Martin Markinson

Martin Markinson, one of the leading Broadway producers and independent theatre owners of the past 50 years, died on Thursday, January 7th at his home in Santa Fe, New Mexico surrounded by love. He was 89 years old.

Arlena Markinson, his wife of 58 years who was with him when he died, confirmed that he succumbed to a long battle with cancer that spread through his body over the last two years.

As the Broadway industry became more corporate towards the end of the last century with productions and theatres operated by conglomerates and large not-for-profit organizations, Martin "Marty" Markinson maintained and flourished as a distinct independent producer and landlord, bringing some of the best-known shows of the era to New York.

Markinson was known as a gentleman and a man of his word - qualities that he greatly valued in his personal and professional life. He adored and cherished his family, and was a loyal friend to many. He will be deeply missed.

His Broadway productions included Torch Song Trilogy (1982, Tony Award Best Play 1983, Drama Desk Award for Outstanding New Play 1983), The Gathering starring Hal Linden (2001), George Gershwin Alone starring Hershey Felder (2001), Honeymoon in Vegas, Gigi and On Your Feet (2015), Getting and Spending (1998), Corpse! (1986), Peter Nichol's Passion (1983) and Ned and Jack (1981).

On Broadway, Markinson also served as an associate producer on Chicago (1975), Poor Murderer (1976), Some of My Best Friends (1977), Cheaters (1978) and Whoopee! (1979).

Off-Broadway and regional productions included The Florida Follies, I Love a Piano, Matter of Honor, And a Nightingale Sang, Daddy Goodness, Snoopy, Crucifer of Blood, Some of My Best Friends, Golda's Balcony, Come Fly with Me, The Exact Center of the Universe, Dinah, Pageant: The Musical, The Sunshine Boys, Dusky Sally, Nagasaki Dust, The Last Minstrel Show.