fine art, decorative objects, and treasured memorabilia—including a portrait by David Hockney, works by Jim Dine, R.B. Kitaj, and Betty Parsons, and iconic pieces from Cabaret. Together, these items illuminate Grey’s enduring friendships with artists and his extraordinary influence across stage, screen, and the cultural life of New York City.

“Throughout my many happy decades in Manhattan, I was lucky enough to amass an art collection that speaks to the many friendships and artistic milieu that defined this era of my life and career. I’ve always thought of myself as custodian of these beautiful things and I’m excited for a new generation to find joy and inspiration in them through this auction.” — Joel Grey

“Joel Grey’s life as an icon of both Broadway history and American culture is really on full display here. It is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to witness the impact both his personal and public life has had on the very fabric of the downtown New York art scene and culture at large. The longstanding and deeply meaningful relationships he has with fellow artists and creatives is evident in these special works of art and objects.” — Aaron Cator, Senior Specialist, Post War and Contemporary Art

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Top Hat Worn by Joel Grey in the 1972 Film Production of Cabaret | Estimate $500–800; Tailcoat Worn by Joel Grey for the 1987 Broadway Revival of Cabaret | Estimate: $400–600

Cherished Memorabilia: Defining Roles and Cultural Touchstones The collection features exceptional memorabilia from some of Joel Grey’s most iconic roles. At the heart is the Emcee’s retractable top hat (lot 6, estimate $500–800) from the 1972 film Cabaret, directed and choreographed by Bob Fosse. This bedazzled hat, worn during the unforgettable “Money Money” number with Liza Minnelli, complements the Emcee’s tailcoat and adds to the performance’s decadent satire on wealth. The glittering façade of the hat mirrors the illusion of affluence and the show’s haunting themes. Also included is an original film reel from the 1972 Cabaret production (lot 3, estimate $1,000–2,000), offering a rare physical artifact from one of cinema’s most visually daring musicals. The tailcoat worn by Mr. Grey in the 1987 Broadway revival of Cabaret (lot 5, estimate $400–600) is reminiscent of a circus ringleader or a parody of a well-born gentleman aristocracy. Though various actors have since taken on the Emcee role, Mr. Grey’s original image remains the most indelible—his performance continues to define the character for generations of audiences. Adding to the personal dimension of the sale is Mr. Grey’s upright black lacquer piano (lot 11, estimate $1,500–2,500), which stood at the heart of his home. This piano greeted guests and served as a gathering point for friends, composers, and castmates preparing for productions like George M!, Goodtime Charley, Chicago, Wicked, and The Normal Heart. Notably, Mr. Grey’s 1973 Oscar once sat atop this beloved instrument.

The auction also features an array of costumes that reflect Mr. Grey’s creative evolution, including:

· The lacquered cane and provocative Act II kickline ensemble from Cabaret (lot 7, estimate $400–600)

· A rare pair of Austrian lederhosen, believed to have been worn during a production of Cabaret (lot 9, estimate $300–500)

· A bold red tuxedo ensemble from Mr. Grey’s guest appearance in the final episode of Dallas, a tribute to his friendship with series star Larry Hagman (lot 10, estimate $500–700)

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: David Hockney, Portrait of Joel Grey | Estimate $20,000–40,000; Jim Dine, Heart | Estimate: $8,000–12,000

Fine Art: Personal Friendships and Powerful Works While Mr. Grey is most celebrated for his remarkable performances on stage and screen, his taste and erudition as a collector of fine art are showcased in a stunning group of works. The sale is led by a portrait drawing of Joel Grey by David Hockney (lot 88, estimate $20,000–40,000), made during one of Mr. Grey’s visits abroad. Mr. Grey reflects on the experience in Hockney’s studio: “He was drawing and I was sitting there. And he was a sweetheart, I mean a really, really simple, charming genius and I liked him a lot. And that was the result of that day.” The casual sketch session, born out of artistic instinct rather than formal portraiture, speaks to the natural rhythm of Hockney’s life: “They eat, they breathe, they draw,” Mr. Grey said, smiling. “So, I sat there like a good boy, which I am not.”

The collection also includes a group of intimate and dedicated works by Jim Dine, many of which bear handwritten inscriptions. Introduced by Mr. Grey’s childhood friend R.B. Kitaj, Jim Dine and Mr. Grey formed a close, lifelong friendship. These works reflect Dine’s deep affection for Mr. Grey and his wife Jo. Among them is Heart (1982) (lot 52, estimate $8,000–12,000), a richly layered mixed-media piece on handmade paper. The iconic heart motif, inscribed by both Dine and his wife Nancy, transforms the work into a deeply personal gift that speaks to the emotional core of their friendship.

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Al Hirschfeld, George M! | Estimate $2,000–4,000; Ann Hould-Ward, Costume Design for Fiddler on the Roof | Estimate: $100–200

Onstage Reflections: Capturing Joel Grey in Character Mr. Grey’s profound influence is also evident in several unique pieces representing him on stage. A whimsical ink drawing by Al Hirschfeld (lot 13, estimate $2,000–4,000) captures him as George M. Cohan in George M!. With Hirschfeld’s signature fluid line and theatrical flair, the portrait immortalizes Mr. Grey during a transformative and triumphant moment in his career. Though he would go on to be known as a quintessential song-and-dance man, Mr. Grey approached the role with neither formal tap training nor a background in singing—only intense determination. “George M. Cohan was one of the great, great song-and-dance men of his time,” Mr. Grey reflected. “He was known as a really difficult guy… but he was a genius and he wrote great songs.” In preparing for the role, Mr. Grey worked daily with tap instructor Bob Audy, conquering his fear with tireless dedication. “I was terrified,” he admitted. “I worked every single day for hours… it was such an act of terror that I would go under the stage at the Palace Theater and run the solo—every single show.”

His daughter Jennifer Grey echoed the impact of this metamorphosis: “My dad didn’t know how to tap dance before the show—and he learned to tap and became known as one of the most famous tap dancers… He wasn’t a singer when he started off, he wasn’t a dancer—and then to become known as a song-and-dance man, and he played one of the first pioneers of song and dance.”

Another standout is an original 2018 costume design by Tony-winning designer Ann Hould-Ward (lot 17, estimate $100–200), created for the Yiddish revival of Fiddler on the Roof, reflecting the close creative collaboration between Hould-Ward and Mr. Grey, who was the show’s director.

Additional Highlights Include:

· Lot 4 | Boris Aronson, Original Stage Rendering of Cabaret, 1968 Estimate $300–500

· Lot 39 | Joel Grey, The Statue of Liberty, 2023 Estimate $7,000–9,000

· Lot 53 | Jim Dine, Double Portrait of Joel Grey Estimate $6,000–8,000

· Lot 67 | Betty Parsons, Between the Verticals, 1973 Estimate $10,000–15,000

· Lot 79 | Bruce Robbins, Plank (#3) and Plank (#7), a pair, circa 1970s Estimate $2,000–4,000

· Lot 87 | Jack Ceglic, Portrait of Joel Grey, three-quarter length, in an interior, 1967 Estimate $2,000–3,000

· Lot 89 | R. B. Kitaj, Portrait of Joel Grey Estimate $6,000–8,000

Master of Ceremonies: The Joel Grey Collection is a powerful window into the creative spirit, cultural legacy, and enduring friendships of one of Broadway’s most beloved performers. The auction offers collectors and admirers alike an opportunity to experience the artistic energy, theatrical brilliance, and deeply personal journey of Joel Grey.