Shepard Coleman (1924 - 12 May 1998) was an American musical director. Many credits to his name, Coleman won a Tony award for his vocal arrangements for Hello, Dolly! in 1964, and was the musical director for the Broadway debut of the well known play Oh, What a Lovely War in 1965.

Shepard Coleman
Born1924 (1924)
New York City, New York, U.S.
Died(1998-05-12)May 12, 1998 (age 74)
OccupationMusical director
Spouse
(m. 1956; div. 1968)

Early life

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Coleman was born in New York City in 1924 to Albert and Esther Cohen (Coleman's real name) and had three siblings.[1] Coleman attended the Juilliard School and became a cellist.

Career

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[2]

As a cellist, Coleman played in the orchestra of many Broadway musicals: Lost in the Stars (1949), Guys and Dolls (1950), Silk Stockings (1955), and The Most Happy Fella (1956).[3] For his efforts as musical director and conductor on the original Broadway production of Hello, Dolly!, Coleman was awarded a 1964 Tony Award. Shortly after, he became the musical director for the Broadway debut of Joan Littlewood's new musical Oh, What a Lovely War. The cast featured well known English actors including Victor Spinetti, Brian Murphy and Barbara Windsor.

Death

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Coleman died at the Valley Hospital in Ridgewood, N.J. aged 74.

Personal life

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Coleman was married to American actress and dancer Gretchen Wyler from July 7, 1956[4] until their divorce in 1968. Coleman also had a relationship with actress Barbara Windsor during Oh, What a Lovely War.

References

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  1. ^ "Shepard Coleman". geni_family_tree.
  2. ^ "Shepard Coleman, Musical Director for Theater, 74". The New York Times. Associated Press. May 25, 1998. Retrieved February 1, 2021.
  3. ^ "Shepard Coleman – Broadway Cast & Staff | IBDB". www.ibdb.com. Retrieved 2021-04-07.
  4. ^ "10 Jun 1956, 117 - Chicago Tribune at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 2021-04-07.