MAX (CASEY ADAMS) SHOWALTER - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 03/05/1973 - HFSID 318519

MAX SHOWALTER (CASEY ADAMS)
The accomplished stage and screen actor writes to John Willis, editor of Theatre World, reminiscing the late Daniel Blum
Autograph letter signed: "Max Showalter" 1 page, 8½x14. Hollywood, California, March 5, 1973. In full: "Dear Mr. Willis:--Enclosed are two current portraits you requested. I would be very proud to have one of them used one day. I have a complete collection of Theatre World and Screen World and they are among my most prized possessions. I knew Daniel Blum and it was always a pleasure to see [illegible] be with him when he came to California. Congratulations on the fine job you're doing in carrying it on-your books are invaluable. My very best always". Max Showalter (also known as Casey Adams, 1917-2000), who fell in love with film as a toddler, appeared in hundreds of films, television shows, Broadway and stage performances throughout his 50 year career. He is known for Bus Stop (with Marilyn Monroe, 1956), How to Murder Your Wife (1965) and most famously Niagara (1953). Some of his most memorable Broadway performances include Hello, Dolly! (1964-1970), Showboat (1947-6-47) and The Grass Harp (1971) in which he starred. In addition to his various acting credits, Showalter was an amazing pianist and musician, and he wrote the music for Harrigan n' Hart which premiered on Broadway in 1985. Theatre World, founded in 1945 by Daniel Blum, is America's oldest annual record of Broadway, Off-Broadway and regional theatre, referenced by industry professionals, historians, students and theatre fans worldwide. Until 1998, when a separate nonprofit corporation was established, Theatre World's editorial staff bestowed the prestigious Theatre World Awards for outstanding Broadway and Off-Broadway debuts. Screen World (from 1950) and Dance World (from 1966), administered from the same office, furnished comprehensive information on those entertainment genres. 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. Normal mailing folds. Lightly creased. Otherwise, fine condition.