Abraham Ellstein and Sylvia Regan papers, 1921-1982

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”.