JOHN A. WILLIS - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 05/25/1968 CO-SIGNED BY: ROBERT "BOB" DOWNING - HFSID 316106
Price: $180.00
JOHN A. WILLIS and BOB DOWNING
Theatre World editor writes to his friend and theatre critic,
inviting him to that year's awards ceremony
Typed letter signed: "John" in blue ink and "Bob
Downing" in black felt tip. 1 page, 8½x11. Written on Theatre World
letterhead. May 25, 1968. John Willis' letter in full: "Dear Bob, the
annual Theatre World Award party is set for Monday, June 3, from 5 to 7, in the
Embassy Suite of the Gotham Hotel. If you can work it into your busy schedule,
it would be nice to see you again. Please let me know whether or not you will be
able to attend, as I must keep the guest list restricted to 50. Hope to see
you...Cordially". Bob Downing's letter in full: "Dear John: Thank
you. I accept with pleasure, and I'll be accompanied by my assistant from the
ANTA National Theatre Services Dept., Miss Jennifer Mielziner, Jo's
daughter...". John A. Willis (1916-2010), active in Theatre World
from the beginning, became its chief editor in 1965, holding that position until
2008. Willis is regarded as one of the foremost theatre and film historians
of the 20th century. While producing (and presenting) the annual Theatre World
Awards, Willis also served on the nominating committee for the Tony Awards.
Theatre World, which received its own Tony for Excellence in
Theatre in 2001, continues under chief editor Ben Hodges. Robert "Bob"
Downing (1914-1975) was an American actor and critic. In the 1930s, Downing
began his career in show-business as a stage actor, appearing in productions of
The Seagull and Amphitryon 38. Eventually, Downing
became a stage manager for Broadway productions, specifically There Shall
Be No Night. Within five years, he was promoted to production manager
and worked on titles such as Hamlet and A Streetcar Named
Desire. After his extensive stage experience, it was natural for Downing
to pursue a critic position at the Denver Post, which he obtained. After a few
years at the post of Drama Critic, Robert Downing passed away at the age of
sixty-one. Normal mailing folds. Edges and corners worn. Light surface creases.
Toned. Otherwise, fine condition.
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