Inspirational Quotes by Florenz Ziegfeld Jr. (American Theatre Manager)

Florenz Ziegfeld Jr. (1869–1932) was an American theatre manager and producer. A dominant force in musical theater in the early 20th century, he is celebrated for bridging the revue to spectacular heights under the slogan “Glorifying the American Girl.”

Born in Chicago, Ziegfeld was the son of the president of Chicago Musical College. Ziegfeld’s early musical productions enjoyed modest success. During the Chicago World’s Columbian Exposition (1893,) Ziegfeld managed Eugen Sandow, a German bodybuilder, and showman.

Ziegfeld created and perfected the U.S. revue spectacle, based on Folies Bergère of Paris but less risqué. His Ziegfeld Follies of 1907 was the first annual series that continued until 1931 and made his name synonymous with extravagant theatrical production.

The Follies featured a chorus line of some of the most beautiful women in the USA, all personally chosen by Ziegfeld, whose aim was to ‘glorify the American girl.’ He also supervised the choice of music (frequently by eminent composers such as Irving Berlin and Jerome Kern,) costumes, stage effects, and directed each number’s production. The result was a popularization of the revue and new standards of artistry and production. The Follies also helped the careers of Eddie Cantor, Fanny Brice, Fred Astaire, and W C Fields.

Ziegfeld’s wide range of other musical productions included The Red Feather (1903,) Sally (1920,) Show Boat (1927,) and the American production of Noel Coward’s operetta Bitter Sweet (1930.)

More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Florenz Ziegfeld Jr.