Tony Walton, the award-winning director and production designer for theater, film, television, ballet, and opera, died at his apartment in New York City on Wednesday from complications of a stroke. He was 87.
Mr. Walton's many honors for production design included Tony Awards for "Pippin," "House of Blue Leaves," and "Guys and Dolls," and Academy Award nominations for the films "Mary Poppins," "The Boy Friend," "The Wiz," and "Murder on the Orient Express." He won an Oscar for Bob Fosse's "All That Jazz" and an Emmy for "Death of a Salesman."
He also directed productions of Oscar Wilde, George Bernard Shaw, Noel Coward, and others for New York's Irish Rep, San Diego's Old Globe, Sarasota's Asolo Rep, Guild Hall's John Drew Theater, and Bay Street Theater in Sag Harbor.
As a producer, he co-produced six productions in London, three with Hal Prince, and his opera and ballet designs have been seen throughout the United States and Europe.
Less visible than his theater and film work, his original artwork is no less accomplished. In December, a retrospective of his hand-drawn sketches, paintings, watercolors, and murals was held at Mark Borghi Gallery in Sag Harbor.
Mr. Walton is survived by his wife, Genevieve LeRoy Walton, a daughter, Emma Walton Hamilton, and stepdaughter, Bridget LeRoy, and five grandchildren. His first wife, Julie Andrews, also survives. A private service in Sag Harbor and burial at Oakland Cemetery there will take place at a date to be announced.
A full obituary will appear in a future issue.
