A discussion of theatre in New England, from past to present, from backstage to balcony, from third row center. From memory.
On Kitty Carlisle in Springfield summer theatre:
Hi, I was delighted to see Harold J. Kennedy mentioned in connection to Kitty Carlisle Hart in The Man Who Came to Dinner. Harold was a Holyoke native and wrote a book entitled No Pickle No Performance in which he mentions Kitty and many others with whom he worked in TV, movies, and theater. He spent many summers on the summer stock circuit and appeared also at Mount Tom in several productions, one with Cesar Romero and one with Katherine Houghton that I remember seeing. He also appeared with Gloria Swanson at Storrowton Theater in West Springfield.
On Edwin Booth and John Wilkes Booth:
R. BrooksApril 9, 2013
Wow, great post. It's really cool to hear
about the lives of the Booth family before the assassination. They were quite an
interesting family.
On the Tremont Theater, Boston:
AnonymousJuly 27, 2012
I have two stunning postcards ca. 1905-10 showing the theater in all its glory, one, a black & white photo shows it right across the street from the Boylston Subway Station. Tremont St. was two way and had only horse drawn wagons and many of them. Right next door was a big sign for Quaker Oats, as best as I can make out. I'd be glad to provide scans of both if you can figure a way. Very interesting views.
On The Poli's Palace, Springfield, Mass:
Alicia MerrittJanuary 30, 2014 -- I am looking for any information regarding my great-grandmother, a vaudeville singer who performed from approximately 1919 to 1921 in Springfield, Mass. She may have performed under the stage name Delilah Paris or Lillian Paris. She may have also used the name Lillian Penney or Delilah Penney. Thank you in advance for any information you share with me.
I recently found a first place prize cup won by my grandfather, Gene Bourque. There is no year on the cup, but it says "Polis Palace, Springfield, Mass First Prize Charleston Contest" I'd love to be able to date this cup - any ideas? Thanks, Carol (cafmaf87@comcast.net)
AnonymousJuly 4, 2012
On "A Bell for Adano", Shubert, New Haven:
Ann Mar 7, 2012
Thank you for this informative post! I have just read an old letter in which my mother tells my grandmother that she is attending this performance, Nov. 1944.
On The Valley Players of Holyoke, Mass.:
My father used to work the concession stand in the casino and as a little boy, I delighted in sneaking into the theatre when the curtain went up and watched the actors from behind the seats. If caught, Carlton Guild could give a pretty nasty look and tell my father that I must stay out. But I found my way in...now years later, I wish I still had those programs that I so cherished.
October 26, 2013 at 12:07 happened to read your blog.i remember you, jim,but i'll bet you don't remember me.my name was bob Russell I changed my first name to brad when I joined equity in 1968.bill guild was my best friend and my job that summer was cleaning the theater and working in the box office.jean guild played linda loman in 'death of a salesman' and we also did 'the miracle worker ' with sue ann gilfilin'glass menagerie 'was the last show and tom was played by ray girardin.jean and carlton were very sweet to me and we remained friends for years. I can honestly say it was the happiest summer of my life.ted tiller directed the last show.grace carney played Amanda. grace lived to be in her mid ninties I remember you and always had trouble pronouncing your name.i'm an actor and have lived in new york since 1966. BRAD RUSSELL
August 18, 2012
I began my theatrical career with the Valley Players at Mountain Park. I remember loving every day that summer of 1962, when I was 18. I understand that was the final year of the Valley Players after a long and illustrious run and I am so glad I got to experience a technical apprenticeship with the company. I commuted all the way from Williamsburg Mass. every day. I still have three letters from Carlton Guild, dated February, March and May of 1962, explaining details of the program, the schedule and the commitment he and Jean Guild were expecting from me. I wish I could remember all the plays we did but I am certain we did “Dark of the Moon” and I think “Little Mary Sunshine” among the others. Names I remember are Mr. Ganser, who was the technical director and a fellow apprentice whose last name was Vogel. I’d often give him a ride home to Northhampton. I am still designing sets and lighting for theatre and loving it. I cherish those days at the Casino that led to my career. Jim Othuse
July 26, 2012
Dear Jacqueline T. Lynch. My ex-husband and still close friend, William S. Guild, is the son of Valley Players' Producers, Jean and Carlton Guild. Bill remembers all the shows, actors; as a boy would sit in dressing room w/ Hal.. who was just developing Mark Twain, watch the process of transformation. Bill got his Equity card at 18 by dint of intense effort: sweeping/cleaning that huge house; them moved to St Mgr. He's a wealth of information regarding The Valley Players. If interested, how do I send his email address?Sincerely, H.J. Brandon
On the University Players of Cape Cod:
ScottSdaleSeptember 21, 2012
My grandfather was the bar manager at the theater of the university of players. He roomed with Stewart and Fonda and we have photographs! He had great stories, I miss him. I grew up on that beach,my dad lives down the street,I two miles away...do you know where the actors lived in west Falmouth,addresses? Thanks, Scott, w.falmouth ma
