What Cedric Gibbons was to MGM, Jo Mielziner was to Broadway. Simply put, American theatrical design can be divided distinctly into pre and post Mielziner periods. Born in Paris, France in 1901, he wasn't French--- his parents were American ex-patriate artists. Mielziner was schooled in England, the U.S. and eventually, across the European ...
Although he began as an actor, he was the premier scenic designer in Broadway history. He was active there from 1923-1975, often pulling double duty as a costume designer and/or lighting designer, working in many of the most notable theatrical productions of the 20th century.
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Son of artist Leo Mielziner.
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Won five Tony Awards as Best Scenic Designer: in 1949 for "Sleepy Hollow," "Summer and Smoke," "Anne of the Thousand Days," "Death of a Salesman" and "South Pacific;" in 1950 for "The Innocents;" in 1952 for "The King and I;" and in 1970 for"Child's Play;" and as Best Lighting Designer, also in 1970 for "Child's Play." He was Tony-nominated seven other times: as Best Scenic Designer, in 1956 for "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof," "The Lark," "Middle of the Night" and "Pipe Dream;" in 1958 for "Look Homeward, Angel," "Miss Lonelyhearts," "The Square Root of Wonderful," "Oh, Captain!" and "The Day the Money Stopped;" in 1969 for "1776;" and in 1971 for "Father's Day;" as Best Scenic Designer (Dramatic), in 1960 for "The Best Man;"and in 1961 for "The Devil's Advocate;" and as Best Scenic Designer (Musical), in 1960 for "Gypsy."