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Howard Lindsay Headshot

Howard Lindsay

Date of Death: February 11, 1968 (78)

Birth Place: Waterford, NY, USA

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BIO

Howard Lindsay was an actor, director, playwright and producer who made a significant impact on the American theater scene during the first half of the 20th century. Born on March 29, 1889 in Waterford, New York, Lindsay attended Boston Latin School and Harvard University before beginning his career in the theater.



Lindsay made his Broadway debut as an actor in the 1915 production of "The Prince Chap" and went on to appear in several other Broadway shows, including "The Enemy" (1925) and "The Royal Family" (1927). However, it was his work as a playwright and producer that brought him the most acclaim.

In 1935, Lindsay teamed up with Russel Crouse to write the book for the musical "Anything Goes," which became a huge hit and launched the careers of both men. The duo went on to collaborate on several other successful musicals, including "Call Me Madam" (1950) and "The Sound of Music" (1959).

In addition to his work in the theater, Lindsay also had a successful career in film. He co-wrote the screenplay for the 1945 film "State Fair" and produced the 1956 film adaptation of "The King and I," which starred Yul Brynner and Deborah Kerr.

Lindsay's contributions to the theater were recognized with several awards and honors. He won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1946 for "State of the Union," which he co-wrote with Crouse. He also received the Tony Award for Best Play in 1959 for "The Sound of Music."

Lindsay continued to work in the theater until his death on February 11, 1968. His most recent work was as the producer of the Broadway production of "The Sound of Music," which opened in 1959 and ran for over three years. Today, Lindsay is remembered as one of the most influential figures in American theater history.

STAGE CREDITS

[Broadway]
1952
Julian Prescott

[Broadway]
1951
Benjamin Goodman

[Broadway]
1948
Father

[Broadway]
1939
Father

[Broadway]
1934
Henry Smith

[Broadway]
1925
Richard Graham

[Broadway]
1923
Rollins

[Broadway]
1921
Vincent Leach

[Broadway]
1919
Laramy

[Broadway]
1917
Performer

Productions

 
[US Tour, 2015]
Book
 
[West End, 2006]
Book
 
[West End, 1969]
Book Revisions
 
[Off-Broadway, 1964]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1960]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1956]
Presenter
 
[Broadway, 1953]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1952]
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1949]
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1947]
Theatre Owner / Operator
 
[Broadway, 1945]
Theatre Owner / Operator
 
[Broadway, 1945]
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1942]
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1941]
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1937]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1936]
Director
Director
 
[Broadway, 1935]
Director
Producer
 
[West End, 1935]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1934]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1933]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1933]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1932]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1932]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1930]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1930]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1929]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1928]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1928]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1927]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1926]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1925]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1924]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1923]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1922]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1921]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1921]
Director

Writing

Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Playwright
Author

Awards and Nominations


winner
Tony Awards - 1960 - Best Musical

Howard Lindsay, The Sound of Music


winner
Tony Awards - 1959 - Special Tony Award

Howard Lindsay

Videos

News


THE SOUND OF MUSIC Will Launch New North American Tour in 2025

The Sound of Music is hitting the road for a new North American tour, kicking off 65 year after its original stage debut. The production will kick off at the Kennedy Center in September 2025.
Wayne Brady, J. Harrison Ghee, Harvey Guillén & More Join ANYTHING GOES at Pasadena Playhouse

Additional cast members have been revealed for Anything Goes in Concert at Pasadena Civic Auditorium, featuring Jinkx Monsoon and more!
THE SOUND OF MUSIC Returns to ABC This Month

Rodgers & Hammerstein’s cinematic treasure The Sound of Music will be broadcast on ABC on Sunday, December 15, 2024, at 7/6c. The musical’s official social media pages will host a live watch party during the airing on December 15.
Previews: ANYTHING GOES at Stamford All-School Musical

The Stamford All-School Musical is back with its 17th semi-professional production. This year it’s the perennially popular show, Anything Goes, a musical that has not been performed for several years in Lower Fairfield County.
Jack O'Brien Directed THE SOUND OF MUSIC Tour Will Resume in 2025

BroadwayWorld has learned that producers Concord Theatricals and NETworks Presentations will relaunch the Jack O'Brien-directed tour of The Sound of Music in September 2025.
Review: THE LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW at Theatre 29

What did our critic think of THE LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW at Theatre 29?
Cast Set For THE SOUND OF MUSIC at Pitlochry Festival Theatre

To coincide with the 89th birthday of the much-loved Dame Julie Andrews DBE, Pitlochry Festival Theatre has announced the full cast for its forthcoming production of the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic musical The Sound of Music.
Review: ANYTHING GOES at Gettysburg Community Theatre

Anything Goes is high energy, and the intimacy of the small theatre setting lends itself well to this show, making the audience feel like they’re on the boat with the characters. This is the best production of Anything Goes that this reviewer has seen. Grab your passports and get your tickets for the SS American before it’s too late!
THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE, ANYTHING GOES and More Set for Shaw Festival in 2025

Artistic Director Tim Carroll has revealed the Shaw Festival playbill for next season.
THE SOUND OF MUSIC 60th Anniversary Events Set for Saltzburg Next Year

In honor of the 60th anniversary of the Sound of Music, Saltzburg, Vienna, is gearing up to host a large celebration including musical acts, a gala dinner with the Von Trapp family, and more, according to NPR. Find out what's planned and how to get in on the celebration.
Photos: THE SOUND OF MUSIC at 5-Star Theatricals

Check out production photos for The Sound of Music at 5-Star Theatricals here!
THE SOUND OF MUSIC (A Noviça Rebelde) Arrives in São Paulo After a Sold-out Season in Rio de Janeiro

Since making his Broadway debut in 1959, The Sound of Music (A Novica Rebelde) has become a singular phenomenon. No other show has achieved such a lasting trajectory of success as one of this musical, inspired by the true love story between a young novice and a widowed captain, father of seven.
THE SOUND OF MUSIC Comes to 5-Star Theatricals in July

5-Star Theatricals has announced the cast and creative team for one of the most beloved family musicals of all time, THE SOUND OF MUSIC, music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse.
Single Tickets on Sale for Grand Theatre 2024/25 Season: A Time for Play

Single tickets are now on sale for Grand Theatre's 24/25 season. Learn about the season and see how to purchase tickets.
Review: ANYTHING GOES at TexArts

TexArts production of Anything Goes sails onto the stage with all the exuberance and charm of a luxury cruise liner, delivering a whirlwind of romance, comedy, and toe-tapping tunes #MusicalTheatre #BroadwayWorld
CYRANO, LA CAGE AUX FOLLES & More Set For Pasadena Playhouse 2024/2025 Season

Pasadena Playhouse has announced the lineup for its 2024/2025 season. The season includes Martin Crimp’s critically acclaimed new adaptation of Cyrano de Bergerac; a fresh new revival of Jerry Herman and Harvey Fierstein’s Tony Award® winner for Best Musical, La Cage aux Folles; a new production of Suzan-Lori Parks’ Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award®-winning classic, Topdog/Underdog; and a new play to be announced at a later date. 
SCHMIGADOON! Premiere, LEGALLY BLONDE & More Set For Kennedy Center Season

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts has announced its 2024–2025 theater season featuring a world premiere, exclusive engagements, and the latest Broadway hits.
Casts of HELL'S KITCHEN, THE NOTEBOOK & More to Perform at New Dramatists Spring Luncheon

New Dramatists will host its Annual Spring Luncheon Tribute on Tuesday, May 14 at the New York Marriott Marquis. See who is taking part and learn how to purchase tickets.
Theatre Tuscaloosa to Hold Auditions For ANYTHING GOES in May

Theatre Tuscaloosa is holding open auditions for the Cole Porter classic, ANYTHING GOES. See what you need to audition, and learn more about the show.
ANYTHING GOES Comes to Sutter Street Theatre This Month

Anything Goes comes to Sutter Street Theatre beginning this week. Performances run April 12 – May 12, 2024.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Howard Lindsay been in?

Howard Lindsay has appeared on Broadway in 10 shows.

How many West End shows has Howard Lindsay been in?

Howard Lindsay has not appeared in the West End

What awards has Howard Lindsay been nominated for?

Howard Lindsay has been nominated for several awards throughout his career. One of his notable nominations includes Best Musical at the Tony Awards for the show "The Sound of Music." Additionally, Lindsay has received a Special Tony Award at the Tony Awards.

What awards has Howard Lindsay won?

Howard Lindsay has won several awards throughout his career. He received the Tony Award for Best Musical for his work on "The Sound of Music." Additionally, Lindsay was honored with a Special Tony Award. These accolades recognize his contributions to the Broadway industry and highlight his talent and success as a playwright and producer.

How many shows has Howard Lindsay written?

Howard Lindsay has written 23 shows including The Sound of Music (Bookwriter), Your Uncle Dudley (Playwright), Oh, Promise Me (Playwright), Tommy (Playwright), She Loves Me Not (Author), Anything Goes (Bookwriter), A Slight Case of Murder (Playwright), Red, Hot and Blue! (Bookwriter), Hooray For What! (Bookwriter), Life With Father (Bookwriter), Gratefully Yours (Playwright), Strip for Action (Playwright), State of the Union (Playwright), Life With Mother (Playwright), Call Me Madam (Bookwriter), Remains to Be Seen (Playwright), The Prescott Proposals (Playwright), The Great Sebastians (Playwright), Happy Hunting (Bookwriter), Tall Story (Playwright), Mr. President (Bookwriter), With Love and Laughter (Material), Mr. President (Playwright).

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