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Creator
Mallen, Dave
Call number
*T-Mss 2006-020
Physical description
1.6 linear feet (3 boxes, 3 volumes)
Preferred Citation

Dave Mallen papers, *T-Mss 2006-020. Billy Rose Theatre Division, The New York Public Library.

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

Dave Mallen was a musical and comedic performer active in the first half of the 20th century. The Dave Mallen papers, dating from 1928 to 1945, document his career through scrapbooks, scripts, and sheet music.

Biographical/historical information

Dave Mallen was a musical and comedic performer active in the first half of the 20th century. He began his career in the burlesque circuit, where he was noticed by representatives of George M. Cohan, whom he physically resembled. Cohan hired Mallen to be his understudy, a job Mallen kept for 12 years which promoted him to vaudeville, and eventually to Broadway. Mallen toured the United States and abroad with many productions, often playing roles originating with or associated with Cohan. He appeared in the Broadway musicals The Show is On (1937) and Ringside Seat (1938), as well as national tours of Oklahoma and its 1951 Broadway revival.

Scope and arrangement

The Dave Mallen papers, dating from 1928 to 1945, document the career of the performer through scrapbooks, scripts, and sheet music.

The five scrapbooks are composed of clippings, photographs, and programs. The photographs are of Mallen, his colleagues, and his family and friends. Many of the prints of performers are autographed.

The scripts are for comedy skits and musicals. A few note the authors or producers, which include Mallen in some cases. Most scripts are typed, and one is hand-written by Mallen. None are dated.

The sheet music primarily contains published songs dating from the 1910s to the 1920s. Some contain Mallen's notes or edits. A few published arrangements of songs are also present, as well as manuscript arrangements or transcriptions for small bands or orchestras.

Arrangement

The papers are arranged by format.

Administrative information

Source of acquisition

Donated by Carole Blum.

Processing information

Compiled by Matthew Snyder, 2015

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

The author/creator retains copyright of materials. For information on obtaining permission to publish, contact the Theatre Division at theatre@nypl.org.