William Brennan Papers
Finding aid created by Museum of Performance and Design, Performing Arts Library staff using RecordEXPRESS
Museum of Performance and Design, Performing Arts Library
2022
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Title: William Brennan Papers
Dates: 1976-1985
Collection Number: 994.005
Creator/Collector:
Brennan, William, 1921-1992
Extent: 2 Boxes. 1 linear foot.
Repository:
Museum of Performance and Design, Performing Arts Library
San Francisco, California 94124
Abstract: William Brennan was an impresario who worked for CBS as a network sales manager, program manager, and contract producer, as
a writer on shows such as “Death Valley Days” and “The Mighty O,” for the San Francisco Civic Opera as a supervisor for the
renovation of the Orpheum Theatre and eventual manager, as talent coordinator on the Mary Martin PBS Series, “Over Easy,”
and producer for a benefit starring Miss Martin for the Trauma Foundation at San Francisco General Hospital. These papers
consist of specifications, contracts correspondence, publicity, and pictorial material related to Brennan’s career from the
1970s to the 1980s, particularly pertaining to the renovation of the Orpheum Theatre, the revitalization of the San Francisco
Civic Light Opera, and the presentation of “Mary Martin at Davies Hall.”
Language of Material: English
Entire Collection is open for research.
Reproduction of these materials can occur only if the copying falls within the provisions of the doctrine of fair use. Copyright
varies by item.
[Identification of item]. William Brennan Papers. Collection Number: 994.005. Museum of Performance and Design, Performing
Arts Library
The William Brennan Papers were donated to the San Francisco Performing Arts Library & Museum in 1994 by Mrs. Brennan.
Biography/Administrative History
William Brennan was born and raised in Iowa. While attending the University of Southern California, he started working for
CBS serving as a network sales manager, program manager and a contract producer for the network. During this time, he also
worked as a writer for such shows as “Death Valley Days” and “The Mighty O”. In 1977, Mr. Brennan came to San Francisco to
supervise the San Francisco Civic Light Opera's renovation of the Orpheum Theatre. He served as manager until 1981 when the
CLO sold its interest in the Orpheum. For two years, he served as talent coordinator on the Mary Martin PBS series, “Over
Easy” and in 1984 produced a benefit starring Miss Martin for the Trauma Foundation at San Francisco General Hospital. Mr.
Brennan died in 1992 at the age of 71.
Scope and Content of Collection
The Brennan Papers contain material dealing with the main phases of the San Francisco career of impresario William "Bill"
Brennan: the renovation of the Orpheum Theatre with the subsequent revitalization of the San Francisco Civic Light Opera and
the presentation of "Mary Martin at Davies Hall". The collection contains specifications, contracts, correspondence, publicity,
and pictorial material pertaining to the above-mentioned special projects ranging in time from 1976 through 1985.
Opera company executives
Theaters--Reconstruction
Theaters--Reconstruction
Martin, Mary, 1913-1990
CBS
Orpheum Theatre (San Francisco, Calif.)
San Francisco Civic Light Opera Association