Weekend Poll Top Three: Fans Think Oscar Hammerstein II Should Be Honored with a Broadway Theatre

Last week, Broadway mourned the loss of talented composer Marvin Hamlisch, and his passing reminded us of the many other great American theater artists who are no longer with us. Broadway.com asked readers which of these deceased Broadway icons most deserve a theater named in his or her honor. The results are in, and a classic composer, a visionary director/choreographer and a legendary star were among readers’ picks. Take a look at the results below!

1. Oscar Hammerstein II – 23%
For 40 of Oscar Hammerstein’s 65 years, he worked in musical theater, during which he won eight Tony Awards. His frequent collaborator, Richard Rodgers, already has a theater named in his honor, and together they created Carousel, Oklahoma!, The King and I, South Pacific, The Sound of Music, State Fair, Flower Drum Song and Cinderella.


2. Bob Fosse – 19%
Bob Fosse wore many hats in his lifetime: actor, dancer, stage director, choreographer, screenwriter and film director. He won an unprecedented eight Tony Awards for choreography, one for direction and an Oscar for the movie-musical Cabaret. His stage shows include Chicago, Dancin’, Pippin, Sweet Charity, Damn Yankees and The Pajama Game.



3. Ethel Merman – 13%
Legendary actress and Broadway belter Ethel Merman was born in 1908 and died in 1984. Known as "the undisputed First Lady of the musical comedy stage,” Merman starred in the original productions of Anything Goes, Annie Get Your Gun, Call Me Madam and, of course, Gypsy.

Thanks again for voting!