Hal Prince

Harold Prince was stage manager for Wonderful Town in 1953 and co-producer of the original West Side Story in 1957. He began his career as an assistant stage manager to George Abbott, who produced the early Bernstein shows. Prince has produced and directed the premiere productions of She Loves MeCabaretCompanyFolliesPacific OverturesA Little Night MusicCandide (1974, revival), Sweeney ToddEvitaThe Phantom of the OperaParade andBounce. He also produced the original Fiddler On The Roof. Prince directed Phantom: The Las Vegas Spectacular, a 95-minute version of The Phantom of the Opera, which opened in June 2006. He has served as a trustee for the New York Public Library and on the National Council of the Arts of the NEA. A Recipient of a National Medal of Arts and 20 Tony Awards, he was a 1994 Kennedy Center honoree. In 2006 he won a Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theater.

In this interview from October 14, 2006, Prince reflects on the changing nature of musical theater in America. He discusses Bernstein's role as a teacher, mentor and conductor. Prince also reflects on the various challenges that he faced as a Broadway producer. 

This interview and transcript are available for in-library use. To arrange for access, contact Kerry Masteller.

[Biographical information from the "Leonard Bernstein: Boston to Broadway" Festival Program Book]