Theater Executive George MacPherson Dies at 78; Broadway to Dim Lights in His Honor

MacPherson started out in life as a veterinarian in West Virginia but his love for the performing arts and a brief stint caring for elephants and tigers for Ringling Brothers, Barnum & Bailey Circus, drew him to producing and managing the national tours of such shows as The Secret Garden, Guys and Dolls, The Who’s Tommy, Big River, and Angels in America.

He received three Helen Hayes Awards for his productions, the National Touring Council Award for Outstanding Service, and The Medal of Merit from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for his contribution to the Arts in Canada on the occasion of the 25th Anniversary of her Accession to the Throne. In 1992, he received The Broadway League’s Distinguished Lifetime Service Award.

In addition, MacPherson also served as the personal manager to humorist Victor Borge and entertainer Harry Belafonte, and he most recently served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Masque Sound.

He is survived by his wife Judith Winter MacPherson and his three children, Duncan, Malcolm, and Morag.