About the Author

Gail Merrifield Papp worked in the theater world for most of her career, starting at the Repertory Theater of Lincoln Center, and subsequently at producer Joe Papp's New York Shakespeare Festival/Public Theater from 1965-1991. As Director of New Plays and Musicals Development, she was responsible for some of the Public's best- remembered productions, including Tony Award winners The Normal Heart by Larry Kramer and The Mystery of Edwin Drood by Rupert Holmes. Gail Merrifield and Joe Papp were married in 1976 and were together until his death in 1991. She lives in New York City.