In Memoriam: Marc B. Weiss

Lighting designer Marc B. Weiss died on April 2. He was 77.

Born in Washington, DC, his early work included scenery for Washington Ballet and Arena Stage. However, he was a familiar presence in New York theatre for three decades. A onetime assistant to Jules Fisher, Weiss made his Broadway debut with 6 Rms Riv Vu, a hit comedy starring Jane Alexander and Jerry Orbach. Subsequent Broadway credits included Mourning Becomes Electra (1972), starring Colleen Dewhurst; Medea (1973), starring Irene Papas; the controversial gay drama Find Your Way Home (1974); the hit revival of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1974), starring Elizabeth Ashley; Charles Aznavour on Broadway (1974); the blockbuster comedy thriller Deathtrap (1978); Othello (1982), starring James Earl Jones and Christopher Plummer; a revival of the musical Zorba (1983), starring Anthony Quinn; the musical The Rink (1984), starring Liza Minnelli and Chita Rivera; Design for Living (1984), starring Jill Clayburgh, Raul Julia, and Frank Langella; the 1987 revival of the musical Cabaret; and Anna Christie, starring Liam Neeson and Natasha Richardson.

Weiss also worked Off Broadway and designed Out of This World for Encores at City Center. His regional work included several productions at American Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford, Connecticut.

He was nominated twice for Drama Desk Awards, for Deathtrap and The Rink; he earned a Tony nomination for Anna Christie.

Weiss is survived by his wife, Rosemary Shevlin, daughter Alison Klinger, grandchildren Madeline and Elliott, and sister Carol. A memorial gathering will be announced. Contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.