Title

Richard Barstow papers, 1927-1977 (bulk 1940-1977)

Author

Barstow, Richard.

Supplementary Content

Finding Aid

Items in the Library & Offsite

Details

Additional Authors

• American Music Collection.
• General Motors Corporation.
• National Foundation.
• North, John Ringling, 1903-

Description

5.5 linear ft. (14 boxes)

Subjects

• Choreographers
• Theatrical producers and directors
• Composers
• Choreographers > United States > 20th century
• Theatrical producers and directors > United States > 20th century
• Benefit performances > New York (State) > New York
• Circus music
• Scores
• Composers > United States > 20th century
• Typescripts
• Barstow, Richard
• Dancers

Genre/Form

• Scores.
• Typescripts.

Note

• The Billy Rose Theatre Collection, The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts holds related material, the Richard and Edith Barstow papers, 1915-1980 (*T-Mss 1981-001).
• The Billy Rose Theatre Collection, The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts holds related material, Correspondence to Morgan James, 1958-1977 (*T-Mss 1981-013).

Indexes/Finding Aids (note)

• Finding aid available in repository and on internet.

Call Number

JPB 04-37

Author

Barstow, Richard.

Title

Richard Barstow papers, 1927-1977 (bulk 1940-1977)

Summary

The Richard Barstow papers consist of manuscripts, manuscript copies, printed scores, and instrumental parts, including approximately two boxes of circus music. Materials include works by Barstow, both individually and with others. There are also works by other composers, including songs by John Ringling North. Much of the material is undated. The bulk of the items appear to be works associated with some of the numerous productions on which Barstow worked. There are several typescripts relating to productions. Of particular note are scores for the industrial shows, Motorama (multiple editions, early 1950s) and Powerama (1955), for the General Motors Corporation, as well as scores for M.O.D. or The Rainbow Years (1958), a benefit performance marking the twentieth anniversary of the March of Dimes.

Biography

Richard Barstow (1908-1981) was a choreographer, director, dancer and composer. He began his varied show business career as a dancer, but went on to direct and choreograph for the Ringling Brothers, Barnum and Bailey Circus, industrial shows, as well as for stage, film and television productions. By the time Barstow was seven, he was appearing in a vaudeville dance act, "The Five Barstows", with his sisters. After several years, only Richard and his sister Edith remained in the act. The two would continue to work together on numerous projects throughout their careers. Barstow eventually settled in Chicago where he directed, choreographed and created material fo nightclub revues.

Barstow's career took a turn in 1949, when he was hired by John Ringling North of the Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus, to direct and choreograph. He continued in this capacity for twenty-nine years and even wrote a number of songs for the circus. In addition to his work for the circus, Barstow had numerous stage credits as a choreographer and director, including several Broadway, summer theater, and nightclub productions. His extensive work for industrial shows included production staged for the General Motors Corporation during the 1950s.

Indexes

Finding aid available in repository and on internet.

Connect to:

Finding Aid

Occupation

Choreographers.

Composers.

Dancers.

Theatrical producers and directors.

Added Author

North, John Ringling, 1903-

General Motors Corporation.

National Foundation.

American Music Collection.

Research Call Number

JPB 04-37