ROBERT "BOB" DOWNING - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 12/17/1969 - HFSID 316156

ROBERT "BOB" DOWNING
A letter to John Willis, Editor of Theatre World, sending along an unknown item and speaking of his recent trip to London
Typed letter signed: "Bob", in blue ink, 1 page, 8½x11. December 17, 1969. Denver, Colorado. In full: "Dear John, Thought you might like the enclosed [items not enclosed]. When does DANCE WORLD come out? Just back from 2 weeks in London. Not very exciting for the Royal Shakespeare Co. and some of the Dutch Ballet. Nureyev was getting panned in all the papers for over-acting his performances, sloppiness, etc. Mmm? Happy holidays". 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. Surface creases. Fold on left margin. Corners slightly worn and creased. Otherwise, fine condition.