What Happened on March 20, 1997

Historical Events

Theater Premiere

Cheryl L. West and Shelden Epp's musical "Play On!", an adaptation of Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night" set in 1940s Harlem, featuring music of Duke Ellington, opens at Brooks Atkinson Theatre, NYC; runs for 61 performances

Jazz Musician and Composer Duke Ellington

Liggett admits cigarettes are addictive

Event of Interest

World Mens Figure Skating Championship in Lausanne won by Elvis Stojko of Canada

1997 History

Famous Deaths

Carlo Fassi, Italian figure skating coach (Peggy Fleming, Dorothy Hamill, John Curry, Robin Cousins, Jill Trenary) and skater (World C'ship bronze men's singles 1953), dies at 67
Grace Hefner, mother of Hugh Hefner (Playboy), dies at 101
Tony Zale, American boxer (World Middleweight Champion 1940-47, 48), dies at 83
V. S. Pritchett, British literary critic and writer (Myth Makers), dies at 96