Gower Champion Papers, 1960-1967

Collection context

Summary

Creators:
Champion, Gower, 1921-1980
Abstract:
Gower Champion (1919-1980) was born in Geneva, Illinois. He appeared in Broadway musical reviews and various movies. He produced and directed the Academy Awards show (1969) and choreographed and directed many movies. The collection consists of scripts and related materials for six Broadway musicals directed by Gower Champion.
Extent:
2 boxes (1.0 linear ft.)
Language:
English.

Background

Scope and content:

Collection consists of scripts and related materials for six Broadway musicals directed by Gower Champion. Includes rehearsal scripts, cast lists, music notes, staging breakdowns, and casting schedules.

Biographical / historical:

Gower Champion was born in Geneva, Illinois, June 22, 1919; grew up in Los Angeles, California; appeared in Broadway musical reviews, including Streets of Paris, Lady Comes Across, and Count Me In, 1939-41; appeared with wife Marjorie Bell (Marjorie Celeste Belcher) as dancing team, Marge and Gower Champion, New York City, 1947; appeared in various movies, including Show Boat, Lovely to Look at, Everything I Have is Yours, Give the Girl a Break, and Mr. Music; various television appearances on Toast of the Town, GE Theatre, Dinah Shore Show, Telephone Hour, and We Four (1953-60); producer and director, Academy Awards show, 1969; choreographed and directed Bye, Bye Birdie (1961), Hello, Dolly (1964), Carnival, I Do, I Do, Three Bags Full, Sugar (1972), and Irene (1973); received Tony awards for Bye, Bye Birdie (1961), Hello, Dolly (1964), and The Happy Time (1967-68); member, Screen Directors Guild; died, August 25, 1980.

Arrangement:

Arranged in the following series:

  1. Bye, Bye Birdie (Box 1).
  2. Carnival (Box 1).
  3. Hello, Dolly (Boxes 1-2).
  4. Three Bags Full (Box 2).
  5. I Do, I Do (Box 2).
  6. The Happy Time (Box 2).

Physical location:
Stored off-site at SRLF. Advance notice is required for access to the collection. Please contact the UCLA Library Special Collections Reference Desk for paging information.

Access and use

Location of this collection:
A1713 Charles E. Young Research Library
Box 951575
Los Angeles, CA 90095-1575, US
Contact:
(310) 825-4988