‘He could get it for you wholesale’: The producing genius of David Merrick

Abstract

One of the most controversial figures of his time, David Merrick (1911-2000) helped provide the American theatre with some of its most significant productions including Gypsy, Hello, Dolly! and 42nd Street. Often in the spotlight himself, Merrick’s outrageous publicity stunts, ruthless hiring/firing practices, and fearless rivalry with theatre critics have garnered much scholarly analysis and attention, perhaps clouding a comprehensive assessment of Merrick’s value and merits as a producer. Throughout his career, Merrick built an arsenal of valuable skills such as the creation of a dynamic producing persona, the ability to select successful commodities, a trend of continually working with a few trusted artists, a strong financial savviness, and an unmatched mind for marketing and publicity, all of which helped Merrick navigate the terrain of commercial theatrical production in the twentieth century.