ROBERT "BOB" DOWNING - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 01/07/1969 - HFSID 318557

ROBERT "BOB" DOWNING
The actor writes a letter to Editor John Willis, requesting additional copies of Theatre World
Typed Letter Signed: "Bob", 1 page, 8½x11. Urbana, Illinois, 7 January 1969. Typed on the official letterhead for University of Illinois Krannert Center for the Performing Arts. To "Dear John," In full: "Thanks for your note. I fear that the books, like so much of my mail in this upheaval, have gone astray. Can you possibly send duplicates to my home address: [address listed]. I'll be most grateful. I didn't get to see Barnes' article, but I'm delighted he did well by you. You deserve it! Things progress slowly here because of the usual construction delays, but we still hope to get one with a Festival in all 3 theatres in April. Please keep in touch. Using the home address is quicker. Mail to the office filters through 400 channels of the U.S.P.O. and the University P.O and special handling by Mayor Daley! Happy New Year!" 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. 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. Normal mailing folds. Lightly toned. Otherwise, fine condition.