In Memoriam: Robert Randolph

Designer Robert Randolph died March 3 in Palm Springs, CA, his home. He was 77. A set, lighting, and costume designer, Randolph's substantial Broadway career lasted from 1954 to the early 1980s. During that time, he designed some of New York theatre's biggest hits.

He made his Broadway debut in 1954, with set and costume designs for Gian Carlo Menotti's opera The Saint of Bleecker Street. However, he continued to assist other designers, including Raoul Pène du Bois and Cecil Beaton. His breakthrough success came in 1960, with his work on the musical Bye Bye Birdie. Among Randolph's Broadway hits were How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (1961), Little Me (1962), Any Wednesday (1964), Funny Girl (1964), Sweet Charity (1966), Golden Rainbow (1968), Applause (1970), the Angela Lansbury revival of Gypsy (1974), The Norman Conquests (1975), and the Jack O'Brienstaged revival of Porgy and Bess (1976).

According to Variety, in the 1964-65 season, Randolph had 11 shows running on Broadway. His career moved westward in the 70s, as he began designing for the Los Angeles Civic Light Opera and the San Francisco Light Opera. His final Broadway credit was the 1986 revival of Sweet Charity, starring Debbie Allen.

Randolph also worked extensively in television. His credits include the series That's Life! (1968), an attempt at presenting a new musical comedy each week, and such specials as Liza with a Z and Night of 100 Stars. He also designed all Tony Awards broadcasts from 1967 to 1984; an eight-time nominee, he never won a Tony Award.

Randolph is survived by his partner, Chuck Guthrie.