George Abbott was a renowned American theater director, producer, playwright, and actor who is known for his significant contributions to the American theater. Born on June 25, 1887, in Forestville, New York, Abbott began his career in the theater as an actor, but eventually became a successful producer and director.
Abbott's Broadway career spanned over seven decades, during which he produced and directed more than 100 Broadway productions, wrote over 30 plays and musicals, and acted in several productions. He made his Broadway debut as an actor in 1913 in The Misleading Lady and later went on to produce and direct ... read more
With the scores of such Broadway classics as Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Peter Pan, Bells Are Ringing, Gypsy, and Funny Girl to his credit, composer Jule Styne ranks as one of the undisputed architects of the American musical theater.
Born in London's East End on December 31, 1905, Styne's family moved to the United States in 1912. Young Julius showed such a talent for the piano that he had performed with the Chicago, St. Louis, and Detroit Symphonies by age 10.
He developed his feel for popular music working with the jazz bands of 1920s Chicago, and as vocal coach to such ... read more
