Joseph Anthony; Had 4 Successes on Broadway at the Same Time

Joseph Anthony, 80, actor and director who had four hit productions on Broadway at the same time. A native of Milwaukee, Anthony received part of his theatrical training at the Pasadena Playhouse School. Although he built most of his career onstage, he directed several films, including “The Rainmaker” in 1956, “The Matchmaker” in 1958 and “Tomorrow” in 1972. Anthony reached his professional zenith in 1960 and 1961 when he opened four highly successful shows on Broadway in 11 months--”Best Man,” “Under the Yum-Yum Tree,” “Rhinoceros,” and “Mary, Mary.” He served as president of the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers, board member of the Screen Directors Guild and as an officer for the Actors Equity Assn. On Wednesday in Hyannis, Mass.