I was going through tumblr and noticed that some people had colored playbills. I just checked and the ones I have are pretty much all black and white? When do they give out colored playbills (I am referring to the cover)? Is it only for special performances like opening night, 100th performance, etc.?
Colored playbills are generally given out early in shows' runs (unless it's Roundabout, whose playbills never seem to be colored). Shows switch to black and white eventually to save money.
A little swash, a bit of buckle - you'll love it more than bread.
The producers pay to have a cover in color. Shows usually start with this as it give the perception that it is a big hit! Some big hits maintain the color covers while the show trying to get by switch to black and white to save money.
Also, there are shows that, despite doing well, still switch to black and white just because it's a nice but not needed expense. An example of this is Billy Elliot.
"If you try to shag my husband while I am still alive, I will shove the art of motorcycle maintenance up your rancid little Cu**. That's a good dear"
Tom Stoppard's Rock N Roll