Reaction to death of legendary Broadway director Harold Prince
Tributes have been pouring in from the theatre community following the death Broadway producer and director Harold Prince, who has died at the age of 91.
Over the course of his career, Prince won 21 Tony Awards - a record for an individual - as a director on musicals such as Company (1971), Follies (1972), Evita (1980), The Phantom of the Opera (1985), and Show Boat (1995), as well as his for work as a producer on productions such as A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (1963), and Fiddler on the Roof (1965).
In London, his production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera remains the second longest-running musical in the West End, having played for over 30 years and 13,000 performances.
In a tribute posted on Twitter, the composer said: 'Not just the prince of musicals, the crowned head who directed two of the greatest productions of my career, Evita and Phantom. This wonderful man taught me so much and his mastery of musical theatre was without equal.'
Farewell Hal
— Andrew Lloyd Webber (@OfficialALW) July 31, 2019
Not just the prince of musicals, the crowned head who directed two of the greatest productions of my career, Evita and Phantom.
This wonderful man taught me so much and his mastery of musical theatre was without equal.
- ALW pic.twitter.com/CJomXUFUyp
Others who gave tribute to the director included a number of actors who have performed in shows directed by Prince, such as Michael Ball, Michael Crawford and Tim Howar (each have played the Phantom), and Chita Rivera, who appeared in the original production of West Side Story, which was produced by Prince in 1957.
So sad to hear of the legendary Hal Prince leaving us. Had the honour of working with him briefly on Phantom. Hilarious and brilliant and so supportive.#RIPHalPrince
— Michael Ball OBE (@mrmichaelball) July 31, 2019
Hal Prince's passing is such a sad and heavy loss to musical theatre. What an amazing legacy he leaves us, with so many years of extraordinary work. It was indeed the greatest honour to have worked with him. My thoughts to Judy and the family.
— Michael Crawford (@CrawfordMichael) July 31, 2019
-Michael Crawford
Real sorry to hear about the loss of one of the greatest directors and theatrical geniuses of our time! I got to meet him and be directed by him a little ... what an honour and privilege! Thank you Hal Prince Rest In Peace @PhantomOpera #HaroldPrince
— Timothy Howar (@timhowar) July 31, 2019
I am saddened beyond words. There are some people you feel we will never be without. Hal is one of them. I owe so much to him. He knows my love for him. #HalPrince #Broadway pic.twitter.com/G2uhhHPMZ6
— Chita Rivera (@Chita_Rivera) July 31, 2019
Elaine Paige paid her tributes to the director, who offered the then-relatively-unknown actor the lead role of Eva Peron in Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's musical Evita in the West End in 1978.
With a sad heart I say RIP to dear Hal Prince - The Prince of Broadway, my Prince of #Evita ... I owe so much to him. Sending love and deepest sympathy to his personal family and his theatrical family across the world. Hal, you will be missed by us all. pic.twitter.com/ZNluMSEbuK
— Elaine Paige (@elaine_paige) July 31, 2019
Hamilton composer Lin-Manuel Miranda revealed Hal's first email to him hangs on the wall of his office, and shared a photo of Prince at home.
Hal Prince was a giant. Every footprint he left in our world changed its landscape forever.
— Lin-Manuel Miranda (@Lin_Manuel) July 31, 2019
His first email to me hangs in my office, framed. His friendship meant everything. To all of us.
What a life. What a light. What a tremendous loss.
December 15, 2015 at his home. pic.twitter.com/4GtAPCXzlQ
Broadway's lights were dimmed last night following the news of Prince's death. To read more about Hal Prince's life, click here to head to the New York Theatre Guide's tribute.
Originally published on