Gower Champion, the musical's director and choreographer, had died early the day of the opening, at age 59, of a rare blood cancer.

Merrill then suggested Gower Champion, who agreed to tackle the project because "It grabbed me."

Gower Champion, her ex-husband but so much more, died in 1980, a few hours before another show he had directed, "42nd Street," was to open.

I watched Gower Champion kill himself to put on the show.

I told them my news, and Arthur said: "Gower Champion dead!

The late Gower Champion will also be honored, with his son Gregg accepting the award.

"Gower Champion felt that way, but when he saw the company he changed his mind."

Gower Champion, who came from the world of ballroom dance, was all too aware of his own limitations.

He was the son of the dance stars Marge and Gower Champion.

Gower Champion told me years ago, "Why don't you come to Broadway, it's the greatest experience."