Florenz Ziegfeld
Florenz Ziegfeld
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Full Name and Common Aliases
Florenz Ziegfeld Jr. was commonly known as Flo among his friends and colleagues.
Birth and Death Dates
Florenz Ziegfeld Jr. was born on March 21, 1867, in Chicago, Illinois, and passed away on July 22, 1932.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Florenz Ziegfeld was an American theatrical producer, director, and impresario who is best known for his innovative and extravagant Broadway productions.
Early Life and Background
Born into a wealthy family, Florenz grew up surrounded by the arts. His father, Theodor Ziegfeld, was a successful merchant who had made his fortune in the import-export business. Florenz's mother, Bettina Johanna Schlemmer, was a talented musician and pianist who encouraged her son's love of music and theater from an early age.
As a young man, Florenz traveled extensively throughout Europe, where he became fascinated with the works of prominent European playwrights such as Oscar Wilde and Georges Feydeau. He later attended Harvard University for two years before dropping out to pursue his career in the theater.
Major Accomplishments
Florenz Ziegfeld's most significant accomplishment was establishing the Ziegfeld Follies, a series of annual revues that showcased some of the most talented performers and writers of their time. The first edition of the Follies premiered on July 16, 1907, at the New Amsterdam Theatre in New York City.
The Ziegfeld Follies quickly gained a reputation for its elaborate sets, spectacular costumes, and irreverent humor. Over the years, some of the most notable performers to appear in the Follies included:
The great singer and actress Ethel Barrymore
The beautiful and talented dancer Louise Brooks
The legendary comedian and actor Will Rogers
Florenz Ziegfeld's productions were always marked by their opulence, wit, and originality. He was known for pushing the boundaries of what was considered acceptable on stage at the time.
Notable Works or Actions
Some of Florenz Ziegfeld's most notable works include:
The Ziegfeld Follies, a series of annual revues that ran from 1907 to 1931
Show Boat, a groundbreaking musical that premiered in 1927 and is widely considered one of the greatest American musicals of all time
Roberta, another successful musical production that opened on Broadway in 1933
Florenz Ziegfeld's work had a profound impact on the world of entertainment. His innovative productions and collaborations with some of the most talented artists of his time helped shape the course of American theater.
Impact and Legacy
The impact of Florenz Ziegfeld's work can be seen in many areas of modern entertainment:
Broadway musicals: The success of the Ziegfeld Follies paved the way for future generations of Broadway producers, directors, and writers.
Film industry: Many of the talented performers who appeared in the Ziegfeld Follies went on to achieve great success in Hollywood, including Rudolph Valentino, Louise Brooks, and Will Rogers.
* Popular culture: Florenz Ziegfeld's productions helped shape American popular culture by pushing boundaries and challenging social norms.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Florenz Ziegfeld is widely quoted or remembered for his innovative approach to theater production, his passion for showcasing new talent, and his unwavering commitment to artistic excellence. His legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists, producers, and directors.
"Give me a good orchestra, a few pretty girls, and I'll make the critics rave." - Florenz Ziegfeld
Quotes by Florenz Ziegfeld
Half of the great comedians I’ve had in my shows and that I paid a lot of money to and who made my customers shriek were not only not funny to me, but I couldn’t understand why they were funny to anybody.
Not only may she unconsciously register a favorable impression with my associates and me, but she may also suggest something by her work that will lead to some new and novel feature in a forthcoming production.
It is the task of several months and it is a fact that a girl, either while rehearsing or actually playing, may be training for some character or feature in some future production not yet definitely fixed even in my own mind.
Let us hope that for many it does mean the end of trouble so far as earning a livelihood is concerned, that it means happy and comfortable home living honestly earned. But there are other troubles ahead for her, and plenty of hard work.
Half of the great comedians I've had in my shows and that I paid a lot of money to and who made my customers shriek were not only not funny to me, but I couldn't understand why they were funny to anybody.
