Late Career
Professional activity for Battles slowed considerably after that. He made his next and last appearance on Broadway in March 1961, this nearly 13 years after the close of Allegro. This for the short-lived "13 Daughters" (28 performances) starring Don Ameche with Battles in the supporting role of William. This role featured no solo turns at song and Battles is not mentioned in the show's NY TImes review.
"13 Daughters" is remarkable as concerns Mr. Battles only as a return to Broadway, however brief, and for the mention in his show program biography of his playing in a touring production of Auntie Mame at some point after his return from Europe and his casting in "13 Daughters." Battles is credited there for the role of Brian O'Bannion alongside Shirl Conway in the title role.
Lastly, it was the death of Oscar Hammerstein that brought Battles briefly back into the Broadway limelight. He featured among a cast of several stage luminaries assembled to give tribute in song to Hammerstein at the 46th Street Theater on April 8, 1962. Others included Mary Martin, Helen Hayes, Alfred Drake, John Raitt, Elaine Stritch, and Mr. Hammerstein's composing partner Richard Rodgers.
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