Paul Libin, Legendary Broadway Producer and Theater Leader, Dies at 94

Paul Libin, a major figure in the American theater for nearly seven decades, passed away on June 27 in New York City after a brief illness. He was 94. Libin’s influential leadership roles at Circle in the Square Theatre and Jujamcyn Theaters helped shape some of Broadway’s most acclaimed productions and left a lasting legacy in the theater community.

Over his prolific career, Libin produced more than 250 Broadway, Off-Broadway, and touring productions. He led Circle in the Square Theatre for 62 years until his death and served as Executive Vice President and Producing Director of Jujamcyn Theaters for 28 years, retiring from that role in 2017. He also served as President of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS for 24 years until 2018.

Libin oversaw numerous landmark productions such as Death of a Salesman starring George C. Scott (1975), St. Joan with Lynn Redgrave (1977), Coastal Disturbances starring Timothy Daly and Annette Bening (1987), and more recently, hits like Slave Play, Funny Girl, and Romeo + Juliet. Currently, Circle in the Square features Just In Time, starring Jonathan Groff, continuing Libin’s tradition of bold theatrical offerings.

Born in Chicago in 1930, Libin served two years in the army before graduating from Columbia University on the GI Bill. He began his theatrical career assisting scenic designer Jo Mielziner and worked in multiple theater roles before producing his first show, a revival of The Crucible in 1958.

In 1963, Libin formed a lasting partnership with Circle in the Square founder Theodore Mann. Together, they mounted iconic productions such as The Iceman Cometh, Uncle Vanya, Death of a Salesman, and True West, blending classic revivals with contemporary works and musicals. After Mann’s death in 2012, Libin continued as Circle’s president.

Libin’s tenure at Jujamcyn Theaters saw him champion groundbreaking Broadway works including Angels in America, The Producers, Fela!, and Love! Valour! Compassion! Simultaneously, he led the Circle in the Square Theatre School, chaired The Broadway League, and contributed to numerous Tony Award and theatrical governance committees.

A profound part of Libin’s legacy was his leadership at Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, where he significantly expanded the organization’s philanthropic impact. Upon retirement, he was honored as the group’s first President Emeritus, and The Paul Libin Center at The Actors Fund was named in his honor. Reflecting on the AIDS crisis, Libin once stated, “We couldn’t not do something.”

Libin’s numerous accolades include 12 Tony Awards, the Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre (2013), the Eugene O’Neill Medallion, and induction into the Theater Hall of Fame in 2016.

Even in his later years, Libin remained actively engaged in the theater world, continuing to produce and mentor. He was cherished as a beloved raconteur and a living encyclopedia of theater history, whose devotion to both artistry and humanity left an indelible mark on Broadway and beyond.

Following his passing, Susan Frankel will continue the legacy of Circle in the Square Theatre as CEO and Theater Operator, working alongside Managing Director Cheryl Dennis.

Libin is survived by his wife of 70 years, Florence Rowe Libin, three children—Charles, Claire, and Andrea—and grandchildren Travis, Milah, and Sasha.

A celebration of Libin’s life will be announced in due course. The family requests donations be made to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS or the Entertainment Community Fund in lieu of flowers.