- Creator
- Nelson, Mervyn, -1991
- Call number
- *T-Mss 1993-045
- Physical description
- .1 linear feet (1 portfolio)
- Preferred Citation
- Mervyn Nelson papers, Billy Rose Theatre Division, The New York Public Library
- Repository
- Billy Rose Theatre Division
- Access to materials
- Request an in-person research appointment.
Mervyn Nelson acted, wrote, produced, and directed for stage and film. He began in vaudeville at the age of five and worked on Broadway (1940-1960), appearing in TIS OF THEE (1940) and THE SNARK WAS A BOOJUM (1943), and directing BABES IN ARMS (1951), THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MITTY, and TICKETS, PLEASE. His writing included a play, THE IVY GREEN, and films, SOME OF MY BEST FRIENDS ARE..., and FUN AND GAMES. He also wrote and produced THE JAZZ TRAIN (1955), an all black revue that toured the United States and Europe, and directed stage shows for the Roxy Theatre in New York City. In his later years he taught acting and was a consultant to the Producer Circle Company. The collection, from his late career, primarily focuses on a projected filming of a second international tour of THE JAZZ TRAIN, this one to the Far East. It contains correspondence, notes and photocopies of photographs from the earlier production. Also included is material from other productions with which Nelson was involved: a contact sheet (1983) from LA CAGE AUX FOLLES, cast notes and ad layouts for FUN AND GAMES, and a program and flyer from CHEATERS which he directed in 1990; as well as two greeting cards.
Administrative information
Source of acquisition
Papers: Bequest, Estate of Mervyn Nelson, 10/28/93Using the collection
Location
Billy Rose Theatre DivisionNew York Public Library for the Performing Arts, Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Center
40 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023-7498
Third Floor