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The. Theater

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Identifier: The
This topic covers actors, playwrights, directors, producers, agents, theater companies, theater buildings, theater critics, and financial supporters of theater. Also includes manuscript collections related to circuses and amusement parks.

Found in 43 Collections and/or Records:

Alice Gerstenberg Papers

 Collection
Identifier: Midwest-MS-Gerstenberg
Abstract

Correspondence, works and miscellaneous material reflecting Gerstenberg's activities in Chicago's social and cultural life in the first half of the 20th century, in particular her involvement with local theater.

Dates: 1903-1971

Ashton Stevens Papers

 Collection
Identifier: Midwest-MS-Stevens
Abstract

The papers of San Francisco and Chicago journalist and drama critic Ashton Stevens contain correspondence with family, friends, and colleagues from the entertainment world; works including newspaper clippings, playscripts, articles, and interviews; personal materials including biographical information, memorabilia, and materials pertaining to the banjo; photographs of actors, actresses, family, friends and colleagues; artworks and audio recordings; and a small number of artifacts.

Dates: approximately 1850-1952; Majority of material found within 1920 - 1940

Auditorium Theater programs

 Collection
Identifier: Midwest-MS-Auditorium
Abstract

Programs and other materials for events taking place in the early years at Chicago's Auditorium Theater. Envisioned as a world-class theater and opera house by Chicago impresario Ferdinand Peck, the Adler and Sullivan-designed Auditorium opened in 1889 on the corner of Congress and Michigan Avenue.

Dates: 1888-1938

Auditorium Theatre Council records

 Collection
Identifier: Midwest-MS-Auditorium-Council
Abstract

Clippings, notes, memos, and press releases regarding the Auditorium Theatre. Collection includes details of the theater's condition at the end of the 1950s and the renovation to restore it to its former condition. Most materials seem to be used to generate attention and funds for the renovation project that took place throughout the 1960s.

Dates: 1955-1970

Ben Hecht filmscript collection

 Collection
Identifier: Midwest-MS-Hecht2
Abstract

Collection of cinema scripts and associated material, both credited and uncredited to Ben Hecht. The range of material includes not only scripts (including draft, first, and final), but also such items as footage schedules, dialogue continuity, budget estimates, publicity memorabilia, trailer information, research, story treatments, and synopses.

Dates: 1933-1968

Ben Hecht papers

 Collection
Identifier: Midwest-MS-Hecht
Abstract

Works, correspondence, and papers of novelist, playwright, and screenwriter Ben Hecht, and also papers of his wife Rose Caylor Hecht (novelist) and daughter Jenny Hecht (actress).

Dates: 1879-1983

Benny Meroff papers

 Collection
Identifier: Midwest-MS-Meroff
Abstract

A USO scrapbook, with narrative and photographs, by entertainer and orchestra leader Benny Meroff, detailing his travels with the USO to Italy, Morocco, India, and elsewhere. Also includes some loose snapshots and photographs, copyright and royalty information about Meroff's songs, and a promotional flyer for an act performed by Meroff and his wife Kathleen (Kitty) McLaughlin.

Dates: 1927-2002

Bessie Barnes papers

 Collection
Identifier: Dance-MS-Barnes
Abstract

Photographs, newspaper reviews and miscellaneous personal items relating to Bessie Barnes, producer of nightclub theatrical reviews in Chicago and Milwaukee in the 1920s and 1930s.

Dates: 1896-1992

Bob Sickinger Papers

 Collection
Identifier: Midwest-MS-Sickinger
Abstract Press reviews and photographs of Hull House Theater productions directed by Bob Sickinger, 1963-1969, together with copies of Sickinger's 1963 essay on the state of theater in Chicago and his press release regarding his involuntary departure from Hull House in 1969. Also a few programs, press releases, advertisements, a fan letter, and a thesis on Hull House children's theater programs. As director of Hull House Theater between 1963 and 1969, Sickinger was instrumental in founding Chicago’s...
Dates: 1934-1985; Majority of material found within 1963 - 1969

Claudia Cassidy papers

 Collection
Identifier: Midwest-MS-Cassidy
Abstract

Articles and reviews, correspondence, broadcast scripts, photographs, and clippings of the Chicago Tribune performing arts critic from 1942 to 1965. Cassidy wrote her influential "On the Aisle" column for the Tribune, then wrote freelance criticism and hosted a weekly program of arts criticism for WFMT, helping to shape the course of music, theater, and dance in Chicago.

Dates: 1880s-1996; Majority of material found within 1930-1985

Cloyd Head papers

 Collection
Identifier: Midwest-MS-Head
Abstract

Writings and correspondence, souvenirs and miscellany of Cloyd Head, Chicago playwright, theatrical director, business manager of the Goodman Theatre and husband of the poet Eunice Tietjens.

Dates: 1881-1968

Eddie Deerfield scrapbooks

 Collection
Identifier: Midwest-MS-Deerfield
Abstract

Newspaper clipping scrapbooks of Chicago Times entertainment reporter Eddie Deerfield, containing copies of his bylined column "Night Life Notebook" from April 28, 1946 to August 3, 1947. Also several 1945 and 1946 articles by Deerfield and night club advertisements quoting his reviews.

Dates: 1945-1947

Effie Mihopoulos papers

 Collection
Identifier: Dance-MS-Mihopoulos
Abstract Chicago-based poet, critic, and cultural commentator. Along with publishing her own literary journal, Salome, Mihopoulos has conducted oral histories with prominent dancers and performers. Her papers consist of her own writings in addition to musical, theatrical, and dance programs, publicity, and photographs. Includes two early photos of Effie Mihopoulos' family, including one of her and her mother, taken approximately in the late 1950s. Also included is a press packet containing her...
Dates: approximately 1975-2010

Ellen Goldsmith papers

 Collection
Identifier: Midwest-MS-Goldsmith
Abstract Large collection of photographs relating to the ballet, opera and cinema, dating from the 1940s through the early 1970s, amassed by Ellen (Teddy) Goldsmith, backstage worker at the Civic Opera House, home of the Lyric Opera of Chicago. Many of the photographs are professional portraits of opera stars and ballet dancers – many autographed – and hundreds of personal and backstage snapshots. Also, a group of photos of movie stills, popular celebrities and performers, plus a small amount of...
Dates: 1933-2007

Encore Theatre Posters

 Collection
Identifier: Midwest-MS-Encore
Abstract

Posters from Encore Theatre, an Old Town non-professional theater that produced musical theater productions year-round during the 1960s while training aspiring actors, crew members, and directors.

Dates: approximately 1960-1970

Goodman family papers

 Collection
Identifier: Midwest-MS-Goodman Family
Abstract

Papers, letters, photograph albums, cards, genealogical materials, diaries, and travel memorabilia from the family of Marjorie Sawyer Goodman Graff, daughter of playwright Kenneth Sawyer Goodman, and her mother, Marjorie Robbins Hopkins.

Dates: 1795-2003; Majority of material found within 1880-1995

Hope Abelson papers

 Collection
Identifier: Midwest-MS-Abelson
Abstract

Materials related to the theater career, business, and personal life of Chicago theater producer and philanthropist Hope Abelson, including scripts, theater mementos, correspondence, financial documents, photographs, audio recordings, and video recordings.

Dates: 1914-2008; Majority of material found within 1949-2006

James O'Donnell Bennett papers

 Collection
Identifier: Midwest-MS-Bennett
Abstract

Letters written to James O'Donnell Bennett while he was a journalist for the Chicago Record-Herald and the Chicago Tribune, primarily in his capacity as literary critic. Also includes inscribed photographs and other materials.

Dates: 1814-1936 ; Majority of material found within 1900-1936

John Patrick McGrath family papers

 Collection
Identifier: Midwest-MS-McGrath Family
Abstract

The John Patrick McGrath Family Papers contain materials created by John Patrick McGrath and his wife Adrienne McGrath. The papers include John Patrick McGrath's correspondence during his service in World War II, his manuscripts, Adrienne McGrath's photographic materials, and scrapbooks.

Dates: 1944-1993

Julia W. Doane Memorabilia

 Collection
Identifier: Midwest-MS-Doane
Abstract

An autograph album from 1876 and a scrapbook from 1911 compiled by Julia Doane, a Chicagoan with connections to the theatrical and musical communities. Both items feature actors and other theatrical figures of the late 19th century.

Dates: 1876-1911

Kay Ashton-Stevens papers

 Collection
Identifier: Midwest-MS-StevensK
Abstract

Correspondence, personal and career related materials, photographs, and audiovisual materials of Chicago actress, television and radio personality, and wife of critic Ashton Stevens, Kay Ashton-Stevens.

Dates: 1905-1978

Kenneth Sawyer Goodman papers

 Collection
Identifier: Midwest-MS-Goodman
Abstract

Works and personal materials of Chicago playwright Kenneth Sawyer Goodman, including manuscript, typescript, and published plays, poems, and short stories, correspondence, drawings, diaries, and programs from theatrical productions, photographs, and mementoes, including wood printing blocks, military items, and scrapbooks.

Dates: 1883-1971; Majority of material found within 1900-1917

Leroy Truman Goble papers

 Collection
Identifier: Midwest-MS-Goble
Abstract

Papers of Leroy Truman Goble, including a few of his Chicago Literary Club writings, information about his bookplate collection, Chicago theatrical playbills and photographs, a letter from Frederick W. Gookin, late 1920s family travel photographs, and other materials.

Dates: 1791-1937; Majority of material found within 1911 - 1937

Lillian Lipson ephemera collection

 Collection
Identifier: Midwest-MS-Lipson
Abstract

Around 150 pieces of ephemera, primarily performing arts, collected by Lillian Lipson. Collection includes programs, playbills, flyers, advertisements, tickets, menus, postcards, and brochures from dance, theater, and music performances in Chicago along with materials from local businesses and attractions.

Dates: 1933-1981

Louise St. John Westervelt Collection of Theatrical and Musical Photographs

 Collection
Identifier: Midwest-MS-Westervelt
Abstract

Photographs, mainly cabinet photographs, of nineteenth-century musical and theatrical persons.

Dates: 1869-1930; Majority of material found within 1869 - 1891