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Creator
Little Players (Theatrical troupe)
Call number
*T-Mss 2002-030
Physical description
.21 linear feet. (1 box)
Language
English
Preferred Citation

Little Players Correspondence, *T-Mss 2002-030. Billy Rose Theatre Division, The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts.

Repository
Billy Rose Theatre Division
Access to materials
Request an in-person research appointment.Restrictions apply

The Little Players correspondence consists of letters from prominent members of the performing arts field to Frank Peschka, Bill Murdock and Isabelle Standwell, founders of the Little Players.

Biographical/historical information

Under the guidance of Frank Peschka, Bill Murdock, and Isabelle Standwell, The Little Players produced puppet plays first in New York, later in Ohio, and received enthusiastic support from a number of prominent figures in the theatrical world. Beginning in New York City in 1959, the Little Players' puppet productions, which delved into classical material and were aimed at adults rather than children, soon established a following among actors and other entertainment professionals. Fans of the troupe included Sir John Gielgud, Ralph Richardson, Emlyn Williams, Stella Adler, Ethel Merman, Libby Holman, Geraldine Fitzgerald, Aline MacMahon, and Cyril Ritchard, among others. Several of these celebrities acquired season tickets to the Little Players' shows, and corresponded with the producers. Some maintained contact even after the Little Players troupe relocated to Huron, Ohio.

Scope and arrangement

The Little Players correspondence consists of notes addressed to either Frank Peschka and Bill Murdock, or to Isabelle Standwell, written during the early 1960s when the troupe was based in New York, and later, after the Little Players had relocated to Huron, Ohio. Although most of the notes from the Little Players' famous fans are little more than succinct requests for tickets, almost all express admiration for the troupe's shows. Some of the prominent supporters, notably Ethel Merman and actress Aline MacMahon, corresponded steadily with Little Players co-producers Frank Peschka and Bill Murdock.

Arrangement

Alphabetical

Administrative information

Source of acquisition

The Theatre Collection purchased this material from Steve Resnick in 2002.

Processing information

Processed by Mary Ellen Rogan; Machine-readable finding aid created by Mary Ellen Rogan.

Using the collection

Location

Billy Rose Theatre Division
New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Center
40 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023-7498
Third Floor

Conditions Governing Use

For permission to publish, contact the Curator, Billy Rose Theatre Division.

Access restrictions

Photocopying prohibited.