Overview
- Cambridge University Library has received and catalogued Herbert Kretzmer’s papers, comprising drafts, memos and significant correspondence.
- A 1987 letter to producer Cameron Mackintosh alleges attempts to downgrade Kretzmer’s credit and argues the English version was effectively rewritten.
- Draft pages record pivotal lyric choices, including changing the word “common” to “angry” in Do You Hear The People Sing? after testing other options.
- A 1985 audition memo notes Brian Blessed as a candidate and indicates hopes to meet Chaim Topol for Jean Valjean and Max von Sydow for Javert.
- The collection includes letters from Frank Sinatra and Peter Sellers and photographs by Stanley Kubrick, as the West End production approaches its 40th anniversary and the Sondheim Theatre displays Kretzmer’s name.