SCOTT MERRILL - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED - HFSID 318083

SCOTT MERRILL
The actor signs a Christmas card to John Willis, Editor of Theatre World, thanking him for a nostalgic gift and announcing an executive director's position he just acquired
Autograph letter signed: "Scott Merrill", in blue ink, 10x7¼ open flat, 5x7¼ closed. In full: "Dear John: How nice of you to remember, -after all these years, -you have just given me a wonderful award, full of nostalgia -however, this does go on- I'm the Executive Director for "Senior Citizens" - and couldn't be happier. -Please be well and happy-". Stage actor Scott Merrill has performed primarily on Broadway, with his first performance being as a dancer in the 1943 play Lady in the Dark. His premiere as a performer was in Oklahoma! (1943), and he would go on to appear in several more plays, including Dance Me a Song (1950), Guys and Dolls (1950), and Threepenny Opera (1954, 1955). His starring role in Threepenny Opera earned him a Tony nomination, and he received a Theatre World Award in 1954. 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. Corners slightly worn. Fine condition.