Hillard Elkins, a trailblazing producer, made a profound impact on the entertainment industry by breaking down sexual boundaries and conceiving one of the most influential and long-running Broadway shows in history with the revolutionary erotic revue "Oh! Calcutta!", which astonishingly maintained its run for an unprecedented twenty years. Those close to him affectionately referred to him as Hilly, and his remarkable career commenced in the mail room at William Morris in New York, where he swiftly ascended to become a top agent, ultimately heading the company's theatrical division.
Noted talent agent and producer, he established his own company, Elkins Productions International, boasting an impressive array of high-profile clients, including the iconic Steve McQueen, James Coburn, Robert Culp, Mel Brooks, Charles Strouse, Lee Adams, and the incomparable Sammy Davis Jr., to name a few.
Elkins made his Broadway debut in 1962, taking center stage alongside his business partner Al Goldin in the Garson Kanin comedy "Come On Strong", which starred the talented Carroll Baker and Van Johnson.
This marked the beginning of a fruitful partnership between Elkins and the legendary performer Sammy Davis Jr., who would go on to star in a musical adaptation of Clifford Odets' powerful play "Golden Boy". Davis' portrayal of the complex and multifaceted title character earned him a Tony nomination, a testament to his remarkable talent and dedication to his craft.
Elkins played a crucial role in bringing this musical to life, convincing the esteemed playwright Clifford Odets to write the book. After Odets' untimely passing in August 1963, the project was revised by the acclaimed writer William Gibson, who worked tirelessly to ensure the musical's continued success.
The end result was a Tony Award-nominated production that received widespread critical acclaim, earning nods in four categories: best musical, best actor in a musical, best choreography, and best producer of a musical.
Notably, Elkins made a significant impact on the world of theatre by directing prominent productions of Henrik Ibsen's masterpieces, specifically "Hedda Gabler" and "A Doll's House", in esteemed venues such as London's stages, Broadway, and the Kennedy Center in Washington, alongside his then-partner, the accomplished actress Claire Bloom.
In the year 1960, a pivotal moment in the career of Elkins unfolded as he established his inaugural production company, aptly named Elkins Productions International, which would subsequently become inextricably linked with his characteristic frenetic pace and his remarkable aptitude for managing a multitude of concurrent theater and film projects with ease and finesse.
This facet of his professional trajectory was meticulously documented in the 1972 literary publication "The Producer" penned by Christopher Davis, thereby providing an intimate and candid glimpse into the highs and lows of the often tumultuous world of show business, offering a rare and privileged perspective on the inner workings of the industry.
Noted American producer, Elkins, has had a remarkable career, characterized by his versatility and breadth of work. His impressive portfolio includes the 1970 production of "The Rothschilds", a star-studded show featuring Hal Linden and Jill Clayburgh. This was followed by his collaboration with Sammy Davis Jr. on the musical extravaganza "Stop the World", as well as his work on Ben Vereen's critically acclaimed performance in "Pippin". Elkins also had the privilege of producing Leonard Bernstein's esteemed production of "Candide".
In addition to his work in the world of theater, Elkins has also made significant contributions to the realm of music. He was responsible for organizing the Huberman Festival in Israel, a prestigious event that brought together some of the world's most talented musicians. Furthermore, he produced Gore Vidal's acclaimed television drama "Richard Nixon", as well as the Leary-Liddy debates, a series of thought-provoking discussions on politics and current events.
Elkins has also had the pleasure of working with some of the most talented performers in the industry. He collaborated with Quentin Crisp and Georgia Brown on a concert, and his work in film has included the Elaine May-Walter Matthau comedy "A New Leaf" (1971) and the groundbreaking concert film "Richard Pryor: Live in Concert" (1979). This latter production was praised by the renowned film critic Pauline Kael as one of the greatest recorded-performance films of all time, a testament to Elkins' exceptional eye for talent and his ability to bring out the best in those he works with.
Notably, the life of the deceased individual, Elkins, will be cherished and remembered by those closest to him, including his loving wife, Sandi Love, who has been a constant source of support and companionship throughout their relationship. Additionally, his two sons, Johnny and Daniel, will carry on his legacy and keep his memory alive, as they continue to grow and thrive in their own right. Furthermore, his granddaughter, Ellen, a bright and radiant light in her own right, will also serve as a testament to the enduring love and connection that Elkins shared with his family.
