Florenz Ziegfeld

Florenz Ziegfeld (1867-1932), American theatrical producer noted for his extravagant musical follies, born in Chicago. He promoted musical attractions at the Chicago World's Columbian Exposition of 1893 and later managed a number of entertainers, including the comedians Fanny Brice and W. C. Fields, who, under his direction, became stars.

With The Follies of 1907, produced in New York, Ziegfeld introduced the revue to the American musical stage. Famous for their beautiful chorus girls and extravagant, dazzling sets, the highly successful revues became known as The Ziegfeld Follies. They were produced annually until his death and continued at intervals until 1957. Ziegfeld also produced traditional musical shows, including Show Boat (1927), by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II, and Bitter Sweet (1929), by Noel Coward.