Broadway Legend Dies

By Stephen M. Silverman

12/08/1997 at 12:00 AM EST

Master showman David Merrick, 88, Broadway producer of such hits as "Gypsy," "Hello, Dolly!" and "42nd Street," died in London on Tuesday. He had been in failing health for many years. Ironically, his death comes only days after that of his one-time rival, Alexander H. Cohen.