Champion, Gower

The Oxford Companion to American Theatre | 2004 | 700+ words | Copyright

Champion, Gower (1920–80), director, choreographer, and dancer. Born in Geneva, Illinois, he became a professional dancer while still in his early teens, and danced in The Streets of Paris (1939) and Count Me In (1942). Champion's choreography was first seen in Small Wonder (1948), but he won much more attention later the same year when he directed and choreographed another revue, Lend an Ear. Hits that he afterward both directed and choreographed included Bye Bye Birdie (1960), Carnival (1961), Hello, Dolly! (1964), I Do! I Do! (1966), The Happy Time (1968), Sugar (1972), a revival of Irene (1973), and 42nd Street (1980). His work had great style and wit and often displayed a captivating period charm. Champion's death was announced to a shocked cast at the end of the opening‐night performance of 42nd Street.

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Gerald Bordman and Thomas S. Hischak. "Champion, Gower." The Oxford Companion to American Theatre. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. 28 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

Gerald Bordman and Thomas S. Hischak. "Champion, Gower." The Oxford Companion to American Theatre. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. (May 28, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O149-ChampionGower.html

Gerald Bordman and Thomas S. Hischak. "Champion, Gower." The Oxford Companion to American Theatre. 2004. Retrieved May 28, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O149-ChampionGower.html

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