ROBERT "BOB" DOWNING - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 09/24/1970 - HFSID 314835

ROBERT "BOB" DOWNING
Writing to Theatre World editor John Willis as the new theatre critic of the Denver Post
Typed Letter signed: "Bob", 1 page, 8½x7. Denver, Colorado, 1970 September 24. To "Dear John" [Willis], in full: "That review of your SCREEN WORLD in Literati in VARIETY is mine, in spite of the fact that there's no by-line. Did I tell you that since August 1 I have been here at the POST as drama editor, critic and theatre columnist? Please send the new THEATRE WORLD and other books, communications, etc. to me here. I hope to be in NYC in Nov. to cover the opening of THE SLEUTH at the Music Box, since my employer, Helen Bonfils, is co-producer of same. All good wishes". 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. As noted here, Downing became theatre critic at the Denver Post.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. Creased and toned. Corners lightly creased. Otherwise, fine condition.