Abraham Ellstein and Sylvia Regan papers, 1921-1982

Overview of the Collection

Creator
Ellstein, Abraham, 1907-1963; Regan, Sylvia
Title
Abraham Ellstein and Sylvia Regan papers
Dates
1921-1982 (inclusive)
Quantity
16.00 cubic ft. (39 boxes)
Collection Number
07927
Summary
Papers of a husband and wife who collaborated on composing and writing musicals and plays performed mostly in the Yiddish Theater Disctrict of New York City but also on Broadway.
Repository
American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming
American Heritage Center
University of Wyoming
1000 E. University Ave.
Dept. 3924
Laramie, WY
82071
Telephone: 3077663756
ahcref@uwyo.edu
Access Restrictions
Access Restrictions

There are no access restrictions on the materials for research purposes, and the collection is open to the public.

Languages
English, Yiddish

Historical NoteReturn to Top

Abraham Ellstein (1907-1963), was a Jewish composer and conductor born in New York City. During his most active years, he was one of the “Big Four” of composers in the Yiddish theater district. He composed scores for movies, the most well-known, “Yiddle With his Fiddle”, starring Molly Picon, a prominent actress in the Yiddish theater and movie industry. He also composed folk songs, as well as liturgical songs, some especially for Tenor Jan Peerce. His most famous work, “The Golem”, created with his wife, was the only opera he composed. It was performed at the New York City Opera in 1962. His wife, Sylvia Regan, started as an actress but later wrote plays, musicals, television, and radio scripts. She wrote “Great To Be Alive!” with her husband, and the show premiered on Broadway in 1950. She also had great success with “The Fifth Season” and “Morning Star”.

Content DescriptionReturn to Top

The collection contains scripts and music scores for "The Golem", Great To Be Alive" and other works by Ellstein and Regan; correspondence; contracts; audio magnetic tapes; phonograph records; scrapbooks; photographs; manuscripts; and programs.

Use of the CollectionReturn to Top

Restrictions on Use

Copyright Information

The researcher assumes full responsibility for observing all copyright, property, and libel laws as they apply.

Preferred Citation

Preferred Citation

Item Description, Box Number, Folder Number, Collection Name, Collection Number, American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming.

Administrative InformationReturn to Top

Related Materials

Related Materials

There are no known other archival collections created by Abraham Ellstein and Sylvia Regan at the date of processing.

Acquisition Information

Acquisition Information

This material was received from Sylvia Regan, 1982-1991.

Processing Note

Processing Information

The collection was processed by Alexandra Cardin in January 2018.

Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top

Series I. BiographicalReturn to Top

Container(s) Description Dates
Box
1
Biography and List of Published Works by A. Ellstein
undated
1
Biography and List of Published Works by Sylvia Regan
undated
1
Photographs of A. Ellstein and Sylvia Regan, Black and White
undated

Series II. Professional Abraham EllsteinReturn to Top

Container(s) Description Dates
Sub-series 1. Administrative
Box
1
Abraham Ellstein Memorial Scholarship, Juilliard School of Music
1963-1981, undated
1
ASCAP Contracts, New Chord Inc.
1961-1964
1
Carnegie Hall Program, Gala Concert Participation
1928
The Golem
Box
1
Contracts, Performance and Rights to Adapt
1961-1962
1
Correspondence, Reviews, Publicity, etc.
1962
1
Correspondence to Opera Companies
1962-1963
1
Description of Parts and Voice Range
undated
1
Reviews, Correspondence, etc.
1961-1962
Great to Be Alive!
Box
1
Contracts
1944-1949
1
Contracts and Correspondence
1947-1950
1
Contracts for Musical
1944-1950
1
Los Angeles Photographs, Black and White
undated
1
Los Angeles Publicity and Contracts
1945-1954, undated
Box
1
Letters from Museums
1966-1971
Danny Mendoza
Box
2
Contracts, Correspondence, Synopsis, Unproduced Work
1954-1956, undated
Box
2
Miscellaneous Contracts
1938-1964
2
Miscellaneous Contracts
1938-1974
2
Miscellaneous Programs
1961-1978, undated
2
Miscellaneous Programs,Publicity, Reviews, etc.
1959-1980, undated
Ode to the King of Kings
Box
2
Programs
1958-1971, undated
The Thief and the Hang Man
Box
2
Correspondence with Ohio University
1958-1976
Sub-series 2. Music scores and Manuscripts
Sub-sub-series 1. Early Work
Impromptu
Box
3
Score for Violin and Piano
June 6, 1933
In Beth Hamedrish
Box
3
Orchestra Score
December, 1927
Mass,
Box
3
Entire Score
April, 1924-August, 1924
Box
3
Miscellaneous Scores 1 of 2
1921-1934, undated
3
Miscellaneous Scores 2 of 2
1921-1934, undated
3
Opera in 3 Acts, 4 Scenes
1920
The Piper
Box
4
Bound Score
November, 1922-March, 1923
Romanza
Box
4
Score for Violin and Piano
March 5, 1932-March 23, 1932
Yzdra
Box
4
Opera Score
March, 1925
4
Opera Score
January, 1926
Sub-sub-series 2. Folk Songs
80 er 70 Sie
Box
5
Score (Manuscript)
undated
Alevai Volt...
Box
5
Score (Manuscript)
undated
Bulbes
Box
5
Score (Manuscript)
undated
Chazkele
Box
5
Score (Manuscript)
undated
De Filisof
Box
5
Score (Manuscript)
undated
Evev Pesach...
Box
5
Score (Manuscript)
undated
Freg Di Volt An Alte Kashe
Box
5
Score (Manuscript)
undated
Freitag Oif Der Nacht
Box
5
Score (Mansucript)
undatedS
Ganvenen
Box
5
Score (Manuscript)
undated
Gei Ich Mi Shpazvien
Box
5
Score (Manuscript)
Hot a Yid a Vebete
Box
5
Score (Manuscript)
undated
Lome Sich Ibebeten
Box
5
Score (Manuscript)
undated
Lomir alle...
Box
5
Score (Manuscript)
undated
Maybe
Box
5
Score (Manuscript)
1939
Meidel in Di Yuren
Box
5
Score (Manuscript)
undated
Mesinke Osgegeben
Box
5
Score (Manuscript)
undated
Box
5
Miscellaneous Scores (Manuscripts)
undated
Moschiach
Box
5
Score (Manuscript)
undated
Ofin Pripitchok
Box
5
Score (Manuscript)
undated
Oy Avram
Box
5
Score (Manuscript)
undated
Rebi Elimelech
Box
5
Score (Manuscript)
undated
Shluf Mein Feigele
Box
5
Score (Mansucript)
undated
Yoshke
Box
5
Score (Manuscript)
undated
Sub-sub-series 3. Liturgical Songs for Opera Singer, Jan Peerce
A Pastuchl
Box
5
Score (Manuscript)
undated
A Zemer'l
Box
5
Score (Manuscript)
undated
Adoshem Adoshem
Box
5
Score (Manuscript)
undated
Ahavas Olom
Box
5
Score (Manuscript)
undated
Borchenu Vabrocho
Box
5
Score (Manuscript)
undated
Broches Chanuka (Blessing of the Candles)
Box
5
Score (Manuscript)
undated
Hashkiveinu
Box
5
Score (Manuscript)
undated
Kiddish
Box
5
Score (Manuscript)
undated
Madoglu, Pslam 92
Box
6
Score (Manuscript)
undated
Retsei
Box
6
Score (Manuscript)
undated
Rochel M'Vakoh
Box
6
Score (Manuscript)
undated
Sheyibonei
Box
6
Score (Manuscript)
undated
Sheyibonei Bes Hanikdosh
Box
6
Score (Manuscript)
undated
Shma Yisroel
Box
6
Score (Manuscript)
undated
Sim Sholom (Prayer for Peace)
Box
6
Score (Manuscript)
undated
V'li Yerusholayim Ircho
Box
6
Score (Manuscript)
undated
Yismechu
Box
6
Score (Manuscript)
undated
Sub-sub-series 4. Miscellaneous
As Der Rebi Vil
Box
7
Score (Manuscriipt)
1929
7
1st and 2nd Cornets Sheets
1929
7
1st and 2nd Violins Sheets
1929
7
Bass Sheets
1929
7
Cello Sheets
1929
7
Clarinet Sheets
1929
7
Drums Sheets
1929
7
Flute Sheets
1929
7
Oboe Sheets
1929
7
Piano Sheets
1929
7
Trombone Sheets
1929
The Big Shot/the Baby Sitter
Box
7
1st and 2nd Trumpets Sheets
undated
7
Bass Sheets
undated
7
Cello Sheets
undated
7
Clarinet Sheets
undated
7
Drums Sheets
undated
7
Entire Score (Manuscript)
undated
8
Flute Sheets
undated
8
Piano Sheets
undated
8
Trombone Sheets
undated
8
Violin Sheets
undated
Booblitchki
Box
8
Score (Manuscript)
1937
8
Cello Sheets
1937
8
Clarinet Sheets
1937
8
Drums Sheets
1937
8
Flute Sheets
1937
8
Piano Sheets
undated
8
Trombone Sheets
1937
8
Trumpet Sheets
1937
8
Violin Sheets
1937
Chassidic Dance
Box
8
Score (Manuscript)
undated
Chavivele
Box
8
Score (Manuscript)
undated
Der Berdichiver Chosen
Box
10
1st and 2nd Trumpets Sheets
undated
9
Bass Sheets
undated
9
Bassoon Sheets
undated
9
Cello Sheets
undated
9
Clarinet Sheets
undated
9
Drums Sheets
undated
9
Entire Score (Manuscript)
undated
9
Flute Sheets
undated
9
Oboe Sheets
undated
10
Piano Sheets
undated
10
Trombone Sheets
undated
10
Violin Sheets
undated
Don't Worry
Box
10
1st and 2nd Trumpets Sheets
1951-1952
10
Bass Sheets
1951-1952
10
Clarinet Sheets
1951-1952
10
Drums Sheets
1951-1952
10
Entire Score (Manuscript)
1951-1952
10
Piano Sheets
1951-1952
10
Trombone Sheets
1951-1952
10
Violin Sheets
1951-1952
Eretz Yisroel
Box
10
Bass Sheets
undated
10
Cello Sheets
undated
11
Clarinet Sheets
undated
11
Drums Sheets
undated
11
Flute Sheets
undated
11
Oboe and English Horn Sheets
undated
11
Piano Sheets
undated
11
Score (Manuscript)
undated
11
Trombone Sheets
undated
11
Trumpet Sheets
undated
11
Violin Sheets
undated
Freilach Rhapsody
Box
11
Score (Manuscript)
undated
The Golem
Box
12
Act I Before Final Corrections, Manuscript
undated
12
Act III, Before Final Corrections (Bound)
undated
13
Act I and II, Full Vocal Score(Bound)
undated
13
Act II, Full Vocal Score(Bound)
undated
13
Act III and IV, Full Vocal Score(Bound)
undated
12
Play Version
1962
12
Version of Opera Prior to Production by City Center Opera Company, NY
undated
Haftorah
Box
14
Score (Manuscript)
undated
His Wife's Lover
Box
14
1st and 2nd Cornets Sheets
1929-1930
14
Bass Sheets
1929-1930
14
Cello Sheets
1929-1930
14
Clarinet Sheets
1929-1930
14
Drums and Tympani Sheets
1929-1930
14
Flute Sheets
1929-1930
14
Oboe Sheets
1919-1930
14
Piano Sheets
1929-1930
14
Score (Manuscript)
1929-1930
14
Trombone Sheets
1929-1930
14
Violin Sheets
1929-1930
Hora
Box
14
Score (Manuscript)
undated
The Hungarian Cantor
Box
14
Clarinet Sheets
undated
14
Drums Sheets
undated
14
Flute Sheets
undated
14
Piano Sheets
undated
14
Trombone Sheets
undated
14
Trumpet Sheets
undated
14
Violin Sheets
undated
Hungarian Chasen
Box
14
Score (Manuscript)
undated
I'm in Love
Box
15
1st and 2nd Trumpets Sheets
1946-1947
15
Bass Sheets
1946-1947
15
Clarinet Sheets
1946-1947
15
Drums Sheets
1946-1947
15
Piano Sheets
1946-1947
15
Score (Manuscript)
1946-1947
15
Trombone Sheets
1946-1947
15
Violin Sheets
1946-1947
Israeli Rhapsody
Box
16
Score (Manuscript)
undated
The Jolly World
Box
16
1st and 2nd Trumpets Sheets
undated
16
1st and 2nd Violins Sheets
undated
16
Cello Sheets
undated
16
Clarinet Sheets
undated
16
Drums Sheets
undated
16
Flute Sheets
undated
16
Piano Sheets
undated
16
Score (Manuscript)
undated
16
Trombone Sheets
undated
Just My Luck
Box
17
1st and 2nd Trumpets Sheets
undated
17
Bass Sheets
undated
17
Clarinet Sheets
undated
17
Direction Sheets
undated
17
Drums Sheets
undated
17
Piano Sheets
undated
17
Trombone Sheets
undated
17
Violin Sheets
undated
Keshinever
Box
17
Score (Manuscript)
undated
Leave it to Charlie
Box
18
Score (Manuscript)and Notes
1948-1949
Leave it to Me
Box
18
Bass Sheets
1946-1947
18
Clarinet Sheets
1946-1947
18
Drums Sheets
1946-1947
18
Piano Sheets
1946-1947
18
Score (Manuscript)
1946-1947
18
Trombone Sheets
1946-1947
18
Trumpet Sheets
1946-1947
18
Violin Sheets
1946-1947
Let's Be Gay
Box
18
1st and 2nd Trumpets Sheets
1952
18
Bass Sheets
1952
18
Direction Sheets
1952
18
Drums Sheets
1952
18
Piano Sheets
1952
18
Trombone Sheets
1952
18
Violin Sheets
1952
Malkela
Box
19
1st and 2nd Trumpets Sheets
1937
19
Cello Sheets
1937
19
Clarinet Sheets
1937
18
Conductor Sheets
1937
19
Drums Sheets
1937
19
Flute Sheets
1937
19
Piano Sheets
1937
19
Trombone Sheets
1937
19
Violin Sheets
1937
Mamele
Box
20
Movie Score (Manuscript)
1936
20
1st Horn Sheets
undated
20
1st Trumpet Sheets
undated
20
1st Violin Sheets
undated
20
2nd Horn Sheets
undated
20
2nd Trumpet Sheets
undated
20
2nd Violin Sheets
undated
20
Bass Sheets
undated
20
Cello Sheets
undated
21
Clarinet Sheets
undated
21
Drums Sheets
undated
21
Flute Sheets
undated
21
Harp Sheets
undated
21
Miscellaneous Sheets
undated
21
Oboe Sheets
undated
21
Opening Sheets
undated
21
Trombone Sheets
undated
21
Viola Sheets
undated
Box
22
Miscellaneous Scores
undated
Motel Peyse
Box
22
1st and 2nd Cornets Sheets
undated
22
Bass Sheets
undated
22
Cello Sheets
undated
22
Clarinet Sheets
undated
22
Drum Sheets
undated
22
Flute Sheets
undated
22
Oboe Sheets
undated
23
Piano Sheets
undated
22
Score(Manuscript)
undated
23
Trombone Sheets
undated
23
Violin Sheets
undated
Negev Concerto
Box
23
Score (Manuscript)
undated
23
Score (Manuscript)
undated
Ode
Box
23
Score (Manuscript), conducted by A. Ellstein at Carnegie Hall 1 of 2
1947
23
Score (Manuscript), conducted by A. Ellstein at Cranegie Hall 2 of 2
1947
Phantasmata
Box
24
Bound Score
undated
Box
24
Original Pencil Score
undated
Shabbat Menuchah
Box
25
Score (Manuscript)
undated
Suzzie
Box
25
Cello Sheets
1937
25
Clarinet Sheets
1937
Box
25
Drums Sheets
1937
Box
25
Flute Sheets
1937
25
Piano Sheets
1937
25
Trombone Sheets
1937
25
Trumpets Sheets
1937
25
Violin Sheets
1937
The Thief and the Hangman
Box
25
Bound Score and Productiuon Notes
1958, undated
Two Tonal Sketches (by the Waters of Babylon and Haman Carnival
Box
25
Score (Manuscript) for Orchestra
undated
Wedding Night
Box
26
1st and 2nd Trumpets Sheets
undated
26
Bass Sheets
undated
26
Clarinet Sheets
undated
26
Drums Sheets
undated
26
Piano Sheets
undated
26
Score (Manuscript)
undated
26
Trombone Sheets
undated
26
Violin Sheets
undated
What a Guy
Box
27
Score and Yiddish Script
1948
Wish Me Luck
Box
27
Bass Sheets
undated
27
Clarinet Sheets
undated
27
Drums Sheets
undated
28
Piano Sheets
undated
27
Score (Manuscript)
undated
28
Sheets for Singers
undated
28
Trombone Sheets
undated
28
Trumpet Sheets
undated
28
Violin Sheets
undated
Yidl Mit'n Fidl
Box
28
Movie Score (Manuscript)
1937-1938
Sub-series 3. Published works
Box
29
Ima - Mother of Israel, Score
undated
29
Miscellaneous Published Songs
1937-1965
29
Miscellaneous Works and Lists
1964-1978
Sub-series 4. Audio Recordings
Audio Magnetic Tapes
Box
30
Ellstein Tribute, Master #2, 9 mins
March 25, 1963
30
The Golem
April 4, 1962
30
Haftorah, Abraham Ellstein,William Gunther Sprecher and Itzhak Perlman Demonstration
undated
30
Ode, Rochester
undated
30
The Redemption,, Eastman School Chorus, Rochester
February, 1964
30
Test Reel in House, Jan Peerce etc.
undated
30
The Thief and the Hangman
undated
30
The Thief and the Hangman, Athens, Ohio
undated
30
The Thief and the Hangman, Redlands, Part 1
undated
30
The Thief and the Hangman, Redlands, Part 2
undated
30
Yiddish Maestro Please, The Ferder Sisters, Orchestra Conducted by A. Ellstein
undated
Phonograph Records
Box
30
Cantorial Masterpieces, Jan Peerce, Orchestra Conducted by A. Ellstein
undated
30
Haftorah, Ellstein, Perlamn and Sprecher
undated
30
The Song and the Prayer: If I Forget Thee, O Jerusalem, by A. Ellstein, in Hebrew, Sung by Jan Peerce
September 25, 1960
30
Introduction to the Kaddish, by A. Ellstein
undated
30
Jan Peerce Sings Yiddish Folk Songs, Orchestra Conducted by A. Ellstein
undated
30
Love, Italian Style, Demo (Melody)by A. Ellstein
undated
30
Stampede: a Tale of the West, Gene Autry, music by A. Ellstein
1949
30
The Thief and the Hangman, Side A, Performed by the Ohio University Opera Orchestra
undated
30
The Thief and the Hangman, Side B, Performed by the Ohio University Opera Orchestra
undated
Sub-series 5. Scrapbooks and Clippings
Box
31
Miscellaneous Postcards and Notes
1922-1924, undated
31
Miscellaneous Programs and Clippings
1936-1947, undated
24
Molly Picon Concert Poster
undated
31
Programs and Clippings from Tours with Molly Picon
1932-1937, undated
31
Scrapbook
1924-1928
31
Scrapbook
1932-1937, undated
32
Scrapbook
1936-1947, undated
31
Scrapbook from European Tour and other
1928-1933
31
Write-ups of A. Ellstein
1921-1925

Series III. Professional Sylvia Regan Return to Top

Container(s) Description Dates
Sub-series 1. Administrative
Box
33
Contracts - Twentieth Century Fox and Warner Bros.
1943-1975
The Fifth Season
Box
33
Broadway Production Photographs
undated
33
Contracts and Correspondence
1951-1962
33
Contracts and Correspondence for Israel and South Africa
1968
33
Contracts, Reviews, etc. (Eden Theatre)
1975-1976
33
Correspondence with MCA Agent and Producer
1952-1962
33
Financial Backers and Contracts
1951-1953
33
London Production Photographs
1954
33
Miscellaneous Publicity and Reviews, London and USA
1962-1974
Marianne
Box
33
Contracts
1942-1943
Morning Star
Box
33
Broadway Reviews, Press Material and Photograph
1940
33
Contracts and Correspondence
1939-1960
33
Contracts and Correspondence
1938-1965
34
Reviews and Programs
1940-1972
34
London Correspondence
1949-1952
Box
34
Sylvia Regan's Early Career as an actress, Programs, Photographs and Reviews
1925-1928, undated
Zelda
Box
34
Production Contracts
1967-1969
34
Publicity,Programs,Reviews and Photographs
1968-1969
Sub-series 2. Manuscripts
Bowery Nightingale
Box
34
Film Script
October 9, 1943
Crossroads
Box
34
Play
1941
Every Day but Friday
Box
34
Play
1937
The Fifth Season
Box
34
London Production Script
February 24,1954
35
Screenplay
undated
35
Screenplay, Spanish Version
undated
35
Television Adaptation
undated
Footsteps Behind Her
Box
35
Film Treatment for Twentieth Century Fox
April 27, 1944
Forty-Four West
Box
35
Draft
undated
35
Draft, Final Version
undated
35
Original Version
undated
Great to Be Alive!
Box
35
Book for Musical
undated
A Hundred Million Nickels
Box
35
Play
undated
Journey from a Noon Wedding
Box
36
Teleplay
undated
The Man in White and Black
Box
36
Screenplay, 1st Draft
undated
36
Screenplay, Latest Draft
undated
Marianne
Box
36
Book for Musical
July 22, 1942
Danny Mendoza
Box
36
1st Version (Musical)
1954
36
2nd Version
1954
36
Final Draft
1954
Box
37
Miscellaneous Radio Scripts
undated
Morning Star
Box
37
1st Draft
undated
37
prompt Copy, Rehearsal
1940
37
Radio and Television Scripts
1948-1954
Parnell's Pyramid
Box
37
Script,Produced by CBC
September 11, 1956
37
Television Play
undated
Safe Harbor
Box
37
Early Draft
undated
37
Later Draft
undated
37
Play
undated
The Twelfth Hour
Box
37
1st Draft, Play
1972
38
2nd Draft
undated
38
Play, Final Draft
1981
Box
38
Untitle original for Monty Woolley-Gracie Fields Treatment for Twentieth Century Fox
March 3, 1944
The Wind-Up Toys
Box
38
Play, 1st Draft
1982
38
Play, Final Draft
1982
Zelda
Box
38
Play, Final Draft Before Rehearsal
1968
38
Revised Draft
1966
39
Script, Stage Manager Copy
1968
Sub-series 3. Published works
The Fifth Season
Box
39
Booklets
1953-1954
Morning Star
Box
39
Booklet
1950
Zelda
Box
39
Booklet
1969

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

  • Judaism--Liturgy
  • Motion pictures, Yiddish.
  • Musicals.
  • Radio plays.
  • Synagogue music.
  • Television plays.
  • Theater, Yiddish.
  • Folk songs, Yiddish.

Personal Names

  • Peerce, Jan, 1904-1984.
  • Picon, Molly.

Other Creators

  • Personal Names
    • Ellstein, Abraham--Golem