(January 20, 2003) – The editors of The Best Plays series mourn the passing of one of our most valued collaborators, Al Hirschfeld. The great theatrical caricaturist died in his sleep this morning at the age of 99.

Mr. Hirschfeld began his long association with The Best Plays series under editor Louis Kronenberger with the 1952–1953 volume. His evocative drawings bring the theater to life on paper in clever, vivid and often amusing ways. The forthcoming 2001–2002 volume of the series marks the artist’s 50th consecutive inclusion in the series. The new book was to be dedicated to Mr. Hirschfeld’s 50 years of service to the series and the theater; it will now be dedicated to his memory.

The Martin Beck Theatre is slated to become the Al Hirschfeld Theatre on the 100th anniversary of the artist’s birth in June.

The editors of The Best Plays series offer our sincerest condolences to his widow, Louise Kerz, and his daughter, Nina.