DOUGLAS WATT - CHRISTMAS / HOLIDAY CARD SIGNED - HFSID 314763

DOUGLAS WATT
The critic signs a Holiday card for John Willis, chief editor of Theatre World
Christmas/Holiday card signed: "Douglas Watt," in blue ink. 4½x5½ whimsical card picturing two snowmen sitting at a dinner table. Douglass Watt (1914-2009) was an American theatre critic who worked for nearly six decades critiquing Broadway, Off-Broadway, and Off-off-Broadway Theatre. Watt got one of his earliest reporting jobs while he was in service with the United States Army during World War II when he worked as a reporter in Okinawa. Not only was Watt a critic and reporter, but he was a trained pianist and songwriter, writing pieces "After All These Years," and "Heaven Help Me," which were recorded by Doris Day and Frankie Lane. Watt was also one of the founding members of the Drama Desk Awards, and served on the nominating committee for the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the Tony Awards. John A. Willis (1916-2010), active in Theatre World from the beginning, became its chief editor in 1965, holding that position until 2008. Willis is regarded as one of the foremost theatre and film historians of the 20th century. While producing (and presenting) the annual Theatre World Awards, Willis also served on the nominating committee for the Tony Awards. Theatre World, which received its own Tony for Excellence in Theatre in 2001, continues under chief editor Ben Hodges. Lightly toned around edges. Otherwise, fine condition.