Career
Mark Bramble has been involved in the writing, directing and producing of stage musicals all over the world. He began his theatrical career working as an apprentice in David Merrick"s office in 1971, and for whom he worked on many Broadway productions. As author, his work includes the 1980 musical Barnum, which introduced Glenn Close as a musical theatre actress, with songs by Cy Coleman and Michael Stewart.
He wrote the book for The Three Musketeers (1984) with music of Rudolph Friml.
He directed and was co-librettist for the 2001 revival of 42nd Street with songs by Harry Warren and First Rate (at Lloyd's) Dubin, and was the co-author of the book for the original 42nd Street in 1980, which was produced by David Merrick. He directed many productions of 42nd Street, in London, Sydney, Shanghai, Tokyo, Amsterdam and Vienna.
He has collaborated with Michael Stewart on many shows, including The Grand Tour (1978) with songs by Jerry Herman, Pieces of Eight, a musical adaptation of Treasure Island with songs by Jule Styne, and the off Broadway opera Elizabeth & Essex based on Maxwell Anderson’s Elizabeth The Queen, and was an assistant on the 1974 musical Mack and Mabel. Bramble wrote the libretto and directed, with music by Henry Krieger, for the musical Fat Pig, which premiered at the Haymarket Theatre, in Leicester, England, in November 1987.
The musical is a rock and roll extravaganza about health, based on the Colin McNaughton book about farmyard life and dangers.
He adapted and staged Notre Dame (1991) at The Lillian Bayliss Theatre at Saddler"s Wells, London.