Harold Prince

Harold Smith Prince, known as Hal Prince, was an American theater director and producer. He was born on January 30, 1928, and passed away on July 31, 2019. Prince was famous for his work in musical theater.

He was one of the most important figures in 20th-century American theater. Prince worked on many famous musicals such as West Side Story, Fiddler on the Roof, Cabaret, Sweeney Todd, and Phantom of the Opera. The latter is the longest-running show in Broadway history. His work often included serious and important topics, like the story of Nazism in Cabaret, marriage in Company, and history in Pacific Overtures.

Throughout his career, Prince won a record 21 Tony Awards. These awards recognized his skills in directing, producing, and special achievements in theater.

Early life and education

Harold Prince was born into a wealthy family in Manhattan. His parents were Blanche Stern and Harold Smith, and he was later adopted by his stepfather, Milton A. Prince, who worked as a stockbroker. Harold's family had German Jewish roots.

He went to school at the Franklin School, known later as the Dwight School, in New York. He then studied at the University of Pennsylvania and finished his studies in just three years when he was only 19 years old. After that, he spent two years serving in the United States Army in Germany after World War II.

Career

Harold Prince began his work in theater as an assistant to a well-known producer and director. He helped create many famous musicals, winning several Tony Awards for his work. Some of his early successes included The Pajama Game and Damn Yankees.

Prince later became a director and producer, working with famous composers like Stephen Sondheim and Andrew Lloyd Webber. He helped create important musicals such as West Side Story, Fiddler on the Roof, Cabaret, Sweeney Todd, and The Phantom of the Opera, which became the longest-running show in Broadway history. Prince was known for bringing new ideas to musical theater, often focusing on deeper themes and stories. He also directed operas and received many honors for his contributions to the arts.

Personal life

Harold Prince married Judy Chaplin, the daughter of composer and musical director Saul Chaplin, on October 26, 1962. Together, they had two children: Daisy Prince, who became a director, and Charles Prince, who became a conductor. Actor Alexander Chaplin, famous for his role as James Hobert on Spin City, is Prince’s son-in-law. When he passed away, Prince was living in both Manhattan and Switzerland.

Death

Prince passed away in Reykjavík, Iceland, on July 31, 2019, at the age of 91. He had fallen ill while traveling from Switzerland to the United States. In honor of him, the lights of Broadway’s theaters were dimmed later that day. A memorial service was held at Broadway’s Majestic Theatre on December 16, 2019.

Work

Harold Prince was a famous theater director and producer known for his work in musical theater. He helped create many famous shows like West Side Story, Fiddler on the Roof, and Phantom of the Opera. His work often included serious topics, making musical theater more interesting and deep.

Filmography

• Something for Everyone (1970) – director
• A Little Night Music (1977) – director

Awards and nominations

Sources: Playbill (vault); Internet Broadway Database; Los Angeles Times