Press agent Bill Schelble dies

Former theatrical press agent Bill Schelble, who represented numerous shows in NY and on the road, died of natural causes in Milwaukee on Jan. 9. He was 81. Schelble began his showbiz career as personal assistant to author-director Burt Shevelove, employment that involved concentrate on TV musical productions as well as on Shevelove-helmed Broadway productions including "A Fascinating Factor Happened to be able to the Forum." Schelble increased to become press agent in 1970, first representing shows staged at Lincoln subsequently subsequently Center Theater including productions of "Playboy in the Western World,Inch "Twelfth Evening" and "A Streetcar Named Desire." Later he repped Broadway productions including "A Chorus Line" and "Amadeus." Frequently referred to as "Smilin' Broadway Bill" and well-noted for his encyclopedic knowledge of theater history, Schelble ended his career just like a Tony Award nominator. Edward William Schelble was produced in Milwaukee and was attracted for the theater using a childhood encounter with Katharine Hepburn. He completed in summer season stock inside the Area, going through Geraldine Page, who advised the budding actor examined for just two years at Marquette U. and gone after La, where he examined within the Pasadena Playhouse and handled to get involved with "Singin' even though it is rainingInch just like a background dancer. Through the Korean War he offered inside the Military Stateside. Schelble gone to live in NY City in 1955 in further mission to have an acting career but eventually increased to become press agent. He's managed to get by two brothers and sisters and diverse nephews and nieces. Donations may be made to Broadway Cares, 165 W. 46th St., Suite 1300, NY, NY 10036 (attention: Care Cards) or online at Broadwaycares.org to be able to the Alzheimer's Assn., 620 S. 76th St., Suite 160, Milwaukee, WI 53214. Contact Variety Staff at news@variety.com