Guide to the Don Brockett Papers, 1930-1998 CTC.2002.01

Arrangement

Repository
ULS Archives & Special Collections
Title
Don Brockett Papers
Creator
Brockett, Don
Collection Number
CTC.2002.01
Extent
15 Linear Feet (36 boxes)
Date
1930-1998
Abstract
The Don Brockett Papers contain scrapbooks, photographs, contracts, correspondence, and other types of materials relating to the stage productions from the career of entertainer, television, and film personality Don Brockett of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Language
English .
Author
William Daw.
Publisher
ULS Archives & Special Collections
Address
University of Pittsburgh Library System
Archives & Special Collections
Website: library.pitt.edu/archives-special-collections
Contact Us: www.library.pitt.edu/ask-archivist
URL: http://library.pitt.edu/archives-special-collections

Preferred Citation

Don Brockett Papers, 1930-1995, CTC.2002.01, Curtis Theatre Collection, Archives & Special Collections, University of Pittsburgh Library System

Previous Citation

Don Brockett Papers, 1930-1995, CTC.2002.01, Curtis Theatre Collection, Special Collections Department, University of Pittsburgh

Don Brockett Papers, 1930-1995, CTC.32, Curtis Theatre Collection, Special Collections Department, University of Pittsburgh

Copyright

The University of Pittsburgh holds the property rights to the material in this collection, but the copyright may still be held by the original creator/author. Researchers are therefore advised to follow the regulations set forth in the U.S. Copyright Code when publishing, quoting, or reproducing material from this collection without the consent of the creator/author or that go beyond what is allowed by fair use.

Processing Information

This collection was processed by William Daw in 2003 and 2004.

Scope and Content Notes

Materials in the Brockett Papers date from his early years as an entertainer from the 1950s through 1995. This collection includes all types of materials, such as photographs, posters, scripts, scores, orchestrations, press clippings, programs, and other promotional materials. Also included are a sampling of Brockett's business contracts, copyrights, and correspondence with various friends, other entertainers, and booking agents.

Access Restrictions

No restrictions.

Biography

Don Brockett was born in 1930 and lived in and around Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, throughout his life. He produced, directed, wrote, composed, and usually performed in most of his own shows from the late 1950s until his sudden death in 1995. During his stage career, he also simultaneously managed several other entertainment acts such as Jack and Sally Jenkins and the popular Turtle Creek band, The Vogues. Mr. Brockett was nationally known due to his portrayal of Chef Brockett on the PBS children's education series Mr. Roger's Neighborhood for over thirty years.

What truly made Don Brockett unique were his stage productions performed in and around the city of Pittsburgh. Most of these productions also toured in neighboring states and several were performed throughout the country and Off-Broadway in New York City. A large number of his early shows were created for the duo of Brockett and Barbara Mazziotti, (later Russell), who performed musical revues to critical and commercial praise. In 1985 he premiered Forbidden Pittsburgh, which became a celebrated event that would run annually for the next decade. The show featured popular Broadway songs customized to poke fun at local topics, trends, and personalities. He once estimated that he had employed over one thousand Pittsburgh entertainers throughout his career, several of which went on to greater fame like Florence Lacy, Beth Austin, Lenora Nemetz, Rob Marshall, Pam Klinger, and Michael Keaton.

Later in Don Brockett's career, he began to acquire supporting roles in film. He appeared in thirty-five films, many of which were filmed in the Pittsburgh area. His first film was Flashdance (1983). He then went on to appear in other major motion pictures, such as Fletch Lives with Chevy Chase and Hoffa with Jack Nicholson and Danny Devito. He also had a small role in the Academy Award winner for Best Picture of 1991, The Silence of the Lambs.

Arrangement

Series I. Personal Materials

Series II. Legal and Financial Materials

Series III. Career Related Materials

Series IV. Brockett Productions

Series V. Orchestrations

Series VI. Photographs

Series VII. Oversized and Miscellaneous Materials

Acquisition Information

Gift of Leslie Brockett in April 2002.

Subjects

    Personal Names

    • Brockett, Don

    Geographic Names

    • Pittsburgh (Pa.)

    Other Subjects

    • Burlesque (Theater) -- Pennsylvania -- Pittsburgh
    • Musical theater producers and directors -- Pennsylvania -- Pittsburgh
    • Actors and actresses -- Pennsylvania -- Pittsburgh
    • Musical theater -- Pennsylvania -- Pittsburgh
    • Mister Rogers' neighborhood (Television program)
    • Theatrical companies -- Pennsylvania -- Pittsburgh
    • Performing arts -- Pennsylvania -- Pittsburgh
    • Theater -- Pennsylvania -- Pittsburgh
    • Entertainers -- Pennsylvania -- Pittsburgh
    • Theater

Container List