Ann Arbor Civic Theatre Archive Launched on Old News
by oldnews
The Ann Arbor Civic Theatre is celebrating 85 years and AADL has launched a new website detailing the history of this award-winning local theater company.
View hundreds photos from the rehearsals, backstages and performances of the plays including never before seen shots from noted photographer Fred Beutler as well as the staff photographers at the Ann Arbor News. The Archive also includes hundreds of posters and programs from plays and over a thousand articles from the Ann Arbor News.
Old News will be adding more programs, photos and documents from the extensive collection at the Civic Theatre in the coming months but we need your help . . . can you identify any of the people in the photos where we don't have names? Everyone knows someone in Ann Arbor who worked in or for a Civic Theatre play, so browse the photos and add your knowledge in the Add New Comment feature. We have identified the lady at your left, that's Gilda Radner.
Blog Post
Subjects
Local History
Comments
My mother was Ann Parsons,
My mother was Ann Parsons, who participated in The Late George Apley, All My Sons, and Night Must Fall. As a small child (maybe 7-8 years) I remember being ushered in to see my mother on the stage at the old Ann Arbor High (Frieze Building). I also remember playing an angel with a short line in another play. I do not remember the name of the play or the line, but it seems to me that the play was upstairs next to the State Theater. I was on an elevated "cloud," and I still recall the terror I felt when I had to face the audience and say my line. I think my mother realized way back then that I was NOT destined for the stage.
One of our family friends (and dentist) was Carl Gingles, another Civic Theater participant.
After many years away from Ann Arbor, I have retired here, and have been wondering if there are any photos of my mom during this time, as we were poor (my dad was studying at UM, and we lived in a boarding house on Thayer Street). We would not have afforded to buy photos, if there were any taken. I am thrilled that you have put this website online, which I just found this morning, and I will be researching your information. I already have located my mother's name in the programs.
Thank you in advance for any information you might have.
Sheila
Ms. Parsons, Thank you so
Ms. Parsons,
Thank you so much for contacting the Archives about your mother's participation in the Ann Arbor Civic Theatre. Reminisces like yours are most appreciated and a valuable part of the Civic Theatre Archives. Unfortunately, we do not have Ann Arbor News photos of your mother among the collection we acquired from the News. She is listed as a cast member in one play and if we do find more photos or articles with her name they will always be under this link:
Ann Parsons
[http://oldnews.aadl.org/taxonomy/term/59179]
Glad you're enjoying the programs, they are filling in so much of the history of the A2CT that articles and photos cannot provide.
Debbie Gallagher
Archives Staff
gilda. very cool. she once
gilda. very cool. she once said, according to an apple juice lid, "i base most of my fashion taste on what doesn't itch." :) :D
We love the theatre in our
We love the theatre in our house. My kid is working lights for a local production.
TBB