The Abominable Showman

Happy birthday David Merrick. The last of the great impresarios, he loved publicity stunts, such as his famous ad for the so-so musical Subways Are For Sleeping, where he got seven thumbs up from people who just happened to have the same names as the seven top New York critics.  Then there was the time director Gower Champion died the day the Merrick/Champion production of 42nd Street opened.  Merrick came out during curtain calls looking stricken and annoucned Champion's death--perhaps he had to, but it certainly ensured the critics would say nice things about the show (which would have been a hit anyway).

He had his name on over 80 Broadway productions--dramas, comedies, musicals, all types.  He was apparently a nasty man, tough to work with, but obviously had a love of the theatre, and sure produced a lot of great shows.

Here's a selection from some of his musicals: