Albert W. Selden, Broadway Producer, Dies of Cancer

Albert W. Selden, a theatrical producer whose Broadway hits included “Man of La Mancha,” has died at age 64.

The one-time songwriter died Saturday of cancer at his Santa Fe home.

He was born in New York City and lived there until three years ago. He began his theatrical career at Yale University and returned to Connecticut to lead the restoration of the landmark Goodspeed Opera House in East Haddam. It reopened in 1963 with Selden as its managing director.

Selden and Hal James produced “Man of La Mancha” first at the Goodspeed, and later on Broadway, where it ran for 2,328 performances and won Tony and New York Drama Critics Circle awards.

Selden also produced the Tony-winning “Baby” in the 1960s, and more recently co-produced the hit musical “Irene,” starring Debbie Reynolds.

Selden, the son of an American Express Co. vice chairman and the grandson of a Chase National Bank chairman, broke into Broadway theater as an investor and composer.