Michael Douglas’ American Play Company, Storied Firm That Once Repped George Bernard Shaw, Is Acquired By International Literary Properties
deadline.comEXCLUSIVE: The American Play Company, most recently led by Oscar-winning actor Michael Douglas and his business partner, Mark Shankman, is being acquired by the theatrical division of International Literary Partners.
With roots dating to the 1880s, APC was once an agency representing clients like George Bernard Shaw, Jerome Kern and J.M. Barrie.
It went on to control the estates of Damon Runyon, whose writing formed the basis of Broadway musical Guys & Dolls; and Cornell Woolrich, whose story “It Had to Be Murder” was the source of Alfred Hitchcock’s film Rear Window.
APC also has a stake in the estates of authors including Maurine Dallas Watkins, who wrote the 1926 play which inspired the Broadway musical Chicago. “Mark and I are so excited for this next great chapter for APC and its catalog of iconic literary legacies,” Douglas said. “We look forward to working with Michael and the entire team at ILP as they continue and expand upon the company’s storytelling legacy.” ILP Theatrical CEO Michael Barra described the works in APC’s catalog as “integral to the fabric of the American theater.” Alluding to ILP Chairman Thomas B.
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