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David MerrickAmerican theatre producer
Date of Birth: 27.11.1911
Country:  Great Britain |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Career Shift and Early Success
- Notorious Publicity Stunts
- Controversial Announcement and Illness
- David Merrick Arts Foundation and Legacy
Early Life and Education
Born into a Jewish family in St. Louis, Missouri, on November 27, 1911, David Lee Margulois, known later as David Merrick, graduated from Washington University and pursued a law degree at Saint Louis University School of Law.
Career Shift and Early Success
In 1940, Merrick abruptly abandoned his legal career to embark on a path as a theatrical producer. From 1958 to 1986, he received 39 Tony Award nominations, winning 11, sometimes competing against his own productions.
Notorious Publicity Stunts
Merrick was notorious for his sensationalistic publicity stunts. In the case of the struggling Broadway musical "Subways Are For Sleeping," he recruited seven New Yorkers who shared the names of esteemed theater critics and solicited their glowing reviews, which were then utilized in newspaper advertisements.
Controversial Announcement and Illness
On the premiere night of the musical "42nd Street," Merrick publicly revealed the death of director Gower Champion, who had passed away from a rare form of leukemia. In 1983, Merrick suffered a stroke that confined him to a wheelchair and impaired his speech.
David Merrick Arts Foundation and Legacy
Fifteen years after his stroke, Merrick established the David Merrick Arts Foundation to foster the development of American musical theater. Despite six marriages, none of which lasted, he had two daughters.
David Merrick passed away in London on April 25, 2000. His name was inducted into the St. Louis Walk of Fame in 2001. Among his numerous acclaimed productions are "Romanoff and Juliet," "Gypsy," "A Taste of Honey," "Promises, Promises," "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead," and "Hello, Dolly!"
