Remembering Paul Libin, veteran Broadway producer and president of Circle in the Square

Curtain Call for a Broadway Legend

Paul Libin’s final act came quietly on June 27, 2025, in New York City after a brief illness. At 94, he left behind a career woven into Broadway’s very soul.

Born in Chicago in 1930, Libin served in the Army before earning his Columbia degree on the GI Bill. His Broadway story began behind the scenes, as a stage manager and actor turned producer

Chicago Roots, Broadway Wings

Raised in Chicago, Libin enlisted in the Army and later attended Columbia University, thanks to the GI Bill. His heart always burned for theatre.

He started in the business assisting famed scenic designer Jo Mielziner. Early gigs included acting, stage managing, and general managing. All led to his first big break producing The Crucible revival in 1958.

The Crucible of His Career

In 1958, Paul Libin made a defining leap by producing The Crucible at the Martinique Theatre. The revival caught critics’ attention and signaled a bold new voice in theater.

With sharp instincts and deep respect for classic drama, Libin proved he wasn’t afraid to take artistic risks. It marked the arrival of a producer who valued substance, integrity, and fearless storytelling.

Circle in the Square: A 62-Year Reign

In 1963, Libin partnered with Theodore Mann to co-lead Circle in the Square Theatre. Their partnership endured until Mann’s passing in 2012.

For more than six decades, the pair nurtured groundbreaking work. Classics like Death of a Salesman and The Iceman Cometh reflected their shared passion and commitment to bold, heart-stirring theatre.

From Off-Broadway to Broadway

Circle in the Square began off-Broadway before moving uptown in 1972. Libin and Mann adapted the space, expanding and innovating the thrust stage.

Their creative gamble paid off. The basement venue became one of only two Broadway stages to incorporate the audience on three sides. That intimacy became its signature.

The Jujamcyn Era: A Powerhouse Role

In 1990, Paul Libin joined Jujamcyn Theatres as executive vice president and producing director. For 27 years, he played a pivotal role in shaping Broadway’s evolving landscape.

Libin was instrumental in bringing groundbreaking shows like The Producers, Angels in America, and Love! Valour! Compassion! to the stage. His leadership blended commercial insight with unwavering artistic integrity, leaving a lasting mark on the theater industry.

Philanthropy Takes Center Stage

Beyond producing, Paul Libin dedicated himself to causes that touched the heart of the theater community. He served as president of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS for 24 years, stepping down in 2018.

Under his leadership, the organization grew its impact nationwide. His unwavering compassion and commitment earned him the honorary title of its first President Emeritus, cementing his legacy of service beyond the spotlight.

Educator and Mentor at Heart

At Circle in the Square Theatre School, Paul Libin wore many hats: president, mentor, and teacher. He believed deeply in passing down knowledge to the next generation.

Libin listened with intention, encouraged talent, and offered steady guidance. His legacy lives on through the countless artists he helped shape, individuals molded by a leader who championed curiosity, resilience, and a relentless passion for the craft.

A Record 250+ Productions

Over his lifetime, Libin produced more than 250 shows, from Broadway hits to national tours, earning a remarkable twelve Tony Awards. His career spanned decades, and each project carried his unique touch and vision.

That staggering total is a testament to his relentless work ethic and creative consistency. Every production showcased his deep passion for storytelling and his enduring impact on American theatre.

Leading the Broadway League

From 2009 to 2011, Paul Libin served as chair of the Broadway League, guiding the industry through key decisions on labor relations and production policies. His leadership came at a pivotal time for Broadway.

Known for his inclusive approach, Libin balanced business needs with artistic integrity. Peers admired his fairness, strategic thinking, and ability to unite voices across the theatrical landscape.

Honored at the Actor’s Fund

Upon his retirement in 2018, Broadway Cares honored Libin by naming its downstairs facility at The Actors Fund the Paul Libin Center. The tribute marked a rare and heartfelt recognition from the theater community.

The naming reflected deep gratitude for his decades of service. Today, the center symbolizes his unwavering generosity and lasting impact on arts-based health and support initiatives.

Still Producing Into His 90s

Even in his 90s, Paul Libin remained a vibrant force in theater. He played a key role in bringing recent productions like Romeo + Juliet, An Enemy of the People, and Just in Time to the stage.

His drive never faded. Libin stayed curious about emerging trends and continued applying his wisdom to bold, contemporary productions that pushed creative boundaries.

A Walking Showbiz Encyclopedia

Friends and colleagues described Paul Libin as a “living encyclopedia of showbiz lore.” Decades in theater made him more than a producer; he was a walking archive of Broadway history.

Whether recounting backstage tales or pivotal milestones, his storytelling kept the theater’s legacy alive. For those lucky enough to listen, his insights were as entertaining as they were invaluable.

Chicago to Columbia: A Foundation Built

Born Dec. 12, 1930, in Chicago, Libin’s formative years shaped his character. He served in the U.S. Army before attending Columbia University on the GI Bill, where his theatrical journey began.

Those experiences grounded him in humility, discipline, and a lifelong intellectual curiosity, values he carried with pride into every rehearsal hall, boardroom, and artistic collaboration that followed.

The Final Bow

Paul Libin passed away on June 27, 2025, in New York City at age 94. His death marked the close of a monumental Broadway chapter, ending a 70-year career that shaped American theater.

Yet his influence continues through theaters he built, the artists he mentored, and the shows he brought to life. The curtain may have fallen, but his legacy plays on.

As Broadway says goodbye to a legend, another icon reflects on life at 99. Tap to see Dick Van Dyke’s heartfelt take on aging, legacy, and living with purpose.

Legacy That Echoes Onstage

Paul Libin’s name is etched into the heart of Broadway. From reviving classics to mentoring talent and supporting theater-based charities, his work reflected passion and purpose in equal measure.

Circle in the Square stands as a tribute, as do the countless careers and communities touched by his care. His generosity and excellence remain guiding lights for generations to come.

And just like that, when a beloved character is suddenly gone, it hits just as hard. Take a look at the most shocking character deaths that left fans speechless.

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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and with human editing.