PATRICK PACHECO - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 05/31/1974 - HFSID 309277

PATRICK R. PACHECO
As managing editor of After Dark magazine, he thanks Theatre World editor John Willis for the Theatre Worlds Award party.
Typed Letter signed: "Patrick R. Pacheco", 1 page, 5½x8½. New York, N. Y. 1974 May 31. On letterhead of After Dark magazine to John Willis, Crown Publishers, Inc., New York, N. Y. In full: "Just a note to let you know that it was a truly delightful cocktail reception for the Theatre World Awards, and I was so glad that I was able to come with Bill Como. We both enjoyed it immensely. More importantly, however, I wanted to tell how much we here in the editorial department of After Dark Magazine appreciate the accuracy, professionalism, and excellent quality in your publications - all of them. They are an invaluable source of information. Congratulations and best wishes for continued success." After Dark, founded by Bill Como in 1968, covered entertainment and lifestyle topics, with numerous articles devoted to dance and stage production. PATRICK PACHECO assumed editorship in the mid-1970s, he sought to shift the emphasis away from "eye candy" photography to serious criticism, but this approach was not welcomed by the publication's readership. Though not a gay publication, After Dark had a large gay following, but new publications were emerging which appealed more directly to this audience. Pacheco was replaced as editor in 1981, and the periodical ceased publication the following year. Pacheco remains an active entertainment reporter, however. 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, and 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. Fine condition.