Shepard Coleman
Shepard Coleman (1924 - 12 May 1998) was an American musical director. Many credits to his name, Coleman won a Tony award for his vocal arrangements for Hello, Dolly! in 1964, and was the musical director for the Broadway debut of the well known play Oh, What a Lovely War in 1965.
Shepard Coleman | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1924 New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Died | May 12, 1998 (age 74) Ridgewood, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Occupation | Musical director |
| Spouse(s) | |
Early life
Coleman was born in New York City in 1924 to Albert and Esther Cohen (Coleman's real name) and had three siblings.[1] Coleman attended the Juilliard School and became a cellist.
Career
He performed in music ensembles during the 1940s and also played with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra was a pit musician for Broadway musicals from 1946 to 1960.[2]
After directing the hugely successful musical Hello, Dolly!, Coleman was awarded a Tony award in 1964. Shortly after, he became the musical director for the Broadway debut of Joan Littlewood's new musical Oh, What a Lovely War. The cast featured well known English actors including Victor Spinetti, Brian Murphy and Barbara Windsor. It also received other Tony nominations: for Best Musical, Best Direction, Best Featured Actress, and won Best Featured Actor. Spinetti also won the Theatre World Award.[3]
Death
Coleman died at the Valley Hospital in Ridgewood, N.J. aged 74.
Personal life
Coleman was married to American actress and dancer Gretchen Wyler from 1958 until their divorce in 1968. Coleman also had a relationship with actress Barbara Windsor during Oh What a Lovely War.
References
- "Shepard Coleman". geni_family_tree.
- "Shepard Coleman, Musical Director for Theater, 74". The New York Times. Associated Press. May 25, 1998. Retrieved February 1, 2021.
- "Shepard Coleman Theatre Credits, News, Bio and Photos". www.broadwayworld.com.