MTI’s logo, which features a left-handed conductor, was adapted from an illustration by Al Hirschfeld that was commissioned by Music Theatre International. Mr. Hirschfeld, who would have celebrated his 100th birthday in June 2003, was the leading caricaturist of Broadway, having created illustrations of major shows and stars since the 1920’s! He died on January 20, 2003 at age ninety-nine.

After the birth of his daughter Nina in 1945, Mr. Hirschfeld made a game of hiding her name, often several times, in each of his drawings. The MTI staff has been able to find eight in the original drawing (reproduced above).

Through the years, MTI has had fun in adapting elements of the original art for use in our catalogues, newsletters, flyers, posters and website (like the animated version at the top of the page). Although it is assumed by many that the conductor in the illustration is Frank Loesser, one of MTI’s Founders, it is not. Mr. Loesser was right-handed.