Schoenfeld Passing Inspires Heartfelt Tributes

Gerald Schoenfeld, the Chairman of the Board of the Shubert Organization, perhaps the most well-known owner and operator of live-performance theaters in the U.S. died on November 25, 2008.

His passing brought sadness tears to the Rilato yesterday, but with such a profound legacy behind him it wasn't long before he was paid tribute by the theatre community and it's brightest lights. 

Names like Lloyd Webber, Jackman, LuPone, Peters and Rivera among MANY others joined the chorus of people whose lives he not only touched but often changed. His remarkable energy, passion and theatrical intellect was a constant force on nearly every level in the world of Broadway. 

It is clearly evident that the industry will feel his loss for many years to come, he was that rare breed, a true representative of a time when the performance mattered and the artist could be heard, while at the same time understanding what it truly took to bring the show to the stage in the first place.

Always in the mix, ever at the ready, and still I'm sure, somewhere in the wings-his memory lives on in the heart and minds of us all. While it would be hard to list all the accolades that began to pour in once it was known he had died, there were a few splendid tributes in the various daily news publications that were informed and emotional, we give you a small grouping collected here in case you missed them yesterday;

In The New York Times, Frank Rich, as usual, gave us his keen insight into the man he calls 'The Savior of Broadway', for more of Rich's personal reflections on Schoenfeld, click here.

Bruce Weber, also of the Times paints a vivid picture in print of a titan who shaped the industry, read it here.

The New York Post's Michael Riedel reminds us of the power and passion that fueled Schoenfeld right up until his final moments, the article can be found by going here.

And in the Los Angeles Time, you'll find a wonderful article with many quotes from the late impressario himself, a truly informative read.

Shoenfeld played a key role in the history and development of the American theater, overseeing the production of countless classic plays, musicals, and other dramatic pieces.

Mr. Schoenfeld and his former partner, the late Bernard Jacobs, together gained control of the Shubert Organization several decades ago and are credited with revitalizing the operation. The Shubert Organization has brought to the stage dozens of productions, including such works as Amadeus, An Inspector Calls, The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby, The Most Happy Fella, Children of a Lesser God, The Heidi Chronicles, Little Shop of Horrors, and Cats. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Mr Schoenfeld has played a key role in community development and civic affairs in New York City. He has helped lead the effort to renew and improve Times Square and the surrounding area. Mr. Schoenfeld received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Illinois and a law degree from New York University.

The Shubert Organization has been at the forefront of the American theatre since the start of the 20th century. The Organization currently owns or operates seventeen Broadway theatres, one Off Broadway theatre (the brand new Little Shubert), and three theatres outside New York City (the Shubert in Boston, MA; the Forrest in Philadelphia, PA; and the National in Washington, DC).

Under the leadership of Gerald Schoenfeld, Chairman; Philip J. Smith, President; and Robert E. Wankel, Executive Vice President, the firm continues to be involved in the presentation of distinguished theatrical presentations. Notable Shubert productions and co-productions include Cats, Sunday in the Park with George, Dreamgirls, The Heidi Chronicles, Jerome Robbins' Broadway, The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby, Song and Dance, Amadeus, The Gin Game, The Blue Room, Dirty Blonde, Dance of Death, Amour, Passing Strange and the 2008 revival of Equus.

In addition to its theatre operations and producing activities, the Shubert Organization also runs Shubert Ticketing and Telecharge.com. Shubert Ticketing provides every segment of the entertainment industry with a single source for all its ticketing needs - box office sales, telephone sales, internet sales, season and subscription sales, group sales and more. The Shubert Foundation is the sole shareholder of The Shubert Organization, Inc., and is dedicated to sustaining and advancing live performing arts in the United States, with a particular emphasis on theatre and a secondary focus on dance. The Foundation provides general operating support to not-for-profit, professional, resident theatre and dance companies, and to the Shubert Archive.

Photo by Walter McBride/Retna Ltd.

 

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