1978 Scrapbook

• • . • . ~ • . J . . . . • • • . • . . • hralRl trJtt'I ttQnCt:S Decatur, Illinois Complimentary

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I 4P-ril 8 ih.rougli ---April 14 Decatur, Illinois. Sunday, March 5, 1978 Wayne Allen's alley, SUBLIME AND RIDICULOUS: Sullivan's Little Theatre has h>oked Kitty Carlisle of TV;s "To Tell the Truth'' and Ron Patillo of ·~Welcome Back, Kotter'' to hcadJine two of its summer stage attractions. Palitlo (alias Horshack) is scheduled to play one of Nl?il Simon's wacky heroes in "The Star Sl)angled Girl, '\beginning May 22nc£tliss Carlisle v.ill open on July 4th in a ~tO"be--aftnounced. ~ ., .. '~ 'Iffy' time of year -~ at Little Theatre Kitty Carlisle . By BilJ Ward It's the "iffy" time of year for pro- ducer Guy S. Little Jr. ''There are a lot of ifs, ands and buts," Little said of his efforts to hammer out a 22nd season for his Little Theatre-On the Square in Sullivan. "It's like a puzzle. If I hadn't done it for 21 years, rd slit my throat." Sporting a beard acquired in jaunts between Sullivan, New York and Hollywood. Little tossed off long lists of plays and stars under consideration as he made the rounds last week to publicize the upcoming year. Among the names that may or may not grace the Little Theatre marquee are Kathryn Crosby, Michael Learned of "The Waltons," Peggy Cass, Fannie Flagg, Martha Raye, Vicki Lawrence, Sandra Dee, the boys from "Happy Days," Gary Frank or James Broderick of "Family," and Dick Van Patten, who appeared in supporting roles in Sullivan long before becoming the star of "Eight Is Enough." The first two productions of the season are fairly certain - Lana Turner for two weeks beginning May 2 in "Bell, Book and Candle," followed by Peter and Amko Palmer in the musical "I Do, I Do.'' Also hkely is a new production of •·~an of La Mancha," starring either Ed Ames - with whom Little said he has been negotiating "off and on for several years" - or John Saxon, star of last season ·s record-breaking musical "Shenandoah " Later will come a new musical - either "Pippin" or 'Chicago" - if they are released, or else a revival of "Cabaret.'' By fall, Little hopes to secure the rights to "Grease." And in between will be "about three'' plays. The list of possibilities is Jong. ''I m saying 25 shows - we'll get down to seven," Little said. He explained that each winter aftPr the previous season ends, he makes up - -- a mimeographed list of dates and plays. "It changes daily," he said. This time of year, he said, there's "The usual craziness" in Hollywood - some actors not knowing if their shows have been cancelled, others not knowing if their pilots have been sold, and no one willing to make firm commitments. There are phone calls to New York to agents who then must call their clients in Hollywood, and "lots of waiting." Timing of shows often has to be jug- gled. "I Do, I Do" had been set for a month's run beginning in mid-April, but Lana Turner was only available in the first two weeks of May, so the Palmers' show was pushed back. Little was pleased to sign Miss Turner, who he noted was about the only glamorous star of Hollywood's heyday who hadn't appeared on the Sullivan stage. "We need one name like that a season," he said. The musicals this season will run three to five weeks depending on the stars, while the plays will run two to three weeks. This is a sharp contrast to the Little Theatre's first seasons, when a different musical opened every week. ·'I can't afford to run a musical less than three weeks," Little noted, saying that the costs are prohibitive. At the same time, he can't book a show for four or five weeks unless the star is guaranteed to sell tickets. Otherwise he'd be courting financial ruin. Higher costs also mean a rise in individual ticket prices. But Little said season tickets, discount cards and group rates are not going up Little also regretted that he can't af• ford to do more variety and be experi- mental. "I wish we had more of an audience for shows like 'Equus, "' he said of last season's artistic triumph and box office flop, "but we don't." But still. he said, "l love doing it. Even though we can't do everything, I Lana Turner Peter Palmer know there's more quality in our pro ductions than in most dinner theatres." Little is continuing to forge a season, and it might even include one proposal he's been offered, a mini-ice show. "If I can make a buck with an ice show so I can afford to do an 'Equus' and lose a buck, I'll do an ice show." he said. ' 'You've got lo be flexible." Ron Palil lo -..u tl ;. Ill '1

PAN A N JEW§ 1:1 PA\LLA.]D)]l1[JM Containing Mor<'" News About the Pana Trade Area Than All the Other Newspapers in the World Monday and lhursday PANA. ILLINOIS 62557- MONDAY, MARCIi 27, 1978 -~-!!"!"'l"-------------- ~iti°l~'fAt!iW ft1 W..f I. ~~ =>aimers, John Saxof) d Producer Guy S. Little, . , announced that the ur weeks of the musical, / o! I Do! starring Aniko ld Peter Palmer April 25 rough May 21, will be llowed by a play (to be mounced) May 23 rough June 4, which in rn will be followed by the llsical, Man OJ La Mana June 6 through June 25, trring John Saxon, who :lde his Sullivan debut as tr of last season's hit, 'enandoah. Well known in movies, tv d more recently stage, xon is best remembered r his tv role as Dr. Ted uart, the masterful rgeon in 'The Bold Ones.' ice then, qe has starred in movies-of-the-week. The musical, I Do! I Do! l1 open the 22nd Season Sullivan's Little Theatrel The Square will be a :-season special. Curtain times v the same as Tuesday through 8:00, Saturday at 9:00 and Sunda) and 7:00. Kitty Carlis! known televisi, sonality and actre1 making her first a1 at The Little Tl The Square July , July 16. She ap "To Tell Th~ T• NBC as a panelist for many years. I Ms. Carlisle _ tly making a dech the play she will :j Sullivan. e e C I Si C' s, e h a V C a C C 1 :D~/ '~ Theater Sullivan's Little Theater on the Square-" I Do I Do" starring Aniko and Peter Palmer - Pr~view production Wed. and Thurs. Apr. 26-27 with reduced ticket prices. Season opens Apr. 28. curtains same as last year: Fri. (8); Sat. (4 and 9); S~n. (2:30 and 7). Special student rates available. (217)728- 7375. Wesley United Meth~st Church, E~~tern Illinois University-Umted Campus Mirustry Center presents "Godspell." Apr. 27, 28 ~d 29 ( 8); 2206 s. 4th St., Charleston. Pubhc $3 oo under 21 $2.00. (217)348-8191. Station Theater-Champaign-Urbana Theater presents "Mother Adam" by Charles Dyer, directed by Aubrey Berg. Apr. 27 (8); Apr. 2.8-29 (7 and 9:30). Students $2.oo, public $2.50. 223 N. Broadway, U. 384- ~ory Free Theater- "~e Real Inspector Hound" directed by Chns Stoyke (Theater 108 project} Apr. 28 and 29 (8 and 11).

l\'HU-. 'I,{, 10 ers at City ri I 1 309 S. Poplar in Pana in August of 1977. The e,1:\-vuu BIG D offers a lower-priced alt, to more fami liar brands - LO'v\ NO FRILLS GENERIC LABEL PRC We've peeled away the fancy I the extensive advertising and Here are just a few of the mor Big D ... wholesome foods and p ~es 49 / / s MOM-FOODS • I O ... t Delergenf , ltJ : ' .I.. • • .... iJJ,!ndry Delergenf 98 Fabric Soltner 1 1' Paper Napltin1 · 19' ~ndwich Bagi . 51' ,,per ToU1el1 ( ell 19' . . . GROCERY ·. T,malo So11J1 161 . . r,,11, Sou, . ,,,

De<-atur. Illinois. Sunday. April 2.l. 1978 Peter and Aniko Palmer in their Little Theatre roles. Shelbyville Doily Union - Tuesday, April 25, 1978 7. Producer:_Guy_S. Little Jr. announced that the 22nd season of the Litfi Theater on '"'- Square w Sullivan will open J<'rida, with Aniko and Peter Palmer, long favorites with Sullivan audiences.""°They are starring in the musical comedy "I Do1 I Do." The production will preview tonight through Thursday at reduced ticket prices. I will attend the press conference Friday night and visit with the cast. I'll tell you more later. ' uJ~r i.Cittlr wl1ratrr lOn i!hr ~ Uil.R' * ~!Iman. Jlll. 22nd Season • Opening A(lril 25th Four weeka through May 2l•t

THE ATWOOD HERALD, Atwood, Illinois, April Z7, 1978; Page 7 1 1 Do, I Do' Opening at Sullivan The 22nd sea.son at The UWe Theatre-On The Square will open with a nonsubscription musical, "I Do! I Do!" Friday, April 28, starring Sullivan favorites, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Palmer. The delightful muaical will preview at reduced rates i\pril 25, ?Ji and Z7 and be .resented four weeks through CJay 21. The musical about 50 /ears of a marriage, begin- ~ Ding Just before the turn of the century, opened on Broadway in 1966 at the 46th Street Theatre starring Mary Martin and Robert Preston which ran for two seasons. The outstanding musical score includes such hit songs as "My Cup Rwmeth Over," "I Love My Wife," "Nobody's Perfect," "Flaming Agnes," "Where Are The Snows?" and "What Is A Woman." Peter and Aniko Palmer, Sullivan's most popular singing couple have been appearing together at The Little Theatre-On The Square since 1968 when they starred together in ''The Student Prince." The former University of Illinois football star, who obtained Broadway and Hollywood stardom as " Lil' Abner," Palmer recently co-starred with Carol Channing in "Lorelei" for two years on Broadway and on the road. Since last appearing in Sullivan two years ago in the record-breaking production of "The Sound of Music," the Palmers have been busy on stage, as well as on television and films. Aniko Palmer starred in "I Do! I Do!" and "The Sound of Music" in San Diego, and in the title role in "Annie Get Your Gun" in San Francisco. Last spring she returned to the Showboat Dinner Theatre in Tampa, Fla., where she and her husband had starred a few months earlier in "Oklahoma! " She starred in "The Sound of Music" for seven months, when the production was forced to close because Mrs. Palmer 'fell off the mountain' on stage and broke her ankle. Peter Palmer has been busy this season appearing on television on "Charlie's Angels," "Three's Company" and "Kallikats" and a leading role in the movie, "The Hostage Heart." His latest movie, "Windows, Doors and Keyholes" will be seen on NBC-TV May 16. Following their four weeks of "I Doi" in Sullivan, the Palmers will open immediately in the same musical at the new Fiesta Dinner Theatre in San Diego for an extended engagement. Based on "The Fourpo.1ter" by Jan de Hartog, "I Do I I Do!" is the story of Michael and Agnes - a chronicle of life - birth of their children, quarrels, money problems, love, all told in a warm sentimental style, sometimes with tongue in cheek sometimes brazzy and bold, alternately soft and touching. "I Do! I Do!" is always entertaining. the cheerful, tuneful score by Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt runs through the story mirroring and dramatizing the moods and events of Michael and Agnes. "I Do! I Do!" is that rarity, a perfect musical play for two performers. The Sullivan production will be directed by New York director, John Bow.ab, costwnes by Mathew John Hoffman III, scenery by Robert D. Soule, with musical direction by Steven J. Altes. Both Soule and Hoffman have designed many previous productions at The Little Theiatre-On The Square; Soule has been resident scenic designer since 1968. John Bowab, one of New York and Hollywood's outstanding directors, is new to Sullivan. but not new to "I Do! I Do!", having already directed sox productions including a current one on the West Coast with Carol Lawrence and Ross Martin. He has directed 30 productions of "Mame" including tours with Angela Lansbury, Ann Miller and Janis Paige. He has directed Lana Turner, Gene Barry, Carol Channing, George Burns, Dean Jones, Jane Morgan, Louis Jourdan, Martha Raye, Edie Adams, Richard Kiley and Madeline Kahn, and bas produced productions with Shirley Booth, Susan Hayward, Ginger Rogers, Shirley Jones and David Cassidy. Stephen Baltes, who makes his debut as musical director, has been associated with Milwaukee Melody Top for the past four seaaons and is currently living on the West Coast and doing a new club act for Lucie Amaz. Sullivan's new stage manager is Maureen F. Gibson and the new technical director is David Rotondo. The resident lighting designer is Fred L. Sager, who served in the same position last season. The tentative schedule for the theatre, following "I Do!" includes a play, May 23-June 4, to be followed by John Saxon in "Man of LaMancha," one of Broadway's greatest musicals, June 6 - July 2. Kitty Carlisle will appear in a comedy to be &Mounced July 4-16, with George Cbakaris starring as Count Dracula in "Dracula" July 18-30. "Cabaret," the great Broadway musical which made a superstar of Liza Minelli in the film verston, will return to Sullivan Aug. 1-27, with stars and supporting cast to be announced in the near future. Season tickets will be available through May 30, and discount cards are available all season. Senior citizen, group rates, and student rates are available upon request at substantial savings. For reservations and further information, please call 217-728-7375 or write The Little Theatre-On The Square, Box 155, Sullivan, m. 61951. Thursday, April 27, 1978 THE FARINA NEW GALA OPENING AT LITTLE THEATRE Aniko and Peter Palmer The 22nd Season at The Little TheatreOn The Square will open with a nonsubscription musical, "I Do! I Do!", Frida¥, April 28th, starring Sullivan favorites, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Palmer. The delightful musical previewed at reduced rates April 25, 26 and 27 and will be presented four weeks through May 21st. The musical about fifty years of a marriage, beginning just before the .turn of the century, opened on Broadway in_ 1966 at the 46th Street Theatre starring Mary Martin and Robert Preston, which ran for two seasons. The outstanding musical score includes such hit songs as "My Cup Runneth Over", "I Love MX Wife", "Nobody's Perfect" uFlaming Agnes, "Where Are The , ? " Snows?" and "What Is A Woman . Peter and Aniko Palmer, Sullivan's most popular singing couple~ have been appearing together at The Little TheatreOn The Square since 1968 when they starred together in "The Student Prince". Since last appearing in Sullivan two years ago in the record-breaking pro- duction of "The Sound of Music", the Palmers have been busy on stage as well as on television and films. Peter's latest movie, "Windows, Doors and Key- holes", will be seen on NBC-TV May 16th. Following their four weeks of "I Do! I Do!" in Sullivan, the Palmers will open immediatelr in the same musical at the new Fiesta Dinner Theatre in San Diego for an extended enga~ement. Based on The Fou~oster" by Jan de Hartog, "I Do! I Do." is the story of Michael and Agnes - a chronicle of life - birth of their children, guarrels, money problems, love, all told in a warm sentimental style, sometimes with tongue in cheek, sometimes brazzy and bold, alternately soft and touching. "I Do! I Do!" is always entertaining. The cheerful, tuneful score by Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt runs through the story mirroring and dramatizing the moods and events of Michael and Agnes. "I Do! I Do!" is that rarity - a perfect musical play for two performers. The Sullivan production is being directed by New York director, John Bowab, costumes are by Mathew John Hoffman III, scenery is by Robert D. Soule, with musical direction by Steven J. Baltes. Stage manager is Maureen F. Gibson, technical director is David Rotondo, and lighting designer is Fred L. Sager . The tentative schedule for the theatre following "I Do! I Do!" includes a play, May 23 - June 4, to be followed by John Saxon in "Man of La Mancha" , one of Broadway's greatest musicals, June 6 - July 2. Kitty Carlisle will appear in a comedy to be announced July 4-16, with George Chakaris starring as Count Dracula in "Dracula" July 18-30. "Cabaret", the great Broadwa~ musical which made a superstar of Liza Minelli in the film version, will return to Sullivan August 1-27, with stars and support- ing cast to be announced in the near future. Season tickets will be available through May 30th, and discount cards are available all season. Senior citizen, groun :i::ates, and student rates are available~ upon request at substantial savings . For reservations and further information, please call 217/728-7375 or write

~elbyville Daily Union - Wednesday, ~y 3, 1978 AROUNDTHE 'MUM By OM!4- ~ARTSCHT ~ -::,,-a ~ and Aniko Palmer have returned to Sullivan's 1a,ittle Theater on the Square. Tfie musical "I Do, I Do" is perfect £or the.: Palmers, The charming couple work well together on stage and the comedy keeps the audience laughing as the Palmers act out a half of a century of married life. The period costumes by Mathew John Hoffman were beautiful and the music by Stephen J . Baltes of Los Angeles was great. At the press conference afterwards GuX §..__ Li~ r. said he was most happy that opening night went so smooth. Of course, the Palmers were a delightful couple to interview. The roomful of press people felt the same as I did that the musical should be recommended as an evening of entertainment. I will repeat what a friend said: "Do I recommend this warm, wonderful musical? I do, I do." Peter and Aniko Palmer s~ gt:~tipgs to their many Shelbyy:ille friends and they want to take time to come over for lunch while doing the musical until May 21. Peter sang at the Sbelbyville,Dam celebration. Peter and Aniko Pol mer in "I Do, I Do" Wed. Mar. 29, 1978 ~t. liouis ~lobr-!lrmorrat Peter Palmer in Sullivan opener Producer Guy S. Little Jr. announces that his 22nd season at The Little Theatre-On The Square, Sullivan, Ill., will open Friday, April 28 with Anika and Peter Palmer, long favorites with Sullivan audiences, starring in the delightful musical comedy, "I Do! I Do!" The production will preview Tuesday, April 25 through Thursday, April 27 at reduced ticket prices. After gaining Broadway and Hollywood stardom as "Li'l Abner", Palmer made his Sullivan Debut in "Oklahoma!'' in 1962 and has since been seen by central Illinois audiences in productions of "Carousel," "The Music Man," "The Pajama Game," "The Tender Trap" and "Promises, Promises." His wife, Aniko, joined him as co-star of "The Student Prince" in 1967 and has since appeared with her husband in "Brigadoon," "Li'l Abner," "The Sound Of Music" and "Oklahoma!" at The Little Theatre-On The Square. "I Do! I Do!" marks Palmer's 13th starring appearance m Sullivan. "I DO! I DO!" covers 50 years of a marriage beginning just before the turn of the century. It opened on Broadway in 1966 at the 46th Street Theatre starring Peter Palmer Mary Martin and Robert Preston. , ran for two seasons. Productions ac1 America have starred Carol Lawre and Gordon MacRae, Carol Burnett Rock Hudson, Mimi Hines and Phil F and John Raitt and Patrice Munsel. z.. ~ ~ Renrvations.-di•l 217 /728-7375 Season Tickets, Group Rates Student and Senior Citizen Rates Available Upon Request. Coming - JOHN SAXON in MAN OF LA MANCHA - CABARET and more! ;j JPftl I I'> i, , Oic1,./l~~ fkc .:icf

- - ~ Reserv ation...di•I 217 / 728-7375 Season Tickets, Group Rates Student and Senior Citizen Rates Available Upon Request. Coming - JOHN SAXON in MAN OF LA M -ANCHA - CABARET and more! JJf°Yl.// I 6 r ~ ()£< R1A< tifK..:.ie{ Decatur. Illinois, Sunday, April 30.1978 Peter and Aniko Palmer celebrate New Year's Eve in bed. wednesday april 12, 1978 the daily illini I' Theater Sullivan's Little Theater on the Square-" I Oo, I Do'' starring Aniko and Peter Palmer. Preview production Tues., Apr. 25 thru Thurs., Apr. 27 with reduced ticket prices. Season opens Apr. 28. Curtains same as last year: Fri. (8); Sat. (4and9); Sun. (2:30and 7). Special student rates ava ilable . (217)728- 7375. :z.. - ~ . Renrvations-dial 217 / 728-7375 Season Tickets, Group Rates Student and Senior Citizen Rates Available Upon Request. Coming - JOHN SAXON in MAN OF LA MANCHA - CABARET and more! ...

SULLIVAN - That beloved :old curtain goes up, and lhere n an almost bare stage stands 'eter and Aniko Palmer lressed in wedding attire, Gay O's wedding attire I should add. They stand there like a doll ouple atop a big wedding cake. Vhat happens then is anything ,ut doll-like, for those figures pring to life and we are treated o a wow of an evening of heatre. They sing, Oh! How they ~ng! They dance, even Big >ete steps out! And they act up 1 storm of Thespian arts. The Palmers are currently ;tarring in "I Do, I Do,·• at the Llttle Theatre on the Square in ;ullivan. At the press conference after the performance while we were waiting for the Palmers to satisfy the autographer Entertainment By Emery Lichtenwalter 'I Do, I Do' - delightful show seekers, it was generally agreed by all the p.-~ss folk~ present that this is far and away the best thing Peter has ever done in Sullivan. Happily for all of us, Guy S. Little, Jr. has come up with another hit, a sweet promissory note for the season ahead. Famed New York and Hollywood director John Bowab has mounted a show to please us all in all ways. The show is fast paced, easy watching and easy listening. Stephen J. Baltes of the famed Milwaukee "Melody Top" is the musical conductor for this show, and he is superb. We didn't know him when he entered that little orchestra pit to start the show - but we knew him when he came back to open Act II, and he got quite an ovation. Scenic designer Bob Soule has created a set around a hand- some four poster bed that is utile and uncluttered to allow free movement of the players. Twin dressers later in the show turn out to be dressing and make-up tables for the Palmers as they put on their aging makeup. And Aniko's dresses from the drawing board of John Hoffman 111 will fill the ladies with envy and the husbands with delight. Hoffman is working with a true beauty here, and with what he puts into his costumes and what Aniko puts into them - Grand Slam!. The Palrners have never sounded better. There are sweet songs and clever songs in this show, and the loving couple delivers them all with ear pleasing lulling sound. We clapped happily at Peter's snappy version of "I Love My Wife," with its snappy little dance. And two moments in this show tell us what musical comedy should be - a pitch perfect duet of "My Cup Runneth Over," and then later when Aniko solos to "What Is A Woman?" Well, there is not a dry eye in the house. and to see again and again. I had seen Aniko with her famous "Sound of Music" role in Tampa last July (booked for a month, they kept her seven), and I'm delighted to have her come up with two winners in a row. And Peter is up for something really big in the way of a TV series, and that couldn't happen lo a nicer fellow. I recommend this show without reservation. vpBn season Peter, Aniko PalmeF . 1 c·ome home again1 By Jane Krows The big man, Peter Palmer, said it again ~t a pres~ conference Friday night, "its just like coming home again." He has been saying this ever since his first appearance in Sullivan in 1962. Sullivan and The Little Theatre have been good to Peter Palmer. On the other hand Pa1r?er has brought excitement, good music, crowds and his lovely wife, Aniko to Sullivan and The Little Theatre. ' B.A. (before Aniko) Palmer appeared at The Little Theatre in "Oklahoma" in 1962 in "Tender Trap" in '63, in "Pajam~ Game" in '64, and "110 In The Shade" in '65. In 1966 when Palmer came to Sullivan to do "Carousel", a young lady came with him to see the performance. She had won the title of Miss Newfoundland in 1965 the I was the one who took the picture in question. Friday night Peter said that he had sent a~ enlargement of that picture to Percy with the following advice: "if you want to stay in the picture always stand by the pretty girl." Pahner _had 1!1ade five "solo" appearances m Sullivan before Aniko came into his life. Since that time he and Aniko have made four "duo" appearances at the theatre; "Student Prince" in 1968 "Music Man" in 1969, "Sound of Music" in'1975 and this year "I Do, I Do." "I Do, I Do" is a• story, set to music of a couple from their wedding day until old age. "It's like acting out your--.own life. The ups, the downs, the fights, the loving," Palmer said. Decatur, Illinois, Wednesday. April 5, 1978 You all surely know the plot of this masterfully crafted two character play. It's the story of a marriage from wedding night until the sad day the old couple prepare to leave their big home for the sanctuary of an apartment. En route we help the couple through the pangs of raising a family, a brief encounter of the weird sort - another woman - and coping with the husband's career success. title of Miss Canada in 1966 and had been a runnerup in the Miss World Pageant in England. Before coming to Sullivan this year Aniko had been appearing in Tampa, Fla. in "The Sound of Music". In spite of an accident on stage which resulted in a broken bone this engagement which was scheduled for a' four month run was extended to seven months. r And blessedly the show is a family show. If the budget will allow, treat the kids to this one. They'll be much entertained and love "live" theatre. There's nothing dirty or smutty here, just pure delight. We can claim the Palmers as our very own, and proudly too. They give us a show to cherish It was an exciting time that year and an important time in Peter Pahner's life. It was during the run of "Carousel" that Palmer decided to make an important announcement to the press and public. It was the same year Charles Percy was campaigning for Senator. Pahner had been making public appearances on a very warm day but rushed back to Sullivan to keep an appointment to meet Mr. Percy on the downtown square in front of the theatre. He and Aniko greeted Percy there. Peter received a campaign button from Percy and wished him well. With· spectators and press watching, Palmer turned and said, "I am announcing my engagement today to this girl beside me, Miss Aniko Farrell of Newfoundland." The three lined up for a picture, Peter in the middle, Aniko on his left and Percy on his right. Cameras clicked, pencils scribbled and the press incident was over. Last Friday night at the press conference following the opening of "I Do, I Do", Pahner laughed again at the journalism outcome of that announcement. The next day following the announcement, the Decatur paper used a front page story on the Peter-Aniko engagement, but they cut Charles Percy out of the picture and featured the sweethearts. I too was involved in this incident for I Meantime, Peter had been working in television and motion pictures in California where they make their home near Los Angeles. Aniko credits Producer Guy S. Little for giving her the first chance to prove she1 had theatrical talent and a voice. "Producers usually aren't interested in wives of their stars as singers,'' she said. Since making their first appearance together at The Little Theatre, the Palmers have found that quite often they are scheduled by other theatres to work together which is what they like. Following their run of "I Do, I Do" at The Little Theatre, the Palmers will be doing the same show together at the Fiesta Dinner Theatre in San Diego. "And if you miss it in Sullivan and in San Diego", Pahner said, "you can see it in Newfoundland, where we will be doing it in April of 1979." The Pahners will be playing out their "married life" story through May 21st at The Little Theatre on the Square. Peter says that he will be seen on an NBC television program the night of May 16, but that he will be playing an entirely different role than that of the husband in "I Do, I Do."

~ Re~rvation5-dial 217 / 728-7375 Season Tickets, Group ~~tes Student and Senior C1t1zen Rates Available Upon Request. Coming - JOHN SAXON in MAN OF LA MANCHA _ CABARET and mor_e_! __ _ SHELBY COUN-,Y HAPPENINGS Shelbyville D ily Union - Thursday, March 30, 1978 AROUNDTHE COMMUM By OMA BARTSCHT 7 Guy S. Little tells me opening night will be Friday, April 28, but the production " I Do, I Do" will preview Tuesday, April 25, through Thursday, April 'n, at reduced ticket prices. This will be the 22nd season for the Little Theater on the Square in Sullivan. Aniko and Peter Palmer will be starring in this first production. Guy is still contacting stars and it sounds like some of our favorites might return. Some of the ladies want to come to Shelbyville and see more of the older homes. They came for lunch for their other visits. \ \ ID!Jr tittle Wl7rntr I.On irhr @- ua.r, * &ulliuun. )11. Today at 2 30 and 7 00 •w through May 21 • 1 · GOOd S.ata AvallabJe Central llllnois critic rave··• " Little Theatre opens it:• 22~ season. It's an auspicious beginning. It's ,perfect for the Palmers .•. they add strong singIng voices. Charm Is evident everywhere .. • the warm, tlnkl music Includes the beuatlful 'M: Cup Runneth Over' ... Do I recom!'lend this warm, wonderful musical? I do! I do! ... BIii Ward Decatur Herald and Review ' SEASON TICKETS, GROUP RATES, STUDENT AND SENIOR cmZEN RATES available upon request. Coming - KATHRYN CROSBY IN "OH, COWARD!" JOHN SAXON IN "MAN OF LA ~ANCHA", KITTY CARLISLE IN BIOGRAPHY", GEORGE CHAKIRIS IS "COUNT DRACU- LA" and " CABARET" Reserv.tions-dial 217 / 728-737 \ ~catur, Illinois, Monday. April 3. 1978 ... .. 22nd 56aeon * Opening Arri.l 25th Pour weelta through May 2let .PETER and /lNIKO; "lP.ALtAE '4 <fl D01 _I DOlq. Re~37S I ..

Page 4 1 / Do! I Do!' is winner By Jane Korws ''1 Do! I Do!" which opened the preseason at The Little Theatre on the Square Friday night, is a winner all the way. The fine performances of the stars, Peter and Aniko Palmer, plus a top notch bedroom oriented setting by Bob Soule, and costumes for Aniko by Mathew Hoffman, added up to an evening of happy entertainment. This is a musical full of meaning for all ages. It is especially meaningful to married couples whether they are at the beginning of their married life, the middle years or the later ones. The show has many light and many hilarious moments. It also has its serious and its touching scenes. The fact that Peter and Aniko Palmer are married to each other adds to the reality of their performance. " I Do! I Do!" is a two person musical with book and lyrics by Tom Jones. It is adapted from the play, "The Fourposter." The bedroom is the center of all activity in the lives of Michael and Agnes. Although there are never more than two on stage, you feel involved with the children and the househood. The musical moves smoothly and brightly at all times with the voices of the stars bringing class to all the musical nwnbers. From beginning to end the story comes out in song. My favorite song in this ~ R~~,.:~on5--Clfaf 217 /728,-7375 J musical has alway been, "My Cup Runneth Over' ', and it was especially well done by the Palmers. Peter's "I Love My Wife" and Aniko's "Flaming Agnes" add lots of fun to the show as did his, "Father of the Bride" number sung on his daughter's wedding day. In this song you find all the pent up feelings that a father has when his daughter is being married. You will laugh at it but understand it. You will also understand the song, "When the Kids Get Married" sung by both of them. Fifty years of marriage are portrayed in the musical. At times, when Michael becomes impressed with his own success, the marriage totters, but there is always that "something" which holds it together. I feel that " I Do! I Do! " has a message for married and about to be married people. The message is, " just hang in there, love will overcome." All wives attending the show will see traits of their own husband in Michael and feel sympathy for Agnes. Husbands will see their wives faults in Agnus and sympathize with Michael. The truths in "I Do! I Do!" are so evident that it is easy to understand what is happening. You react with laughter and sometimes with tears as they face the problems of two people trying to keep their own identity in . a marriage of strong in-- dividuals. You will understand, as years pass by, their spending New Years Eve at home and almost sleeping through the The Moultrie County News Sullivan, Illinois celebration. These things have happened to most of us. The little pillow with "God is Love" embroidered on it, which they find on their bed on their wedding night, is only a stage prop you think, but it plays a symbolic role. It brings out the conflict between the two personalities right to the end of their 50 years together. Ladies, I am glad to report that Agnes gets her way in the end about it and that Michael gives in graciously. You can take anyone to see "I Do! I Do! " . There is not~ ng offensive in this show, only f1;1Il,. entertainment, music, dancing and smgmg- and all from Michael and Agnes's bedroom. I guarantee-you will love it.

Fl..ORA DAILY NEWS RECORD Fl.ORA. 1 l LI OIS fl FS .. APR. 18, 1978 Little Throter Sets ''Dracula" Sulli,an, 11 . George Chakiris, Academy Av.ard winner for his brilliant performance as Be mad mo in "West Side Story," wi 11 return to The Little Theatre0 n The Square to star 1n ''Dracula" July 18 through July 30th,GuyS. Little.Jr., producer, has announced. Mr. Chakiris will be making his third appearance in Sullhan. He starred in the 1973 season production of .. Camolet'' and returned in 1975 to star as Henry Higgins in the hit production, "My Fair Lady." "Dracula" is the current sensation of the New York season, pla)ing to standing room only, at the Martin Beck Theatre. The smash of the Broadway season, New York has two other productions, one at the OffBroadway Cherr) Lane Theatre under the title "The Passion Of Dracula,·• with "Count Dracula" at the Equity Library Theatre. In addition to the three New York • productions, NET presented Louis Jordan in the TV 1 Qresentation last month. Frank i....angella will leave the Broadway ~roduction in July to make the ,elm version in Hollywood. a~ditional film versions are neing proposed, including one by 0y:>rge Hamilton. There will be a ional tour in the Fall, opening JutVashington in September. 1r.Oracula" is based on Bram 1aser · s famous novel of the same :, and has been read by ees! r a I g e n e r a t i o n s o f :ee\overs. It has been described aretics as a play for people that ,ut,.teir coffee strong. It deals ote supernatural and there is rs. lcward explanation at its . to,ion. Other thrillers are · weo be bedtime stories vereed to this narrative. ;tee\ a" was presented in 1965 a \otlivan, starring John Vl'ork e, and was the hit of the season. Tickets for the pre-season production or "I Do! I Do!" starring popular Sullivan favorites, Peter and Aniko P~lmer, continue to sel I rapidly, with many large groups placing orders. Patrons are urged to place their orders early. The musical comedy which has been a hit wherever presented will be presented for four weeks opening Apr. 25 with previews thru the 27th. at reduced rates, and an official opening Apr. 28 thru May 30. Season tickets are available thru May 30 and Discout Cards, group rates, and senior citizen and student rates are available on request and represent a considerable savings to the theatre patron. The revival of "Man Of La Mancha" starring John Saxon will be presented June 6 thru July 2. KittyCarlislewill be making her first Sul Ii van appearance opening July4-16in a play, which may be "Biography" by S. M. Behrman. Ms. Carl isle will make a definite decision on the play in which she will star in the near future. "Qracula" will follow July 18-30 starring George Chakiris, and other productions will be announced in the near future. The first production of the seasonof the Children's Theatre wi 11 be '7om Sawyer" June 17, 24 and July I, followed by '7he WizardOfOz" July 8, 15, 22 and 29. The final production will be "Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs" Aug. S, 12, 19 and 26. Ticket orders for these productions may be placed anytime with the box office. For reservations and further information, please call 217-728- 7375orwriteThe Little TheatreOn The Square, Box 155, Sullivan. II. 61951. 'Dracula' stage star George Chakir ls, Oscar-winning musical actor w ·11 t urn dramatic as the star of " Dracula," to be stag~d fro~ July 18 through July 30 at the Little Theatr e in Sull1~an. Chakiris prev,ouslv has appeared at Sullivan 1n Productions of " Mv Fair Lady" and " Camelot." Chakiris won his Academy Award for h 's Performance in the film version of "West Si~ Story." e Su Wi wa C '1r u ;, 1 u K, l\_f 4;:;JC// I fy.). /17f 1 and rs. 1me Ca_-,~"'•.r ........ . 0 ~ealize it's no e · look HAPPENINGS SALUTES Opening of another season for The Little Theatre on the Square at Sullivan, Illinois. THE 27 thrc spcc12 April tting a nis wife - Javnr . The,, pre· . .., .. VTl t.n~ -'U~u ·- Yt1· d . • ~---- i un - r.a1se1 ($50 a person) for the Mans-1·00 R t - lion A · t· es ora- . Assoc1a ion .... The Ringo Star TV special airs prll 26 on NBC .... Guy Little be ·ns t 22d season of his Little The~er 01) the &uarehe -- 7 1/P a r ) in SuUivan. lll .• A ril 28 . . Palmer in '·I Do. f Do." z~~h Aniko and Peter to return there in "M f L John Saxon plans an° a Mancha '' . - The State Journal-Register, Springfield, Sanday, March 26, 1978 'Man of La Mancha' John Saxon will star in " Man of la Mancha," the musical stage plav scheduled to open June 6 at the Little Theatre in Sullivan for a three-week run. Saxon will be making his second appearance In Sullivan where he headlined last summer's pr oduction of "Shennandoah." "' ,I

Wayne Allen's alley SUBLIME AND RIDICULOUS: Sullivan's Little Theatre has oooked Kitty Carlisle of TV's "To Tell the Truth" and Ron Palillo of " Welcome Back, Kotter" to headline two or its sum• ~ stage attractions. Patillo (alias Horshack) is scheduled to pl_ay .~ o! ~eil Simon's wacky heroes in "The Star Spangled ~•rl, beginning May 72nd. Miss Carlisle will open on July 4th in a play to be announced. c:rJie SUIJe Jouth'l! • %gister Wayne Allen's alley Thanks to TV. Peter Palmer no longer is typecast as Li'I /W.: Amer. This season. for example, the onetime Illini football player and music major, has played a brain surgeon ( "Hostage Heart," a movie-for-TV): a murderer ( "Charlie's Angels''); aM a gentle giant ( "Three's Company"). In TV commercials, P'dlmer can be spotted as a millionaire ( automobiles) ; lum• berjack (soups>: or construction worker (beer). Next month (l\1ay 16 on NBC). Palmer REALLY switches his image. The 6' 4" , 225--pound actor-singer plays a transsexual in "Windows, Doors & Keyholes." a projected comedy series He's certain to give a BROAD dimension to the zany character called " Duke-Duchess," At Sullivan's Little Theatre where Palmer is rehearsing for Tue5day's opening musical. "1 Do! I Do!." lhe towering actor leaves the high-heels and frilly costumes to his co-star An1ko Farrell. It's type casting. She's also Mrs. Peter Palmer. Prior to their marriage 12 years ago, Miss Farrell was "MLs Canada" in the "Miss Universe" beauty pageant. Th<.1ugh no·strangcr to the Little Theatre where he is appear• mg for the 13th time, Palmer is new to "I Do! I Do!." which Aniko has pcrf ormed elsewhere with other leading men. Peter's TV comrmtmcnts allow him less " lwe" stage time. In the forthcoming " Windows, Doors & Keyholes," Palmer Turn to page 2 l' Peter and Anika Palmer April 8 through April 14 ... 1 i ! -.:,..-JQ --:: . ~ .. __ ~. ... .-•• w~= ... ,.~~ I Kitty Carlisle. Ron Palilla "

LITTLE THEATRE TO OPEN APRIL 28TH Producer Guys. Little, Jr., has announced that his 22nd Season at The Little Theatre-On The Square will open Friday, April < 28th, with Aniko and Peter Palmer, l ong favorites with Sullivan audienc es, starrin~ in the deli?.htful , musical comedy, 1 I Do! I Do!" The pr oduc- tion will preview on Tuesday, April 25th, through Thursday, April 27th, at re- duced ticket prices. Aniko & Peter Palmer After obtaining Broadway and Hollrwood stardom as "Li'l Abner", Peter made his Sullivan debut in "Oklahoma!" in 1962 and has since been seen by central Illinois audiences in productions of "Carrousel", "The Music Man", "The Pajama Game" , "The Tender Trap" and "Promises, Promises" . His wife, Aniko, j oined him as co-star of "The Student Prince" in 1967 and has since ap1;>eared with her husband in "Bri?,adoon", 11L1 1 l Abner", "The Sound of Music' and "Oklahoma!" at The Little Theatre-On The Square . Little Theatre opener set Real-life married singers Peter Palmer performed in a total of 12 orevlous mu- "I Do! I Do!" covers fifty years of a marriage beginning just before the turn and Aniko Farrell will co-star In "I Do. slcals. Curtain time at the Sullivan I Do!," the musical comedy dealing showcase Is 8 P.m. Tuesday through of the century. It opened on Broadway with 50 vears of marriage which will Friday; with Saturday performances at in 1966 at the 46th Street Theatre star- ring Mary Martin and Robert Preston and ran for two seasons. Productions across America have starred Carol Lawrence and Gordon MacRae, Carol Burnett and Rock Hud- son, Mimi Hines and Phil Ford, and John Raitt and Patrice Munsel . The show was presented with great success in Sullivan with Rosemary Prinz and David Canary six years ago. The outstanding score features 11My cup Runneth Over With Love" and "What open the 22nd season of the Little 4 and 9 P.m. and Sunday oerfor mances Is a Woman?" THE FARINA NEWS, FARINA, ILLINOIS llursday, March 30, 1971 Theatre in Sullivan on April 25th. Bari- at 2 :30 and 7 P.m. "I Do, t Oo!" will run tone Palmer and soprano Aniko will be for two weeks with subse<:1uent attracmaking their fifth Joint appearance at tions to be announced later. the Little Theatre where Palmer has Other productions t o be presented dur- ing the 22nd Season will be selected from "Man of La Mancha", • "Cabaret", "Chicago", "Pipoin" "Grease", "The Star sr,angled Girlt, "Same Time , Next Year", 'Californi a S~ite", "Barefoot In The Park", "The Pleasure of His Company", and "A Girl Could Get Lucky", depending upon release and availability of stars. . . Among the stars under consideration are Lana Turner, Nanet te Fabray, F9rrest Tucker, Ed Ames, Kathryn Crosby, Mich~el Learned of "The Waltons", Peggy Cass, Ki tty Carlisle, Fannie Flagg, Martha Raye, Vicki Lawrence, Sandra Dee, the boys from "Happy Days", _Gaf.Y F1;ank or James Broderick of "Family , Dick Van Patten of "Eight Is Enough", and John Saxon star of last season's recordbreaking musical, "Shenandoah". season Tickets and Dis count Punch cards are currently on sale and group reservations are be ing accepted. ~ bro- chure with the def inite s chedule will be mailed to the over 50 , 000 patrons on the theatre's mailing list in the near ~uture. Single reservations for the production will be accepted April 3rd, after the season ticket reservations and group reservations have been completed. Spe- cial student and seni or citizen rates are available upon r equest , and group rates are avai l abl e. upon r~quest for 30 or more at substantial s avi~gs . curtain time s wi l l r emai n the same as in 1977 : Tuesday thr ough Friday at 8:00, Saturday at 4: 00 and 9:00 an~ Sunday at 2:30 and 7 : 00 .. The b?x of~ice at 9 w. Harrison Street in Sulliva~ is open from 9:00 a . m. t o 5 : 00 p. m. until the theatre opens. . For reservations and further infor~ mation, please call 217/ 728- 7375 or write The Little Theatre-On The Square , Box 155, Sullivan , Il l inois 61951. --------------------• •1 DO. I DO!" . (Aug. IS-%0, Aug. 23-Z'i.> Bob McCalister is directing this two-character musical based on "The Four Poster" by Jan de Hartog. "I Do, I D>!" is the story of a marriage . • . between Michael and Agnes. It is a chronicle of life . . . their marriage. the binh of their children, quar• re.ls. money problems, love alXi tenderness. It is all told in a sentimental style, som~ times "ith tongue in cheek. ~times brassy and bold. sometimes soft and touching. The songs run from cheerful to th>ughtful and include " My 9,1P Runncth Over." .. Together Forever" and .. No• body's Perfect.·' " I Do, I Do!" is a marvelous opportunity for two people ••• because that's all there are in lhc cast. The couple ha\'e to sing. dance a little. and learn to play a soort tune on a violin and saxopoone. Olaracters have to age from about 20 years old to about 70. They m~t be able to portray young, naive newlyweds to mature soph1s• tic.ates. They ha\'e to run the gamut of emotions from tenderness to anger. Agnes is a soprano and Michael 1s a baritone.

Page 4 '/ Do! I Do!' is winner By Jane Korws " I Do! I Do!" which opened the preseason at The Little Theatre on the Square Friday night, is a winner all the way. The fine perf onnances of the stars, Peter and Aniko Pahner, plus a top notch bedroom oriented setting by Bob Soule, and costumes for Aniko by Mathew Hoffman, added up to an evening of happy entertainment. This is a musical full of meaning for all ages. It is especially meaningful to married couples whether they are at the beginning of their married life, the middle years or the later ones. The show has many light and many hilarious moments. It also has its serious and its touching scenes. The fact that Peter and Aniko Palmer are married to each other adds to the reality of their performance. " I Do! I Do! n is a two person musical with book and lyrics by Tom Jones. It is adapted from the play, "The Fourposter." The bedroom is the center of all activity in the lives of Michael and Agnes. Although there are never more than two on stage, you feel involved with the children and the househood. The musical moves smoothly and brightly at all times with the voices of the stars bringing class to all the musical numbers. From beginning to end the story comes out in song. My favorite song in this musical has alway been, "My Cup Runneth Over", and it was especially well done by the Palmers. Peter,s "I Love My Wife" and Aniko's "Flaming Agnes,, add lots of fun to the show as did his, "Father of the Bride,, number sung on his daughter,s wedding day. In this song you find all the pent up feelings that a father has when his daughter is being married. You will laugh at it but understand it. You will also understand the song, "When the Kids Get Married,, sung by both of them. Fifty years of marriage are portrayed in the musical. At times, when Michael becomes impressed with his own success, the marriage totters, but there is always that " something" which holds it together. I feel that " I Do! I Do! ,, has a message for married and about to be married people. The message is, " just hang in there, love will overcome.,, All wives attending the show will see traits of their own husband in Michael and feel sympathy for Agnes. Husbands will see their wives faults in Agnus and sympathize with Michael. The truths in ' 'I Do! I Do! , ' are so evident that it is easy to understand what is happening. You react with laughter and sometimes with tears as they face the problems of two people trying to keep their own identity in a marriage of strong in-. dividuals. You will understand, as years pass by, their spending New Years Eve at home and ahnost sleeping through the The Moultrie County News celebration. These things have happened to most of us. The little pillow with "God is Love" embroidered on it, which they find on their bed on their wedding night, is only a stage prop you think, but it plays a symbolic role. It brings out the conflict between the two personalities right to the end of their 50 Sullivan, Illinois years together. Ladies, I am glad to report that Agnes gets her way in the end about it and that Michael gives in graciously. You can take anyone to see "I Do! I Do!,,. There is not~ng offensive in this sbow, only f~,. entertainment, music, dancing and smgmg- and all from Michael and Agnes,s bedroom. I guarantee--you will love it.

Open season Peter, Aniko Palmer·· 'come home again' By Jane Krows The big man, Peter Palmer, said it again at a press conference Friday night, "its just like coming home again." He has been saying this ever since his first appearance in Sullivan in 1962. Sullivan and The Little Theatre have been good to Peter Palmer. On the.J>ther hand, Palmer has brought excitement, good music, crowds and his lovely wife, Aniko, to Sullivan and The Little Theatre. B.A. (before Aniko) Palmer appeared at The Little Theatre in "Oklahoma" in 1962, in " '.fender Trap" in '63, in " Pajama Game" in '64, and " 110 In The Shade" in '65. In 1966 when Palmer came to Sullivan to do "Carousel''. a young lady came with him to see the performance. She had woi;i the title of Miss Newfoundland in 1965, the title of Miss Canada in 1966 and had been a runnerup in the Miss World Pageant in England. It was an exciting time that year and an important time in Peter Palmer's life. It was during the run of "Carousel" that Palmer decided to make an important announcement to the press and public. It was the same year Charles Percy was campaigning for Senator. Palmer had been making public appearances on a very warm day but rushed back to Sullivan to keep an appointment to meet Mr. Percy on the downtown square in front of the theatre. He and Aniko greeted Percy there. Peter received a campaign button from Percy and wished him well. With spectators and press watching, Palmer turned and said, "I am announcing my engagement today to this girl beside me, Miss Aniko Farrell of Newfoundland." The three lined up for a picture, Peter in the middle, Aniko on his left and Percy on his right. Cameras clicked, pencils scribbled and the press incident was over. Last Friday night at the press conference following the opening of ''I Do, I Do", Palmer laughed again at the journalism outcome of that announcement. The next day following the announcement, the Decatur paper used a front page story on the Peter-Aniko engagement, but they cut Charles Percy out of the picture and featured the sweethearts. I too was involved in this incident for I I was the one who took the picture in question. Friday night Peter said that he had sent an enlargement of that picture to Percy with the following advice: "if you want to stay in the picture always stand by the pretty girl." Palmer had made five " solo" a~ pearances in Sullivan before Aniko came into his life. Since that time he and Aniko have made four " duo" appearances at the theatre; "Student Prince" in 1968, "Music Man" in 1969, "Sound of Music" in 1975 and this year "I Do, I Do." " I Do, I Do" is a-story, set to music, of a couple from their wedding day until old age. "It's like acting out your own life. The ups, the downs, the fights, the loving," Palmer said. Before corning to Sullivan this year Aniko had been appearing in Tampa, Fla. in "The Sound of Music". In spite of an accident on stage which resulted in a broken bone, this engagement which was scheduled for a four month run was extended to seven months. Meantime, Peter had been working in television and motion pictures in California 1 where they make their home near Los Angeles. Aniko credits Producer Guy S. Little, for giving her the first chance to prove she had theatrical talent and a voice. " Producers usually aren't interested in wives of their stars as singers," she said. Since making their first appearance together at The Little Theatre, the Palmers have found that quite often they are scheduled by other theatres to work together which is what they like. Following their run of "I Do, I Do" at The Little Theatre, the Palmers will be doing the same show together at the Fiesta Dinner Theatre in San Diego. ''And if you miss it in Sullivan and in San Diego", Palmer said, "you can see it in Newfoundland, where we will be doing it in April of 1979." The Palmers will be playing out their "maITied life" story through May 21st at The Little Theatre on the Square. Peter says that he will be seen on an NBC television program the night of May 16, but that he will be playing an entirely different role than that of the husband in "I Do, I Do." I , John Kelso, Stage Actor, DirectOr, Choreographer, Dies At Age 42 LEWISTOWN - John R. Kelso, 42, of 509 N. Maple St., who was was known in theaters throughout the United States as an actor, director and choreographer, died at 5 a.m. yesterday at SL Francis Hospital in Peoria. Services will be at 11 a.m. tomorrow at Henry Memorial Home here. The Rev. David Hurley will officiat.e. A euology will be given by Guy Little Jr., producer and managing director of The Little Theatre-On The Square in Sullivan, where Kelso had directed or performed in productions for 16seasons. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery here. There will be no visitation. Kelso gave his last stage performance in October 1977, when he directed and appeared with Rosemary Prinz in "Mary, Mary," at The Little Theatre in Sullivan. Re gained renown at The Little Theatre, the Mill Run and Pheasant Run theat.ers near Chicago, and a dinner theat.er in Washington, D.C., and had been affiliated with a theater in Ohio for a year. In recalling bis friendship and association with Kelso, Little said, "He appeared in more productions here than any other actor. "Besides Miss Prinz, other actors and actresses with whom be performed include Alan Alda, Joe E. Brown, Imogene Coca, Andy Devine, Fannie Flagg, Betty Grable, Harvey Korman and Pet.er Marshall. t.er," when it was presented appeared in "A Funny Thing here, perfonning tricks he had Happened on the Way to the learned as a child." Forum," at The Little Theatre Kelso was born in Peoria m 1965. Aug. 23, 1935, a son of Charles In his review, Jerry Klein, Jimmie and June McNally Journal Star music, theater Kel~. The family moved to and art critic, wrot.e, "There Lewistown when John was may have been some disapointr very young. ment over the fact that Eddie Surviving is his mother of Bracken canceled out bis LeWistown. scheduled. appearance in the His father preceded him in musical, but it was quickly death. washed away in a brilliant perHe graduated from Lewis- formance by John Kelso in the town Community High School leading role of Pseudolus, the and also from Illinois Wesleyan slave. Kelso walks on at the University in Bloomington, to prologue, turns himself on and which be had transferred aft.er the effect is dazzling. He is a attending Illinois State Univer- comic. He is also an extremely sity in Normal one year. gifted and versatile actor with According to Little, Kelso an intriguingly mobile race and was in summer stock at a tbea- a clear, ringing delivery that t.er in Montana in 1958, the year leaves no word unheard." after he graduated from Wes- The role or "Pseudolus" was leyan. His first season with The one of Kelso's favorites, Little Little Theatre-On the Square said, along with that of "Georwas in 1959. ge," in "Who's Afraid of VirHe was a member of the So- glnia Woolf," in which be ciety of Stage Directors and played opposite Mercedes McChoreographers, the Actors' Cambridge, who called him the Equity Association, the Ameri- best leading man she had ever can Film Institute and the Ac-- had. tors' Fund of America. I Kelso staged, directed and P4- VT." A - - "John had the love and respect of all the actors and ac- t tresses with whom he worked. I Not only were they fond of him, I but they respected him for his I talent. There never was any I criticism of him or his work. I "He also was an outstanding 1 magician and many times was '- consulted if the role of a magician was to be played ln a production. He even took the part of one himself with Imogene Coca in "Don't Drink the Wa1

FOR MOTHER'S OAY • THE PERFECT GIFT • SEASON TIC• KET, GIFT CERTIFICATE or tickets to see Mr. and Mrs. Peter Palmer In the wonderful musical "I 001 1 DOI" ' May 23 - June 4 KATHRYN CROSBY tti • .. al!.,..., e Impossible Dream" Musical i. JOHN «< SAXON ~ ~cf ~~ July 4-16 KITTY CARLISLE '" B1ogr2j11y" July 18 - 30 GEORGE . CHAKIRIS. eservations--dial 217 / 728-7375 s i V s W~r i£ittle WIJrutre (On ihr ~quun * &ulhua11, JII. !1111 ll!'fk1 l\11,,:lil Ill 800 htl¢ llJ) 21 • Qlld Se.14 A1~1labte PETER cu.id ANIKO To Peter Palmer, the relatior.ship between athletics and acting has clwa!'S been close. He combined the nvo professions as a member of Ray Eliot's Illini, singing the National Anthem before twncs nnd serving as the UI's No. 3 tac:<le (in a one-platoon system) in 1953 when J . C. Caroline ran for 1,2S6 yards on a Big Te'n cbchampionship team. Tonight in Sullivan, he'U make a dozen costume changes in the most physic"ally demanding and fast· paced show of his busy career, " I · Do, I Do." He and wife Aniko are the only actors to appear in the two-character play. Bu .. Pete, who's had two broken noses in the business and several losing encounters with horses in 1Vls "Custer," no longer holds the family record for toughness. Let him explain: "Aniko went to St. Petersburg last April to perform the lead role in •Sound of Music' for 11 weeks. It became so popular she wound up playing to a packed house for seven months on a series of three-week extensions. We still don't know where all the people kept coming from. ''But that's not the main part of the story,•· continued Palmer. ·• A month before it closed, she was singing 'Climb Every Mountain' at the end of the show and she cougl1t her foot in a rug and fell. They taped her ankle so she could do two TV intc.rviews afterwards, and she made it through the mntince per• fonnancc the next day before going - . .:s: ~tral IUinois critics rave . .. "~ Theatre opens lb 22nd seaso". It's an auspicious beginning. It's !)effect for the Palmers .. . they add strong singing ~ices. Charm is evident eve,ywhere . .. the warm link~ music include$ the beautiful 'My Cup Runneth ~ . . . Do I recommend tflis warm, wonderful mus,cal? I do! I do!" .. , Bill Ward Decatur Herald and Review , ~~ .-a.. . Peter Palmer, former tackle for the University of Illinois football team, and his wife Aniko star in the LUie Theatre On The Square production of " I Do! I Do!" through May 21 in Sullivan. * * SEASON TICKCTS, GROUP RATES, STUDENT and SENI_OR CITIZEN RA TES available upon request. Coming - KATHRYN CROSBY in "OH, COWARD!", JOHN SAXON in "MAN OF LA MANCHA" KITTY CARLISLE in "BIOGRAPHY", GEORGE CHAKIRIS is "COUNT DRACULA" and "CABARET" They Do! They Do!- Peter and A niko Palmer srar in ' l Doi I Do!' at Sullivan·., Liu lc T heatre On The Square through :'""ay 21 . T he mu_sical b~1scd on Jan De Hartog's popular !he Fourpos ter, chronicles fifty years of ma rriage in the lives of a turn -of-the century American couple. The tuneful sc?re was h_1ghli~hted by the hit 'My Cup Runnerh Over W ith Love. Performances Tuesday through Friday at 8 ~- n_1._ Sa turd~y at 4 a~d 9 ~-111. Sunday at 2:30 and 7 p.m. f o1 1eserva t1ons or ticket mformation, call 217/728-7375 Sullivi1n. · I hiihWi,i#thfJf4itUUI by Loren Tate to the doctor. Then she found she had a cracked bone and torn ligaments, and she wound up playing the final month with a cast up to her knee. "But that wasn't all," related Palmer "With a week to go, the scrim (theatre drop) was accidentally dropped on her head. It dazed her but she somehow finished the show. Then she fainted and was taken to the hospital where they found she had a concussion.'' Under telephone orders from her husband to stop and rest, Aniko demonstrated her "trouper" attitude by completing the final week, still hobbling in her leg cast. Even now. after racing through five weekend shows at Sullivan in 49 hours, her ankle swells from the strain. "It's hard for a viewer to imagine how dem#iJlding this show is,'' she says. "It is not easy to sing with all the movement involved. It's hard to breathe properly. And it is very difficult to pick up the piano under the stage when you're running around. It is hectic nnd, yet, it is our job to make it look e~sy and casual." Mrs. Palmer, who was Miss Canada and Miss Newfoundland ns Aniko Farrell, makes subtle changes in her style as she nttcs through the plny, from a wide-eyed, smiling bride to middle age and ultimately a stooped elderly lady. Pete makes similar style adjust- ments, a highlight of the piay coming at the point where both add about 20 y~ars via makeup in full view of the audience. Leaving Illinois later this month, the Palmers will continue the same play in San Diego. That brings Pete closer to Los Angeles where he is invol,·ed in commercials (Manhandl~r, Olympia Gold, Taco Bell) and TV work. Still looking for a perma~ nent series part he appeared in Charhe's Angels, Three's Company and did six segments of Kallikats last season. On next May 16 he'll appear on NBC-TV as, of all things, a 6-foot-4 trans-sexual in "Windows, Doors and Keyholes." · 'Once they found me some super-whopper pantyhose, 1t was an easy part,'' quipped Pete. But seeking to crack the highly competitive TV market hasn't been easy. rt means frequent tests, humiliating disappointments - "One day you're too tall, or rou're not tall enough, or your nose isn't right, or whatever.'' - and, mostly, just being available. Even now Pete is concerned about being so for from home while the scorch is on for the Buford Pusser part in a 13-part TV series of ''Walking Toll." Pete secs the role as ideal for him. "Cracking the TV market 1s im• portant," he paints out. "ft is the only woy you con attain 3 name hig enough to be able to make demands PETER AND AN KO PALMER and pick your parts. The first time I appeared on TV, I was seen by more people in a single night than had seen me in two yes rs of "Little Abner" on Broadway plus the mo,·ic. That's how powerful it. And it means a great deal in the field of commercials. .. They'll be seeking all the big names for pilots in June and July. l coll myself a September actor. When they hire all the big names, the}' start looking for others. I'm moving up. I used to be an October actor. Al least I've moved up to September.··

Kathryn Crosby, " Oh Coward," Next Musical Comedy, "I Do! I Do!" Starts 1978 Theater Season At Sullivan The non-subscription musical "I Do! I Do!"' opened Friday, April 28, starring fa\~or:ites. l\Ir. and Mrs. Peter Palmer, after previewing April 25, 26, and !?7th. Based on ' "The Fourposter" by Jan De Hartog, ·•r Do! I Do!" is the story of 50 years of marriage - the story of Michael and Agnes which chronicles the lif ebirth of their children. quanels, money problems, and lo~. all told in a warm sentimental style, sometimes mth tongue in cheek, sometimes brassy and bold, alternately soft and touching, but always entertaining. The cheerful, tuneful score which includes the recent popular hit, "My Cup Runneth Over With Love," runs through the story minoring and dramatizing the moods and events of :Michael and Agnes. The musical comedy is directed by John Bowab, v.'ith costumes by Mathew John Hoffman ID, scenery by Robert D. Soule. and musical direction by Steven J. Baltes. It will run through l\Iay 21, \\1th performances Tuesday through F1iday at 8 p.m .. Saturday at 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. ?urrent New York season and 1lay mg to standing room only al th( Martin Beck Theatre, New Yore ha two other productions of 'Dra·ula, one of the great standarl nYSte1 thrillers and considered he Jest its kind. "Cabaret," the great Bvadw musical which made a 1pestar Liza Minelli in the film ersan · return to Sullivan for n frst 't since 1970 August 1 ,\.ru 27. outstanding star anc sippo· cast will be announcec ~ the future. The first production ctbe dren' s Theatre will be om yer" June 17, 24 and Jt1, ~ ed by "The Wizard of ' io· 15, 22 and 29. The fin.ro ',. will be " Snow White ah.rt ,- ., Dwarfs" August 5, 12 • \ v., Ticket orders for thes.'l'-~~ 5{ may be placed anytp,i'i.t 18 box office. Season Tickets will a~~ through May 30. DiscoLcar< ~ be available throughoup.e 1 .. a 2nc Senior Citizen, group rts 7 dent rates, are availab \l quest at substantial sav,\~sj zna _ For reservations ant ft\ 8l formation, please call 'J,17fl 1( write The Little Theatre - 1 3rd Square, Box 155, Sulliva.ll, · 44 FOR MOTHER'S DAY • THE PERFECT GIFT• SEASON TICKET, GIFT CERTIFICATE or tickets to see Mr. and Mrs. Peter Palmer in the wonderful musical. "100! IDOi" 4-16 E in "Biography" July 18-30 EORG .. Happy days Peter Palmer and Aniko Farrell Palmer are t y pecast as the married couple in "I Do, I Do," the musical now at the Little Theatre in Sullivan. Covering SO vears in the life of its co-stars, the musical begins at the turn of the century a_nd moves forward through costumes and songs to its happy ending. The numerous songs· include " Mv Cup Runneth Over With Love." Bciritone- Palmer and his soprano wife continue in the play through May 21. Both performers are veterans of the concert stage, thE'ater, films and TV. Guy S. Little, Jr., this week said Kathryn Crosby will star in the musical comedy revue. ''Ob Coward!,, by Noel Coward May 23 tbru June 4. With his recent death, the script of "Oh Coward!'' becomes an especially poignant reminder of this most dazzling theatre talent. Here is the creme of Coward - his music and lyrics, sketches and play excerpts in a compilation of the charmed \\it that was Noel Coward. 1BE:A'l'WOOD~,At11oocl,fltDOiB,-,11.~ :Mrs. Bing Crosby will be making her first appearance at The Little Theatre-On The Square, and this production of "Oh Coward!" has been mounted especially for her. Recently she has been taming in ''Same Time, Next Year." John Saxon in "Man of La Mancha" will be presented June 6 thru July 2. One of Broadway's greatest musicals currently breaking all records on the road after the New York revival this season. And J ohn Saxon broke all records in Sullivan last season as the star of the hit "Shenandoah." Kitty Carlisle will be presented in a comedy to be announced . July 4 thru July 16. She is seen five nights a week on NBC television as the star of "To '.J:ell Tbe Truth," and will be making her first appeare_nce in Sullivan. George Chakiris will return to .tar in "Count Dracula" July 18 thru July 30. The sensation of the I Doi I Doi at Sullivan Area critics and audiences alike have been delighted with the wannt beautiful and loving musical, "I Do! I Do!" starring the talented Mr. and Mrs. Peter Pahner at 'lbe Little Theatre-On The Square in Sullivan through May 21. The performance schedule is at 8:00 weekdays, Saturday at 4:00 and 9:00 and Sunday at 2:30 and 7:00. Group, Senior Citizen and student rates are available and good seats may be obtained for all performances. "I Do! I Do!" covers fifty years of marriage from the turn of the century and features an outstanding score of songs including "My Cup Runnetb Over With Love", " What Is A Woman?", "Where Are The Snows?" and "I Love My Wife." Bill Ward of the Decatur Herald and Review stated ''The Llttle Theatre opens its 22nd season and it's an auspicious beginning. It's perfect for the Palmers ... they add strong singing voices. Charm is evident everywhere ... tbe warm, tinkly music ... - beautiful. Do I recommend this warm, wonderful musical? I do! I do." The 22nd season at The · LiWe Theatre-On The Square will continue with Kathryn Crosby (Mrs. ~ing Crosby) in the Noel Coward revue, "Oh Coward! ,. which will be directed by Bob Baker and feature New York actor Phillip Polito. John Saxon who broke box office records in last season's "Shenandoah" will return to Sullivan as the star of "Man of La Mancha" opening J1U1e 6 for four weeks through July 2. Kitty Carlisle, star of NBCtv's "To Tell The Truth" will make her Sullivan debut in S. N. Berhman's "Biography" · or a comedy to be anno1U1ced and George Chakiris, Academy Award winning actor, who has starred in Sullivan in productions of "Camelot" and "My Fair Lady" will return as "Count Dracula", the hit of the current New York season. "Cabaret", the Broadway musical which made a superstar of lJza Minelli in the film version, will return to Sullivan for the first time since 1970. AT SULLIVAN THE fARINA NEWS, f RIN I ~kl NO s Glamorous Kathr~ Crosby is starring in the delightful Noel Coward musical revue , "Oh, Coward! ", May 23 thr ough June 4 at Sullivan ' s Li t tle Theatre-On The Square. Widow of one of the best known leg- . ends i n t he entertainment world - Bi ng Cr osby - Kat hryn i s also an actr ess, r egistered nurse , school t eacher, former t e l evision hostess, soci al worker, charity fund raiser and allr ound interested ~articipant in liv- ..,. ( ~~ · ' ' • Kathryn Crosby i ng a worthwhile l ife for herself and others. She is maki ng her first ap~earance i n Sull ivan, and this is the first time "Oh, Coward!" has been presented at The Little Theat re-On The Square. Kathryn r ecentll appeared in an ABCTV two-hour movi e, 'The Initiation of Sar ah" . Fr om January through April 1978 Kathryn toured 51 cities with the Bernard Sl ade play, "Sam~ Time, ~ext Yea;-". For reservations or informati on, please call the theatre 217/728-7375 or wr i te The Little Theatre-On The Square, Box 155, Sullivan, Illinois 61951.

THE CHAMPAIGN-URBANA NEWS-GAZETTE Noel Rates Better Than This SCLLIVAN - Kathryn Crosby. making her Little Theater debut in " Oh, Coward !" Tuesday night, received a standing ovation when she and leading m en Philip Polito and Ty McConnell took their bows. "First one I've ever receiYed." she said later. We're not sure it was deserved. Not many prettier, mort! sparkling actresses have graced the Little Theater stage, but there have been better voices. H~rs lacks strength and range and quality. So do those of Polito and McConnell. Noel Coward deserves better. This is a presentation of his life and times through his songs. interspersed with excerpts from his writing. "Coward's wit still carries a powerful charge,'' wrote critic Otis L. Guernsey Jr. when ''Oh. Coward! 11 opened in New York late in 1972. "His fragile tunes, making their highly sophisticated observations, meant for a time when amusing one's self was a serious part of the business of living, have retained their power to entertain ~ nsi ~ V&>ll m '}v ~ the audiences of this battered era." Coward 's compositions demand a certain debonair, precise, highly articulate delivery, which too often was missing from the Cr os by-Polito-McConnell interpretations. Possibly this flaw will be polished by director Robert Baker for performances yet to come. " Actually, this is a show in which a strong voice or an exceptionally good voice is not necessary," noted music al director Bruce Kirle. " In fact, some of Noel Coward's songs sound a lmost as well if the lines 8:-:....ft..,tely spoken." , ·l\.athryn Crosby is of the ·' ,ame opinion. " One ,.,f the reasons we chose ·(,ri Coward !' for 1 our a;r .. srlmce here," she said, " was because even my voice seem ed strong enough t o be heard throughout the Little TheaReview ter. The a coustics are j ust wonderful. A -whisper on stage can almost be heard in the lobby." Kathryn sings at lea st a dozen solos including · 'Mad About the Boy," "If Love Were All," 'Tll See You Again" and - her favorite - ''London Pride.'' Polito and McConnell are at their best doing "Mad Dogs and Englishmen.'' All seem to enjoy themselves teaming up for ' ' Don't Put Your Daughter on the Stage, Mrs. Worthington. " The Sullivan "Oh, Coward!" has several praiseworthy features. Crosby appears in some stunning gowns - " all my own" she'll tell you. The sets, by Robert D. Soule, are quite winsome. And Kirle keeps things moving with his inimitable piano playing. The lighting, supervised by Fred L. Sager, was well intentioned, but one spotlight was disturbingly off target. Kathryn worke<l hard to win appro•:al. She flitted down one aisle and. up the o ilic1· during one-'num ber, greeting members of the audience. At the show's end, she invited hvo little boys on stage to take bows " for attending most of our rehearsals last week. " And she talked long and warmly to the house of admirers who had welcomed her so enthusiasti- c ally. An occasionally mistaken impression about "Oh, Coward! " is that it was put together as a posthumous tribute to the accomplished Englishman. Not so. Coward, who lived in Jamaica, got to New York to see it shortly be- fore he died. He enjoyed it immensely. We couldn 't help but - wonder how Sir Noel would have reacted to the Little Theate r offe ring he r e Tuesday. We didn't spot him in the crowd that got to its feet to applaud. - E . W. Hesse -- Final Times Today 2:30 and 7:00 GOOD SEATS AVAILABLE PETER and ANIKO PALMER ~ GAlA OPENING TUESDAY at 8 2 WEEKS THROUGH JUNE 4 GOOD SEATS AVAILABLE KATHRYN CROSBY .. '"t ,~~1 SEASON TICKETS FOR FIVE PRODUCTIONS - $28.75 GROUP RATES AVAILABLE Student and Children Discounts "The Impossible Dream" Musical June 6-July 2 ~ JOHN tr SAXON ' 16,nof · a~a '<: July4-16 Marriage -GoAround July 18 - 30 GEORGE CHAKIRIS The State Journal-Register, Springfield, Saturdas, Moy t i . J!f78 Coward re e gets a standing ovation Noel Coward would have agreed: It is indeed a "marvelous party·• going on through Jw1e 4 at the. Little Theatre On the Square in Sullivan. 'lile revival-rewe production .. Oh Coward," a conectioo of Coward's best and brightest songs, received a standing ovation lzy the opening rught audience a salute to the standout trio of per~ formers. Kathryn Crosby <wife of the late Bing), Philip Polito and Ty McConnell. step out of a stunningly framed set to cro,.,n Coward with style and grace. Each member or this trio has unique charm and talent and they work well together. Mrs. Crosby, Polito and McConnell travel in triad, from tender ballad to recitative repartee. easily and srooothly. Their voices blend excellently. Of course, they were given marvelous material with which to work: Coward was a master of the quick quip and quotable quote. He was a ccmr,oscr, lyricist and writer ·who took fiendish delight in deJlating the, pompous and hy(:«ritical. 6nly the' bravest of the brave dared challenge his cam,tic wit:' No segment . <>t ~St,fiety escaped his wick• edly pointed humor. Yet, he was a kind of man who cared deeply for r,eoplc, enJoyed a wide ci~cle of friends and was sentimental to the core. He would have been cnchrintcd with this revue, dc- \:1sed bv Roderick Cook and directed by Robert Baker. '111c obvious rcspr.ct and understanding of Coward's co- (.._ __ R_ev_ iew __ ,,) 1 medic commentary and bittersweet lyrics was apr,arent at ~very tum. A notorious party-giver and goer, Noel Coward decried the dull, the drab, the ordi• nary. He chose instead, light, color, love and laughter and was not ashamed to shed a tear. Remembering his sharp and wildly funny remarks. o~ tends to forget the many lovely ballads he created, songs like ··Someday l '11 Find Yoo." 'TU Follow My Secret Heart" and ••Zigeuner." Superb scenes include Mrs. Crosby's '"A Marvelous Party," Ty McConnell's "You Were There,. and Phil Polito's "Mrs. Wentworth Brewster." They were gems. ~ Music Director Bruce Kirte is one of the few persons I kmw who can make three m.isicians sound like 40 and never overpower the perfonner. Robert Soulc's elegant sets are designs only he cruld create. Fred Sager's lighting and Sara Warber's costumes meld the whole thing perfectly. One note - although the C.Ole Porter addition was clever, 1 wish Baker had kept the original intact. l suggest Sullivan's production or "Oh Coward!" as an introduction to those "ho do not vet know the composer and playwright. To those who do. go nnd greet your idol in new gtusc. - Joan Mcisn<'r

.Unique performer lost in John· Kelso John Kelso asked me once whv I never i_nentioned him in m~ Little Theatre reviews. The question was startling. Surely I couldn't have Ignored him! But when I took a look at what I'd written lately, it !urned out he was right - either I'd Just mentioned him in passing or not at all. The reason, when I thought about it was not hard to find. John had becom~ an expected pleasure. Whenever you saw the name John Kelso on a Little Theatre program, you knew you would see a good performance. And the name was there often - more often than any other actor's. When John died last week of cancer another Little Theatre veteran, Pete; Palmer, said, "He proved the adage that 'There are no small parts, only small actors. ' " John was a very big actor. And he played a very big part in turning a ~mall theatrical company in Sullivan into a Central Illinois landmark. When John Kelso first walked on the stage of the Little Theatre-On the Square, he was still an undergraduate at lliinois Wesleyan, and the theatre was only two years old. The date was June 23, 1959, and the show was "Bells Are Ringing.'' Because of his small size and neutral features, he could easily double in several roles. During that first year, he played 18 characters in 10 plays. And the number of roles mounted as he and the theatre grew up. John worked elsewhere, too - in New York, St. Louis, Chicago:-- but nowhere as often or as happily as in Sullivan. He returned almost every season, anci it-, became his summer home. -ortenhe worked as a director. But it is his comedy performances that will be remembered by the audiences that used to spontaneously applaud him on his first appearance - an honor usually reserved for the headliners. One of his greatest successes came in 1966, in "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum." Star Eddie Bracken left the show unexpectedly to go to Broadway ( in a play that quickJy flopped), so director John took over his part - in addition to another role he was already playing. The result was a triumph. The Herald and Review's critic, Barb Downen, wrote: Bill Ward Lifestyle Editor "Kelso, who has three feathers in his "Forum" cap, carries the action in the strong arms of his talent. One realizes that Kelso, the director, couldn't guide anyone else but Kelso, the actor to such heights of ability as demanded by the role ... " My 6wn memories of John are more recent, but equally pleasant. There was "Twigs, " where he took out his teeth and dyed his hair white to add realism to his portrayal of the octagenarian Pa ( the color took six months to come back). There was "Mame," where he appeared ( unbilled) in a black Victorian gown as the Yankee-hating Mother Burnside. There was "Hello, Dolly!", where he performed the seemingly impossible task of playing two characters with different costumes in the same scene at the same time. And finally, there was "Once Upon a Mattress,'' where be gave a wonderfully comic performance as the mute king despite being ill already. It was the last time I saw him. Many of the characters John played we.re old. Thus, it came as a shock when we first met to find he was still in his 30s, and looked even younger. As he settled into his career as a character actor, age held no terror for him. "The older you get, the better," he told me. "And you don't have to worry about losing your hair.'' So it's a tragic irony that he died at 42. The only old age he got to live was on the stage. How can you replace somebody like that? His closest friend, producer Guy Little, doesn't have an answer. There probably isn't one. John's talents were not unique. There are other gifted directors and skilled comics, and there are others who are just as nice in a quiet way. But the combination of all three in one person is all too rare. And now there is one less. Shelbyville Daily Union - Thursday, Oct. 27, 1977 w Guys. Little, J1 . ha~ returned from N~w York City _conduc~ing rehearsals for "Vanities" which opens tomght at 8 p.m. m th~ Little Theater on the Square in Sullivan. The stars are favontes of television Maeve McQuire (Nicole from the "Edge of Night"), Marie Ma~ters and Judith Chapman (Susan and Natalie from "As the World Turns"). They rehearsed Sullivan's "Vanit_i~" in ~ew York City so they could continue to tape their television senes. They arrived in Sullivan Tuesday night and completed re~earsals on the stage in Sullivan. They will fly back to New York City after each Sunday night performance and return for Thursday's sh?w at s p m until it ends November 13. Guy is offering extra 1natmees Fridays at 2:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 1 and 4 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30p.m. which are becoming quite popular. ) KATHRYN CROSBY - ·- •• ♦ ••• . Ii Delightful Noel ~ ~ •coward .Musical · ,, Comedy Revue ... ~-·- first time in ~1'Aa ~!Sullivan! SEASON TICKETS FOR FIVE PRODUCTIONS - $28.75 GROUP RATES AVAILABLE Student and Children Discounts 'The Impossible Dream" Musical .; June 6 • July 2 ~;,,. JOHN t SAXON ~of · -~~Jia July4-16 KITTY CARLISLE "MarriageGoRound" July 18-30 GEORGE CHAKIRI fN. C'l, ,1.,"J. \.l'l. C~t.1.rt tfit L - t,( f::ll.; " t I ,f••"°'jl'J ''Oh Caward," Noel Coward~ muse, lyrics, sketches an ct-t-1 Pl . ' dlo ay excerpts m a compilation of ~is wit, starrmg Kathryn Cr~soy, 8 p.m., Tuesday and Fnday, Special Senior Citizen's Matinee at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday. (Senior Citizens admitted for $5); No performance on Thursday, The Lil.Ile Theater 0~ ~e Square, \Sullivan. Ad- m1ss10n charge. Washington to celebrate Bob Hope's birthday Washington <AP> "Thanks for the memory" is his ~eme son~. But it will be official Washington saymg "thanks" this week in two days of 75th birthday celebrations for Bob Hope. A Whi~e House reception, a congressional tribute, a family birthday dinner ~d a special salute by the United Service Organizations to be held at the Kennedy Center are all part or the f es-- tivities planned on May 24-25 for one of America's favorite entertainers. _The three-hour USO special, which will be nationally televised on May 29 Hope's actual birthdate, features mor~ than . 4-0 performers, including Sammy Davis Jr , AnnMargaret Danny Thomas, Pearl Bailey. Tony' Orlando, Demme and Marie Osmond l{ath~ CrQsbL Dorothy Lamour and Elizabe Taylor Warner. wqr i.Cittlr wqrutr IQn e~r ~qunr, * &ullman. JU. May 23 - June 4 KATHRY CROSBY ·.•. ' ,. : . ~ ~ LISLE a comedy July 18 - 30 GEORGE CHAKIRIS August 1-27 "CABARET" SEASON TICKETS FOR 5 SHOWS $28. 75 Group, Senior Citizen and I Student Rates available

Gala Opening "'I Do! I Do!' ~ April 28 At Little Theatre .. The Imposihlt· Drt-am·· ~l u"ical :if)t GROUP RATES AVAILABLE Stud-.nl and Childrl'fl Discounts Based on "The Fourpos·~r" by Jan de Hartog, "I Do! I Do!" is the story of ~1ichael and Agnes--a chr~nicl~ of life --birth of theH children, quarrels, money problems, love, a ll told in a warm sentimental style, sometime5 \, ith tongue in c·heek, sometimes brazzy and bold, alternately soft and (1tbu(.hing. "I Do! I Do I " is always entertaining. The cheerful cuneful score bv Tom Jon~s and Harvey Schmi_dt ' ' e •·tory mir - :u11~ ~htougn l.1 " roring and· dramatizing the moods and events of Michael and Agnes. "!Doi !Do! " is that rarity--a perfect musical play for t,,·o performers. . The Sullivan production will be directed by New Y O r k UI!- .1· ,.c·o· Jo'm so"·ab, costumes L ~ , .. b, Mathew John Hoffma'l Ill, scenery by Robert . ~- Soule, with musical direcuon by Steven J. Hates. Both Mr . Soule and Mr. Hoffman have designed many previous productions at The Little Theatre -On The Square; Mr. Soule has been re,ident s c en i r designer since 1968. John Bowab, one of New York and Hollywood's outstanding duecThe 22nd Season at The Little fheatrl.!-On The Square will open \dth a non-subscription musical, "I Doi l 1).11" Priday, April 28th, starring Sullivan favorites, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Palmer. The delightful m t1s1cal \\ 111 pre vie,.., at reduced rates April25, 26 and 27th and be presented four weeks through May 21st. The musical is about fifty years of a marriage. beginning just before the turn of the century, opened on Broadway in 1966 at the 46th Street Theatre starting Mary Martin and Robert Preston which ran for two seasons. The outstanding musical score includes such hit songs as "My Cup Run net h Ove r. " "I Love My Wife". "Nobody 's Perfect, " "Flaming Agnes, " "Where Are The nows?" and "What Is A Woan". PeterandAniko Palmer, Sullivan's most popular singing couple have been appearing together at The Little Theatre-On The Square since 1968 when they starred together in "The Student Prince:· The former University of Illinois football star, ,, ho obtained Broadway and Hollywood stardom as "Lil'l Abner," Palmer recently costarred with Carol Channing in "Lorelei" for two yea_rs o?. Bro~dway and on the road. Since last appeari ng in Sullivan two years ago in the record-breaking produc - tion of "The Sound of Music·; the Palmers have been busy on stage, as we 11 as on televis - ion and films. Aniko Palmer 1 starred in "I Do! l Do! " and "The Sound of Music" in San Diego, and i n the title role in "Annie Get Your Gun" in San Francisco. Last spring. she returned to the Showboat Dinner Theatre in Tampa , Florida• where she .:.nd her husband had starred a few months earlier in ·· '.::>klahoma". She starred in "The Sound of Music" for seven months, when the produc tion was forced to close because Mrs. Palmer 'fell off the mountain' on stage and broke her ankle. Peter Palmer has been busy this season appearing on television on "Cltarlie's A hgels, " "Three's Company .. and "Kallika ts·· and a lea ding role in the movie, "The llostage Heart. " His la - test movie, "Windows, Do.ns and Keyholes", will be seen on NBC-TV May 16th. follO\,- ing lheir four weeks of "I .Do!" in 5 ullivan, the Palmers ,dll I open immediately in the same musical at the new Fiesta Dinner Teatre in san Diego for an extended engagement. tors, is ne,, to Sullivan, but not n~\, to "I [X)I l Do ! ", liaving already directed six produc-tions including a cu1renc one on the West Coast with C..arol l.a\,rence and Ross Martin. Ile has directed thirty productions of "Mame" including tours with A n gel a Lansbury, Ann Miller and Janis P aigc. Ile has directed Lana Turner, Gene Barry, Carol Channing, George Burns, Dean Jones, Jane Morgan, Louis Jourdan, Martha Raye, Edie Adams, Richard Kiley and Madeline Kahn, and ha., produ~eJ pro due .ions with Shirley Booth, Sus an Hayward, Ginger Rogers , Shirley.Jones and D a vi d Cassidy. Stephen Baltes, who makes his debut as musical director, has been associated with Milwaukee Melody Top for the past four seasons and is currently living on the West Coast and doing a new club act for Lucie Arnaz. Sullivan's new Stage Manager is Maureen F. Gibson and the new Technical Director is David Rotondo. The resident Lighting Designer is Fred L. Sager, who served in the same position last season. The tentative schedule for the theatre, following "I .Doi " includes a play. May 23-June 4. to be followed by Ju h n Saxon in "Man Of La Mancha;· oneofBroadway greatest musicals; June 6- July 2. Kitty ~arlisle will appear in a comedy to be announced July 4- 16, with George Chakaris starring as Count U-acula in "Dracula" July 18-30. "Cabaret, " the great Broadway musical which made a superstar of Liza Minelli in the film version, will return to Sullivan August 1 - 27th, with stars and supporting cast to be announced in the near future. Season Tickets will be available through May 30th and discount cards are available all season. Senior citizen, group rates. and student rates are available upon request at substantial savings. For reservations and further information. please call 217 / 728 -7375 or write The Little Theatre-On The Square, Box 155, Sullivan, Illinois 61951. .·. -m1,r i.Gittlr ~t,ea1tr · · CQn ~hr !'qu11R * &ullman. JU. Today at 2:30 and 7:00 Through June 4 GOOD SEATS AV ILABLE KATHRYN ."' ,. CaROSBX. . - • ... • .... ... · •• . · ~ r - ~ June 6-July 2 JOHN SAXON ·i€an cf" u ~ anc.iia KETS FO R FIVE NS - $28.75 ES AVAILABLE July 4-18 KITTY CARLISLE Marriage - GoAround July 18 :_ 30 GEORGE CHAKIRIS

THE l\fORNI G CO lRIER, Chamt>aign-Urb~na - ,day, !\lay 19~ ,,_,,__Entertainment uide ---------.. What to do in Twin Cities M.ay 19 tlirough May 26 , .,,._ .. , ,, V lit ii; ••uu : --·' ~~.,.. , . . . ~ .w;;;.-; . :/. . ,(' ~.,: . Littl~ Theater in Sullivan will celebrate its 3,000th performance Saturday with ' I Do, I Do!' · @qr [ittlr [l1ratrr IOn ehr ~1111arr * l!t>11ll111an. ]Ill. r Tonl!Jht at 8:00 through June 4 Good Seats Available e cr1 1 s rave , Kathryn ~rosby • proloriQed apolc1use and a standing ovation Mrs Crosby 1 s amusing 1n the comic scenes and displays a soft. chanteuse Slngmg style shes al Nays lovely 16 look at in a SU<.;CCSSIOO of gowns Superlatives go to its visual effects B111 Warcf 0Pcatur H,_•ald l ' H&d Coward been 1n Sullivan, M would havo led lhn standinq ovaoon such style and grace urnqun charm and tal"nt voices blending e,:coll~ntly an emning filled w1lh h1uhl1ghts To tt1ose nut yf't devotees I sugg<?sl Sullivan s product•on o! OH COWARD1 as the perfect ,111roc1uct1on' Joan Mr:,sner Springf,Pld Slate ,Jourrial ·., dlJ DO! I DOI~ GALA OPENING Tuesday at 8:00. 2 Weeks Through June 4. GOOD SEATS AVAILABLE KATHRYN CROSBY ICKETS F-OR F1vE CTIONS $28.75 RATES AVAILABLE d Children Discount assible Dream" . Musical . · June6 - July 2 JOHN SAXO ~ 1-+f'an of" .. ~'¢4 ~ f(""anclia July 4-16 KITTY CARLISLE Marriage -GoAround vuiy id · 30 GEORGE CHAKIRIS MI iiiUrntttihihJHtlUZi

.May 25. 1978~ The Mt. Zion Regio.n News __ _ · Musical Review Opens Kathryn C rosby is making her first appearance al Sutli\.an·s Little TheatreOn The Square as she stars in the Noel Coward musical re" ue, Oh Coward! presented in Sullivan for the firsl time now through June 4. Kathryn Crosby, born in Texas, is the mother of lhree active children and che widow of one of che best known legends in the enterBig Circus, Anatomy of a Murder, and The Seventh Voyage of Sinbad, among others. On the legitimate stage she starred in Sunday in New York, Sabrina Fair, Peter Pan, Arms and the. Man , Mary , Mary , 'i6 Guards man ail'_ Py?,malion. t a in men t world--Bing Crosby. In addition, Kathryn is also an actress, registered nurse, school teacher, former television hostess, social worker, and charitv fund raiser. She· \\. as a member of the famed American Conservat orv Theater of San Fra;:dsco, where she appeared in such productions as Cvrano de Bergerac, The H ouse of Blue Leaves, Broadway, and Family Album. She is the author of " Bing and Other Things", a n auto biogra phical a~ count of her life before and after she married Bing. She was hostess of her own morning talk show on sc ation KPIX-TV San Francisco for two years and it was considered to be one of the most popular shows in the greater Bay area . In addition to her theatrical duties, Kathryn is also hostess of the $150,000 Kathryn Crosb y LPGA Gold Classic that is held yearly. . . In motion pictures Kathryn has appeared in Cell 2455 Death Row, The Guns of Fort Petticoat, Mister Cory, Reprisal, The Phoenix City Story, Operation Mad Ball, The Directed by Bob Baker, and starring Kath ryn Crosby, with Philip Polito and Ty McConnell, the production will be presented Tuesday through Friday at 8:00 p.m. Saturday at 4:00 and 9:00 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 and 7:00 p.m. Bruce Kirle has returned Lo Sullivan as Musical Director fort his show only. There will be a special Senior Citizen's matinee on Wednesday, May 24 at 2:30. Senior Citizens will be admitted to this special performance for $5, a saving of up to $3.75 over the regular price . Mrs. Crosby will not perform on Thursday, May 25 as she has been invited to appear at the White H?use in Washington, D.C. in a special three hour performance dedicated to Bob Hope, the comedian who appeared with Mrs. Crosby's husband, in so many films. Season Tickets for the 22nd Season are currently available through May 30 at considerable savings. Patrons may reserve the same seat for each of the five productions. Disco~nt cards, group rates,• semor citizens, · student and children - discounts are available upon request. Q, Will Kathryn Crosby and her children still do those orange juice commercials for th4; company that Bing O'A-ned? - M.f. A. Bing Crooby owned_ l?ts of things, but an orange 1wcc company wasn't one of them. ate Joumal-Reg:!iler.,. Springfield Swtda}. Little Tlieatre li11eup Kath-.,vn C osby set fur, m usical K:1thr~ n Crant Croshy. \\1dow of Bing Crosby, \\Ill h.~adhne a st.age product 10n of the musi<•al, "Oh, Cov.- ard!" at the Little Theatre in Sullivan· beginning May 2.1. 'Ire attraction is s<.·heduled to run through June 4 "Oh, Co\l.ard~ ·· is a tribute lo the late Noel Coward r eatw,ng songs and sketches from the celebrated wit and Sl)llg\'Titer·s famed theatricai works. 111e Little Theatre present.ttion will mark Kathf:Tl Crosby·::; Sulli\,an debut. 111e actress singer currently t<; concluding a national tour in the play "Same Time. Next Year" in a role she may rt"!-umc nc:\t fall in the nroad- ¼Sy produdion. The Little Theatre opens it" ~d season al 8 p.m. Tut's• day 'v\ilh "l Do!, I Do'.' a n~1cal co-starnng Peter and Aniko Palmer. Tuesday through Thursday preview performances precede the official grand opening on Friday mght at the Little 'flleatre \\here the play "ill Ml for a month followed by "Oh. Coward:·· Other all ract1om; on the theaters summer schedule incluJe John Saxon in "Man of La Mancha.·· beginning Jtn1e 6 for four weeks: Kitty Joins tribute to Bob Hope Kathrvn Crosby as she appears as th_e sino~ng star of "Oh, coward!" at the Little Theatre in Sullivan. Mrs. Crosby, who flew to Washington, o.c .• Thursday to tape her part in the NBC tribute to Bob Hop_e, returned to Sullivan Frldav where she continues an her musical throuoh June 4th. The Hope TV show can be seen at 7 p .m. Mondav, Mav 29, channels 5·10-20·2S. Yes Mrs. Crooby and her duldren will continue making commercials at the request of the finn. •·we believe in the product, or we wouldn't h~ve done commercials in the first place. Besides, it's good mmey and permits me to be able to afford to work in the theater." (She's currently appcruing at ~he Little Theatr~ in Sullivan m "Oh, Coward! through June 4th. ***'"'**** Any questions? Questions .. pertaining to TV stars or pro- ~ may be mailed to Wayne Allen, TV Editor, State Journal-Register, Springfield. m., 62701. Please allow time for processing and. necessary research. A,•oid questions pertaining to poll• tics, religion, race, creed or commercials. These are lg• nored. Kathrvn C rosbv CarliSt' in a comedy opcnmg .July 4 for two wt-i'ks: George 0-.aktns m "Dracula,'· opening July 18 for two weeks; and ''Cabaret ... opening Aug l for four v.eeki St::1rs of ··Cabaret"' v.ill be announced later. "I Do!. I Do!:· based on Jan de Hartog·s ·•Toe Fourposter.·· tells the musical story of a marriage . The production is being directed by John Bowab, with musical direction by Steven J. Ba I tes. Costumes are by Mathew John Hoffman Ill. and see• nery by Robert D Soule . Guy S Littlt"' Jr. is producer of the Little Theatre . KATHR CROSBY June 6 - July JOH!' SAXOl ~of l.lJ'Cand (

Page a, 11fE ATWOOD HERALD, Atwood, Illinois, June 1, 1978 Crosby Opens 'Oh Coward' - The musical revue, "Oh Coward! " starring beautiful Kathryn Crosby opened to a capacity crowd May 23 at The Little Theatre-On The Suqare, and received much praise from patrons and critics alike and a standing ovation at the end of the performance. Directed by Bob Baker, and also starring Philip Polito and Ty McConnell, the production will be presented through June 4, Tuesday through Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday, at 4 and 9 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 and 7 p.m. "Oh Coward!" is a compilation of the charmed wit that was Noel Cow~rd - his music and lyrics, Sketches and play excerpts - an evening's entertainment. It was devised and directed by Roderick Cook, and first presented in New York City on Oct. 4, 1972 at the New Theatre. Noel Coward was an international theatrical personality for over 50 years. He wrote, and starred in, his first musical when he was 23. This was the first of 11 musicals to bear the billing "music, lyrics and book by Noel Coward.'' "O Coward!" is a musical tribute to his unique genius. Coward's talent to amuse is endless and will continue forever. Nostalgia interspersed with his inevitable sharp insight into the humorous side of society leaves an audience humming the memorable melodies and Plays "OH COW ARD,,. revue of Noel Coward's words and music starring Kathryn Crosby. Little Theatre-On the Square, Sullivan, ends today. For ticket information call (217) 728-7375. ccMAN OF LA MANCHA," starring John Saxon. Little Theatre-On the Square, Sullivan, Tuesday through Jwie 25. For ticket information call (217) 728- 7375. mouthing the sometimes hilarious, sometimes moving and always masterful lyrics. Some of bis more popular songs included in the revue are "Dance Little Lady/ ' "Ziegeuner," "Why Do The Wrong People Travel," " H Lover Were All.'' "Mrs. Worthington," "Mad Dogs and Englishmen," " Mad About the Boy," "rll See You Again,,, "I'll Foll.ow My Secret Heart," and "Someday I'll Find You." Kathryn Crosby was born in Houston, Texas, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Emery Grandstaff, and spent her youth in West Columbia and Robstown. Both parents were school teachers. She attended West Columbia grammar and junior high school, then Robstown High, when beauty contest awards started rolling in. She won several beauty titles and began to see stars in front of her eyes. She entered the University of Texas where she won several more beauty awards, and was urged to try for a movie career in Hollywood. Ms. Crosby tested for Paramount Pictures and was signed to a contract. When she was first at Paramount in 1952, she was correspondent for some 20 Texas newspapers. One of the stars she interviewed was a singer-actor named Bing Crosby. After she was all through asking Bing questions for her column, Bing came up with one of his own: "Will you have dinner with me on Sunday?" The answer was "yes!" Bing and Kathryn were married Oct. 24, 1957. A registered nurse, school teacher, former television hostess, social worker, charity fund raiser and a very busy actress, Kathryn Crosby just doesn't have enough hours in the day or days in the week. She readily admits that outside her family, her all-consuming passion is the stage. She leaps at every opportunity to act. This is her first appearance at The Little Theatre-On The Square. Also making their Sullivan debuts are Mrs. Crosby's two leading men, Philip Polito and Ty McConnell; both experienced New York actorsingers. Mr. Polito made his Broadway debut in the original cast of "1776" and was seen in "All Over Town" directed by Dustin Hoffman. His theatre credits include "Wonderful Town" with Lauren Bacall and "The Gingerbread Lady'' with Dorothy Collins. Ty McConnell will be remembered as the demented Kenneth Castle on "Ryan's Hope" on television. He has appeared in New York opposite Angela Lansbury in "Dear World', and Robert Preston in "The Lion In Winter. 11 Returning for his only production of the season is musical director Bruce Kirle. He served as musical director at The Little Theatre-On The Square for four seasons and when not in Sullivan, he has coached and conducted in Los Angeles with Ed Ames, Peter Breck, the late Jack Cassidy, Robert Conrad, Judy Carnes, Sherri Spilaine and on the road with Mimi Hines and Sue Ane Langdon. He is one of Hollywood's favorite accompanist and is often seen at leading showcases including The Comedy Store and The Little Club. Following "Oh Coward!'' John Saxon who was such a sensation in last season's "Shenandoah" will return to Sullivan to star in the musical "Man of LaMancha" June 6 through July 2. Kitty Carlisle will star in the comedy "Marriage-Go-Round" July 4- July 16. Award winning George Chakiris will return to Sullivan for his third appearance to star as "Count Dracula" July 18-30. The musical hit, "Cabaret" will be presented Aug. 1-27, and th'e star for this production will be announced in the near future. Children's Theatre - productions will include "Tom Sawyer," "The wizard of Oz" and "Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs11 July 17 through Aug. 26 at 1 p.m. on Saturdays. Discount cards, group rates, senior citizen, student and children discounts are available upon request at substantial savings. For reservations for all productions or further information, please call the box office at 217-728-7375 from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. daily or write The Little Theatre-On The Square, Box 155, Sullivan, Ill. 61951. "THE IMPOSSIBLE DREAM" MUSICAL June 6 July 7 JOHN '//~ 11 SAXON ""1· 1€0:n ~f ~~~ 1~ f{an<:1'a JULY 4• 16 KITTY CARLISLE "BIOGRAPHY" A COMEDY July 18 30 GEORGE CHAKIRI SEASON TICKETS FOR 5 SHOWS· $28.75 Group, SeniorCltiiens and Student Rotes Available BBBh \itMi·IDfHl#llM Pt-catur. Illinois. Sunday. May 21.1978 Kathryn Crosby debuts at Little-Theatre Sullivan Kathryn Crosby will make her debut at the Lit~e Theatre-On the Square this Tuesday m the Noel Coward musical revue, "Oh, Coward. " The production, a collection of scenes and songs from all of Coward's shows will run through June 4. ' Appearing with Mrs. Crosby will be Philip Polito and Ty McConnell. Bob Baker is the director. "Oh, Coward" will be presented Tuesday through Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 4 and 9 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 and 7 p.m. A Senior Citizens' Matinee is planned at 2: 30 p.m. May 24, with senior citizens admitted for $5. There will be no performance May 25 as Mrs. Crosby will be appearing at the White House in a special performance dedicated to Bob Hope. Season tickets are available through May 30. Discount cards, group rates, senior citizen, student and children discounts ai:e av!311able on request. For inKathryn Crosby formation and reservations, call (217) 728-7375 from IO a.m. to 10 p.m. daily 01 wrlte the Little Theatre. Box 155. Sulli van, Ill. 61951. ..

ledger-messenger • Kathryn Crosby ' By Belen Parkes ledger-Messenger Editor Kathryn Crosby is the star of a Noel Coward musical called "Oh. Coward", which opened last week in the Little Theatre in Su1livan. But mainly the opening was a sentimental evening when a "standing room only" crowd was on hand to welcome and show their Jove for Kathryn Crosby. Kathryn's theatrical, nursing and personal life has always made her an object of admiration from the American viewpoint, and now as the widow of Bing Crosby, she is more endeated than ever. The audience enjoyed the musical, which incidentally had two handsome New Yorkers as leading men, Ty McConnell and Phil Polito. The men are perfect as foils for Kathryn, but display plenty of their own talent in songs such as ''Mad Dogs and Englishmen" and the only Cole Porter tune, "Let's Do It." 1 une 1, 197 8 / page 8 Emotional crowd greets Bing's widow made with the expertise of a back stage dresser, a girl that Kathryn proudly introduced. proud of her nursing career as any of her accomplishments. A surprise guest at the opening was one of her old teachers, Sister Ligouria, who was visiting in lllinois. The star proudly introduced her as the one who taught her all she knew about nursing back in California years ago. No matter if you're a Crosby or a Coward fan, you're in for a treat through June 4 at the Little Theatre. The Noel Coward production is a combination of lines and parts of Coward plays and songs sung in medley fashion. Noel Coward might be considered a ''bit much'' for corn country audiences but the typically English ''That Is the End of the News", "The Stately Homes of England'', and the bombing remembered in ' 'London Pride", were well received with amusement and littletheatre understanding. At the end of the musical and during a curtain call, the beautiful star thanked the audience humbly for a standing ovation and told them it was the first one she had ever had. She spoke of Bing with respect and admiration. We suspect that she had a good teacher in her husband for her Racquet sports gain favor The stage settings are truly inspired. The only props actually called for were a couple of stools and just any old back-drop. Not so with Robert Soule in Sullivan as production manager. With the expert help of the apprentices at their best, silhouettes, paintings and artistic designs have been made and effectively ljghted to give the audience an illusion of a beautiful music hall. But it was the beginning and the end that will be remembered for a long time. Long applause greeted Kathryn at her first appearance and all through the show for that manner, as she appeared again and again in beautiful costumes. The costumes featured pink ·,1elvet, black satin, feather boas and at least one knock-out gown simply styled in gold and white. It was a gown ten years old and worn many times, at least once in a Crosby Christmas Special. The dozen costume changes were quickly theatrical career. In case you haven't noticed, At a press conference, Kathryn there's a boom in racquet sports, spoke graciously to everyone and no longer the exclusive property hardly had time to take her place of country clubs and summer at the "star's table". She shyly resorts. Everyone seems to be accepted plaudits for her raising a racquet - for tennis, performance but knowing that platform tennis and squash. folks wanted to talk of her family, In fashion terms, what you she was generous with answers to wear when you swing that racquet questions. She smiled as she told is looking better than ever. how hard it was to make This season's big look teams everything appear casual because T-shirts with racing shorts, all in everything had to be "casual" hot colors. In fact, color itself is with Bing. Sometimes food for a news, as in bright yellow, bright large group or arrangements for a . red, and turquoise blue, pimento big gathering were anything but red. · casual but her husband always Stretch-knit terrycloth is showthought it was. She also reported ing up in great racquet gear from that there would be a Christmas tank tops and shorts to short Special this year ca11 " Mem- jumpsuits. It's cool and comfortories." able and is also nicely absorbent. Kathryn Crosby is probably as The rieht accessorv for these l, - -- Kathryn Crosby with Sullivan co-stars Philip Polito, left, and Ty McConnell outfits is the see-through visor-cap in dazzle-the-sun c;olors like yellow, blue, green and red. With sports clothes like these, you're ready to gefin the swing of things. Little Theatre Kathryn Crosby in "Oh, Coward" May 23 - June 4 Sullivan Friday, May 26, 1978

A Crosby Comes To Sullivan By E. W. Hesse \\e had a date ,, 1th Kathryn Crosby ,, ho also has answered to such names as Spiash Day Princess, Miss Fat Stock, Texas, and \frs. Bing Crosby - to have lunch at the Red Fox Restaurant m Sullivan one day last week. She showed up wearing an unglamorous, non- descript jersey and slacks and no discernible makeup - and brought her own lunch in a brown paper bag. The bag contained a cheese sandwich and an apple. All she ordered was a glass of iced tea and a dish of pistachio ice cream. And what had brought her to Sullivan? A chance to play the female role in "Oh, Coward!", the current attraction at the Little Theater on the Square. of course. It's a delightful, nostalgic musical revue of Noel Coward's hfe. featuring a selection of his compositions. "Why, I've known Guy Little for about 10 years " Kathryn exclaimed. " I met him when he was doing theater work in Arizona. He's been asking me to do a show here for a long time. "Now, I've finally made it. And I'm enjoying the experience so much. Sullivan is a wonderful and likeable little town. I· love it!" Why "Oh, Coward!" as the vehicle for her to ride in Sullivan? ''We thought it was just right for now," said Kathryn. ''I've been on tour in 'Same Time, Next Year,' playing more than 100 performances in 72 towns, and we thought this would provide a change of pace. I'll resume 'Same Time, Next Year' after my stay here." Kathryn's stay here has been in- terrupted already. There was no performance of "Oh , Coward!" Thursday because she was called to Washington, D.C., to co-host, along with ex-President Gerald Ford and Vice President Walter Mondale, a USO tribute to Bob Hope. She's due back in the Little Theater tonight. · 'Bing believed that the best cure for any kind of personal trouble was to keep yourself busy,'' Kathryn commented. " And that's what the children and I will be doing for some time to come." Life was a -constant whirl for her, even before Bing became part of it. A native of West Columbia, Texas, Kathryn won the title of "Splash Day Princess" in Corpus Christi's Buccaneer Celebration when she was just three years old. She was voted Rodeo Queen of the Houston Fat Stock Show, a title Jocularly trimmed to "Miss Fat Stock," when she was 16. " I always wanted to get into show business. which meant going to HolJrwood." Kathryn related. " I was ready to ~o then - right after be commg Miss Fat Stock at Houston - but Art Rush, who was Roy Rogers· agent, advised me otherwise. 'Go to college for a couple of years,' he told me, 'take some drama courses, and get rid of your Texas accent. He explained that there was nothing wrong with having a Texas accent if all you wanted to do was play little girls from Texas.'' So Kathryn headed for the University of Texas at Austin. At the end of her sophomore year, the University of Texas could hold her no longer. She left for Hollywood - to try to become a movie. star. Out there Kathryn was given a screen test and placed under contract, but nothing happened . . . until one day, en route to a tennis date, she W"'~ aFkPrl to c!Plive1 'lO armful of petticoats to Wardrobe at Paramount Studios, and she happened to pass Bing Crosby's dressing room. Bing was in the doorway talking to gag writer Barney Dean, whom she knew slightly. "Howdy, Tex. What's your rush?" It was Bing, not Barney, who made the remark. Somewhat flustered, Kathryn dropped her racket, then a couple of petticoats, and wound up being invited in for a ginger ale. That started it, a courtship by Bing, 30 years her senior, who had recently become a widower . . . a courtship which was to have ups and downs and turn her on and off . . . a courtship which would last five years before it culminated in marriage in 1957. Marriage to Bing and becoming the mother of two boys and a girl didn't turn Kathryn's life into that of the traditional homemaker. She became a convert to Catholicism, Bing's religion, became a registered nurse and acquired a teaching certificate, and continued her acting career - in movies, TV and on the stage. Kathryn Crosby is a restless, compulsively busy person, who leads such a varied life that she is obliged to organize her time and efforts - and stHl live intensely to get around to everything. She is purposeful and opinionated, sometimes blurting out thoughts and feelings which turn off her listeners. She loses cat-lovers when she says "I don't like them," and no doubt some bird-watchers with "I like to shoot birds - so long as they're edible." While we lunched and talked in a secluded section of the Red Fox, a young man ventured in. "Excuse me," he said, "but could I have your autograph?" " If you put out that cigarette, you can," Kathryn snapped. The young man retreated toward another table, crunched out his cigarette in a tray, then meekly submitted a slip of paper to Kathryn. She asked his name, scribbled best wishes, and signed her name. " I'm a llergic to smoke," she explained. We wondered how she ever put up with Bing's inevitable pipe. " He seldom smoked 1t around. me," she answered. "He was always very considerate of my feelings." We had heard a rumor that she was preparing a book about Bing - and her life with him. True? "There is one coming out soon," Kathryn responded. "I've given taped interviews to a woman who is doing the writing. I wrote one, all by myself, about 10 years ago - it wa~ titlPd 'Ring and ()thPr Things."' She was a bit disturbed over the fact that Bob Thomas, Hollywood columnist for Associated Press, rushed into print a book, "The One and Only Bing," illustrated with 250 photos, just a couple of months after her husband's death in October 1977. "He got a lot of those photo- graphs from me," said Kathryn. Though Bing is gone, the traditional Crosby Christmas TV Special will be revived next December; Kathryn and the children will off er "Christmas at the Crosbys'." · " It will be our observation of Christmas," she noted, " climaxed by the contribution you'd expect from Bing . .. his singing of 'White Christmas."' Suddenly Kathryn noticed the time. "Oh, oh," she said, " I'm due back at rehearsals!'' We had many more questions we wanted to ask. But rehearsals, like the show, must go on. "Come down the street with me, and I'll introduce you to my leading men," said Kathryn. We accompanied her to the rehearsal building, a few doors down the street. As we entered, director Bob Baker emerged; in deference to Kathryn's feelings about smoking, he was stepping outside for a cigarette. Then, as quick as she could say Philip Polito and Ty McConnell, we met her co-actors in "Oh, Coward!" Kathryn began to introduce Bruce Kirle, musical director of the show, but we already were greeting him, havmg a nodding acquaintance with him since 1974. "All right? " she queried. She started to steer us toward the door. '' Come back and see the show!•' Our lunch date, our interview with Kathryn Crosb¥, was over. • J ) I t t ' I I I , ?-~e musical "Oh Coward" starring Kathryn Crosb (M ~mSgulCl_rosby) opened last night at the Little .. Theater on thiSqua~ m 1van. Appearing with Kathryn is two talented actors from New York City, PhiliE, Polito and Ty McConnell. This is their first time in Sullivan an? since they ooih came from small towns they love it. Bob Baker IS back again as the director. It was good to see him at the press conference at the Red Fox after the musical. During the press meeting Kathryn Crosby was a charming down-to-earth gal from Texas as snefatie<l a6out her life with Bing and th~ir three chil~en, Harry, 19, Mary Frances, 18, and Nathaniel, 16 who wants to be a professional golfer. They live near San Francisco. ~ -- Crosby will not perform on Thursday because she has been mv1tea to appear at the White House in a special thr h perfor~ance ?onoring Bob Hope. Mrs. Crosby will return f: thoeu;; p.m. Friday mght performance in Sulliva~.] . (1; was sad to learn that cancer caused the death of another friend of ours, -!£hn Ke~;_E, who had performed at the Little Theater on the ~uare in Sullivan since 1959. John was a guest in o~ home_ many times and enjoyed coming to Shelbyville and the rides _on ~1m a_nd Betty Finks' houseboat on Lake Shelbyville. John, an Ilhno1s resident when not traveling, was a director as well as an actor who could play many roles. l

__ D_E_C_A_T_U_R---=S~U=-N.:...:...::D__:_A__:_.:..V~H~E:..:..R..:.:A-=-=L.=D_:__A::.N..:..D=-.:....:R~E:.....:V~l-=E:..:W::.._ ___ -=-=--=---=----'=-~--=D~ec:::a.::tu:.:_:r ,~l::._:llinoiH, Sunday, May 28, 1978 Mrs. Crosby taking swing at everything By Bill Ward Lifestyle editor "You have to take a swing at every- thing." says Kathryn Crosby. ''You have to have the right to fail." That's a philosophy that has carried Mrs. Crosby through more activities and careers than most people could squeeze into several lifetimes. And it's one of the reasons she's appearing this week at Sullivan's Little Theatre-On the Square. At one time or another she's been a stage and screen actress, a registered nurse, a teacher, a TV talk show hostess, a social worker, an author and a charity fund-raiser-not to mention being the wife of one of the best-known perfomers of all time and the mother of three. Now, in the revue "Oh, Coward," she's testing her musical skills. "Guy's doing a kind thing for me," she said of Little Theatre producer Guy Little. "He squeezed me in." Area audiences may question who's doing a good deed for whom. As a box office attraction, at any rate, she far outstrips most musical novices. There's no doubt, however, that she's taking her new venture seriously. Many hours of work, both in California and in summer. That's where, 10 years ago, she first met Little, at a playhouse in Phoenix, Ariz. He's been trying to bring her to Central Illinois ever since. This year she fi- nally agreed, and she's glad she did. Sullivan, preceded her debut. And "Guy's very warm,'' she said. "He agents and producers are coming in doe"n 't just hire you. JI from New York to watch her perform. Actually, "Oh, Coward'' is Mrs. Mrs. ·crosby also likes the Little Crosby's second musical role. The first Theatre, which she called "a jewel was "Peter Pan. JI But she said she got box." Because of its intimate dimen- that role not because she could sing but sions, she can sing comfortably without because she could crow so well. a microphone. "To a performer, it's a "Peter Pan" was one of many roles blessing to be that close," she said. she managed to steal time ior during . And she loves the Sullivan audiences, · her 20-year marriage to Bing Crosby. which on opening night gave her what "Bing thought he wanted me home she said was her first standing ovation with his pipe and slippers, 11 she said. ever. "But he'd have been bored with that. 11 After she leaves, Mrs. Crosby plans to Besides, she admitted, her household go on with the career she has continued skills are "limited to plumping pil- over the years. For, as she said, lows-which I do with great gusto." "Theatre has represented the joy in my So she played in stock almost every life." Kathryn Crosby

from page I t uates her - Lone St a r background. The champagne redhead s1,~aks \\ith a cosmopolitan accent, befltt ing someone who has lived mostly in San Francisco for the past two decades. ··we love San Franc1Sco. I think I'll always live there. I think the nicest thing that Bing did for us was to give us a permanent home even though, of course, we traveled all over the world. ' 'All of our children \I.ere able to attend the same school and live at home. I thin.I{ that" s important. An<l so did Bing. It's a nice legacy. cbn't you th.ink?" Kathryn and Bing's three children are now scattered. Harry, 19, is studying music and living in London. Mary Frances, 18, is working as an actress in Hollywood, and also studying voice. Natharjel, 15, is a high school junior and still at home. So far, Kathr}-11 said, Nathaniel isn't particularly music-minded, but he has inherited his father·s passion for golf. "We're a busy family." Kathryn said. "But then. we were always busy. Bing was always on the go. His work took him every',vhere. ~•Of course, our lives are suddenly changed. Drastically. ··1 think it's best to keep busy. I'm sure that's what Bing would want us to do. ·'My life is SO different," Kathryn admitted. "This is the first time I've been away from home for such a long t . ,, une. Busy is a modest adjective to describe Kathr}1l. Having just concluded a national theater tour in "Same Time, !'ext Year," Kathryn is about to make her first solo musical debut in "Oh, Coward!" The re\1Je also demands multidialogue with its excerpts from the best of Noel Coward's stage classics. All this and TV, too. In recent weeks, Kathryn has been involved in production of ABC's "Bing Crosby- His Llfe and Legend'' which airs May 25th. On that same date, Kathryn will fly from Sullivan to Washington, D.C., to participate in NBC's taping of its tribute to Bob J lope set to air May 29th. The Little Theatre Y.ill be dark on May 25th to permit Kathryn's quick trip to Washington. "I couldn't miss the chance to join the: tribute to Bob. He is so special. And. of course. ' ,~1,r r' ~ Kathryn Crosby I'm honored to represent Bing. They were so close.'· Kathryn said she didn't know exactly what format her appearance \\ith Bob will take for the NBC special. Howe\'er, she guarantees thaf the ABC salute to Bing will satisfy his famil}, friends and fans. ··Toe only way to be sure that things are done right is to help do them. Thafs why I was happy to work with the producers on the tribute to Bing.·· Crosby's family in the ABC tribute is represented by Gary, Bing's eldest son, and Mary Frances, his only daughter. "It's all done with taste," Kathryn vowed. ''I'm very pleased with it.'' Then she added; "You know, with TV, you can't always have tilings the way you want them unless you're the producer. Even Bing couldn't always ha\'e his way about the things he did on TV. "Except for his Christmas shows, Bing didn't even have the say-so about who would be on TV with him. It used to irritate him. I'm sure he would have had more of his oldtime friends on shows with him." Of course, Bing once had his own TV 1-roduction company and starred in his own family situation <'omedy series. "And who does he pick for his wife?," Kathryn laughed. "Beverly Garland!" " I asked him, why not me?,'' Kathryn recalled. Kathryn was only kidding. At that i:oint in her life. she was content with her role as \\if e and mother. Her acting Jif e was restricted to occaShJnaJ swnmer stock. ··Once I took Mary Frances \\-ith me when I played 'Peter Pan,' but when I wanted to take Harry, Bing wouldn't let tum go with me. "I don't want my boy on the stage," she quoted Bing. "And while I was gone, Bing put Harry on his TV show! It was okay for Harry lo be on HIS stage, but not mine!" Kathryn smiled. Bing. Kathryn and all their children sang onstage together during his final and triumphant tour of Britain and the U.S. in a show repeated for TV audiences. Now that she is facing her first real solo song test, does "Oh, Coward!·• hold any personal connotation for Kalhryn·1 "Not really," she replied. "I hke to sing and I'm comfortable with the music in this show. And, I still sing m Bing's key, so there's no problem there. I'm an alto and he was baritone, so our , r :• was the same. · )f course, I couldn't have sung with Bing in his early days. He was a tenor then, you know.'' (I'd forgotten.) Kathryn said she adores the Little Theatre, its accoustics, its mini-operahouse charm aoo its producer Guy Little Jr. "I've worked with Guy before and he's a person with impeccable taste.'' The same goes for Kathryn Crosby. who ai;pears to be perlectly cast as the sophisticated lady of ''Oh, Coward!" Thursday, June 1, 1978 Oh Coward Kathryn Crosby, who will be appearing in "Oh Coward" at the little Theatre through June 4, is shown here in a scene from the musical with Phillip Polito, left ond Ty McConnell. 'Oh Covvard' instant love affair behNeen star and audience By Jane Krows " Oh Coward opened at The Little Theatre on the Square Tuesday night (May 23) with a very rlassy lady, Kathryn Crosby. Ms. Crosby was supported by two talented male singers, Philip Polito, and Ty McConnell. "Ob Coward" is a musical revue with words and music by Noel Coward. It is an accepted fact that any thing from the pen of Noel Coward will be clever, humorous and entertaining. " Oh , Coward" was no exception. If Ms. ,Crosby doubted her ability to hangle'su& a large musical role, as she said she did in a curtain call speech opening night, she will doubt no more. It was an almost " instant" love affair between the star and the audience. If the audience hadn't succumbed to her chairm before the " Music Hall" number; in which Ms. Crosby, dressed in a becoming period costume, sashayed through the theatre; they surely did then. The musical revue is very British in tone. The Little Theatre adapted well to the elegant Musical Hall sets of Bob Soule. The performers adapted well to the British accent and the tricky but witty Noel Coward lines. Ms. Crosby's costumes were all in keeping with the particular number she was doing, ranging from elegant to shabby. The songs done by the three performers, sometimes together, sometimes alone, and sometimes as a duo, also ranged from the ridiculous to the sublime. My favorite numbers in which the men t. were involved were " Mad Dogs and Englishmen,'' done in a very English way; and "Why Do the Wrong People Travel and the Right People Stay at Home." I think they would probably say their favorites were the "World Weary" nwnbers with music by Cole Porter. In addition to the music there are short clever skits such as ''That is the End of the News" and "Three White Feathers." All three performers are also involved in a certain amount of narration that makes the Coward character stand out. " Oh Coward" may not fit into the exact pattern of Little Theatre musicals but don't let that concern you. I feel it is one of the most entertaining shows the theatre has 1 produced. Maybe it is because I have been ' a fan of Noel Coward's songs and his tricky rhymes for a long time. But more likely it is because producer GU:Y S. Little is not afraid to try new things in his theatre. Over all, the musical revue moves smoothly and quickly from one scene to another with never a dull moment, thanks t" Roh Balcer the director. Nnt nnlv ""' * 1V - If I were to name my favorite songs sung by Ms. Crosby, it would be the ''fun" ones such as the Musical Hall and ship board mnnbers and of course. the "Marvelous Party." I think Ms. Crosby would say her favorite numbers were " London Pride'' and "Mad About the Boy", both on the more 'sedate side. l

Kathryn Crosby, pictured center, with Philip Polito and Ty McConnell in ''Oh Coward" SULLIVAN Lovely Kathryn Crosby is presently starring in Sullivan at the Little Theatre-on the Square in "Oh Coward, · a show that is rather had to categorize. It is hardly a revue for there >-aren't a half dozen skits in the show. And the tentative viewer must be alerted that this is in no way a book show. There is no plot - but music there is, bars and bars of music. Ms. Crosb) and the two talented young men who appear with her sing and sing and sing. And, boy, does she look good doing it~ It is a delight to both eye and ear; she makes about eight costume changes ! including wigsl that will create envy with the ladies and make their husbands sit up and lake notice. She possesses not a big voice, but rather a light voice that I found very attractive, and one that fllls the intimacy of the Little Theatre comfortab!\. She has a wav with a ballad, whether It be the beloved familiar "I'll See You Again," or the less familiar ··world Weary." She was most appealing in the blues wailing of '·Mad About the Boy " And she has a high flair for comedy so that when she sang about "A ~larvelous Party" we were convulsed. I have a feeling that the average theatre patron in these parts will be seeing and hearing a lot of this mu-;Ic for the first time. Lnless one is highly theatre oriented, he is not going to have much of a spPaking Saturday, May 27, 1978 Mattoon (II.) Journal Gazette Entertainment By Emery Lichtenwalter 'Oh ·coward'-not a revue knowJectge 01 the melody and is a graduate of our own Illinois wit of the late Sir Noel Coward. Wesleyan University. He'll know ''I'll See You Mr. McConnell later got his Again,·· "Someday I'll Find inning too, and he has a You" and ''I'll Follow My pleasant tenor and did justice to Secret Heart," but such songs the songs assigned hjm. as "Saturday Night at the Rose This trio of performers sing and Crown," ''Play Something so well together it is hard to To Do With Spring" and "This believe that just 10 days ago ls a Changing World" will be they didn't 1rnow each other! unfamiliar. The production has the usual Coward songs require Guy Little mark of quality. The complete listening. They are black velvet backdrop witty and urbane, often wryly highlights a series of appealing comic. A toast to Ms. Crosby and attractive larger-than-life and Mr. Little for presenting a mounted cutouts that is very feature we'd not expect to see in right for a show of this type - mid-state·Illinois. . the hand of Bob Soule, of Two boys by the names of course. Philip Polito and Ty McConnelJ ·· F'or music lovers and theatreare the rest of the cast, and they · goers seeking something just a sing up a storm; their Second wee bit different l would Act curtain raiser about ''Mad recommend you get to Sullivan Dogs and Englishmen" was soon to catch the lovely Ms excellent and gave us the Crosby. She has an appealing giggles. and heart-warming curtain Mr. Polito later waxed Latin speech that is well worth the in a rousing version of '•Nina.·· trip. and we should be proud of Mr. She really got to the opening Polito as this New Jersey native night crowd, and they showed their admiration for what they had just seen - they gave her a standing ovation. And it really broke the lady up as she told us, " Bless you! I've been present at many standing 0\'al ions for Bing - now you hav~ given me my very own first. Thank you." AILABLE ATHRY ROSSY -- ~ ... ~·.,•· - .. t. .•. " ~ . r ~1'Alttl! ENING TUESDAY AT 8· 2 AXON '"The lrnposibl Drcan1·· Musical

ledgEr-messenger june 1, 1978 / page 8 Emotional crmvd greets Bing's widow Kathryn Crosby' By Helen Parkes ledger-Messenger Edlto_r Kathryn Crosby is the star of a Noel Coward musical called .. Oh. Coward". which opened last week in the Little Theatre in Sullivan. But mainl_y the opening was a sentimental evening wben a " standing room only" crowd was on hand to welcome and show their love for Kathryn Crosby. Kathryn's theatrical~ nursing and personal life has always made her an object of admiration from the American viewpoint, and now as the widow of Bing Crosby, she is more endeated than ever. The audience enjoyed the musical, which incidentally had two handsome New Yorkers as leading men, Ty McConnell and Phil Polito. The men are pe rfect as foils for Kathryn. but display plenty of their own talent in songs such as "Mad Dogs and Englishmen" and the only Cole Porter tune, " Let's Do lt." The Noel Coward production is a combination of lines and parts of Coward plays and songs sung in med1ey fashion. Noel Coward might be considered a ' 'bit much .. for com country audiences bof the typically English ._That Is the End of the News.,, "The Stately Homes of England .. , and the bombing remembered in ••London Pride", were well received with amusement and littletheatre understanding. The stage settings are truJy inspired. The only props actually called for were a couple of stools and just any old back-drop. Not so with Robert Soule in Sullivan as prodnction manager. With the expert help of the apprentices at their best, silhouettes, paintings and artistic designs have been made and effectively Ughted togive the audience an illusion of a beautiful music hall. But it was the beginning and the end that will be remembered for a long time. Long applause greeted Kathryn at her first appearance and all through the show for that manner, as she appeared again and again in beautiful costumes. The costumes featured pink velvet, black satin, feather boas and at least one knock-out gown simpJy styled in gold and white. It was a gown ten years old and worn many times, at least once in a Crosby Christmas Special The dozen costume changes were quickly Shefl>yviff e Daily Union - Wedn~~day, f-.Aoy 17, ] 978 AftOUNDTHE COMMUM By OMA BARTSCHT .-=- It doesn't seem possible that four weeks has gone so fast. Peter and Aniko ~er are playing the last performance of " I Do I Do" this Sunday night a t 7 p.m. on stage a t the Little Theater 'on the Square in Sullivan. Aniko, the former Miss Canada, is a charming and pretty blond and the two does a great job in the musical. The next to appear is Ka thryn Cr osby (Mrs. Bing) in a special Senior Citizens matinee of~us~~al revue "Oh Coward" Wednesday, May 24 at 2:30 p.m. Senior citizens will be admitted to this special performance for $5 ( a savings of $3. 75 over the regular price). Better take advantage of that good an offer ... Guy Little 1 Jr. didn't tell me what age is considered senior ... sometimes 55 or 60 or 65 ? ? ? ? ? made with the expertise of a back stage dresser. a girl that Kathryn proudly introduced. proud of her nursing career as any of her accomplishments. A surprise guest at the opening was one of her old teachers, Sister Ligouria,. who was visiting in Illinois. The star proudly introduced her as the_ one who taught her all she knew about • nursing back in California years ago. No matter if you're a Crosby or a Coward fan, you're in for a treat through Jone 4 at the Little Theatre. At the end of the musical and during a curtain call, the beautiful star thanked the audience humbly for a standing ovation and told them it was the first one she had ever had. She spoke of Bing with respect .and admiration. We suspect that she had a good teacher in her husband for her theatrical career, Racquet sports gain fa vol' At a press conference, Kathryn spoke graciously to everyone and hardly had time to take her place at the "'star's table". She shyly accepted plandit:s for her performance but knowing that folks wanted to talk of her family, she was generous with answers to questions. She smiled as she told how hard it was to make everything appear casual because everything had to be .. casual .. with Bing. Sometimes food for a large group or arrangements for a big gathering were anything but ·casual but her husband always thought it was. She also reported that there would be a Christmas Special this year ca.ll • 'Memories.·• Kathryn Crosby is probably as In case yon haven ·t noticed. there's a boom in racquet sports.. no longer the exclusive property of country clubs and summer resorts. Everyone seems to be raising a racquet - for tennis, platform tennis and squash. 1n fashion terms, what you wear when you swing that racquet is looking better than ever. This season's big look teams T-shirts with racing shorts, all in. hot colors. 1n fact. color itself is news, as in bright yellow. bright red, and turquoise blue, pimento red. Stretch-knit tenycloth is showing up in great racquet gear from tank tops and shorts to short jumpsuits. It's cool and comfortable and is also nicely absorbent. The rillht ·accessorv fot these /. /'7~ ,t}af{y, 'U;; Ccll . .C(ci§'l,. ~llh¢,I~ r--a..,'i:,ifrnh , Clta-,.1'°-!il#. 1 eater/}1 ~';''i> ' 'I D l $. o, I Do," starring Aniko S.nd Peter Palmer 8 Tuesday through Friday, f~ct 9 p.m., Saturday, 2:30 and 7 p.m., s.unday, through May 21, The Little Theater On Th Square, Sullivan. Senior citizene group, and student rates avail~ able. . Cowardly Acts-Kathryn Crosby will appear at the Little Theatre-?n the S~uare May 23 through June 4 in 'Oh, Coward. The d~J1ghtful musical revue is a collection of words and music by master wit, Noel Coward. Tickets range from $4. 95 to $9. 75. Performances at 8 p m Tuesday through F~iday, 4 and 9 p.m. Saturday, 2:30 a~d 7 p.m. Sunday. For information or ticket reservations call 2171728- 7375. Sullivan. X'L~u,o,s r.""s l'I~ l'i-~i, J#i'lfl . ' . '"'~.} (:/~ outfits is the see-through visor-cap in dazilc-the-son colots like ye11ow. blue, green and red. With sports clothes like these. you're ready to gefin the swing of things. Little Theatre Kathryn Crosby in noh, Coward" Moy 23 - June 4 Sullivan 2 WEEKS THROUGH June 4 Special Senior Citizen's Matinee Wed. at 2:30 - $5.00 KATHRYN CROSBY ~·· ~~•· ~~1'A11ti! Delightful Noel Coward Musical Comedy Revue .. . first time in Sullivan! - .. ,.-, ,1 !.. •"t ~•~~rv•tion1-dial ~ l 7 t 728•737S

U-~ Re er S_pnagfi kl SUDda). Ma} ◄ 19 · tie he atre ears 3,000th ayda e "1lile summer stock theaters headlined by Broadway, 1-i)llywood and TV stars is new to many parts of the U.S., C'.entral Illinois boasts one of the best known sum- ~ showcases. For over two decades the Little Theatre in Sullivan has presented plays and musicals toplined bv stars. On Saturday, May 20, the Little Theatre will celebrate its 3.00>th performance since its opening in 1957. From its initial summer when attendance totaled 9,000 patrons, the theater has grown to an annual attendance of nearly 1 100.CXM>. The theater is operated by Guy Little Jr.. its founder who has been called "the David Merrick of the Middle West" by national theater writers. 1be current attraction at the I..ittle Theatre is "I Do, l O:>. ' the musical marnage play which co-stars Mr. and :Mrs. Peter Palmer Opening May 23 will be Kathryn Crosby in the musical "Oh. C.Oward!.'' followed by John Saxon in "Man of La ?\.Ian cha," Kitty Carlisle in "An Evening With," George Chakiris in "C.Ount Dracula" and "Cabaret: · a musical with stars to be announced. LITTLE THEATRE LOSES ST AR AND FRIEND We were saddened to learn of the death of John R. Kelso of Lewistown on Tuesday morning. John was an actor, director and choreographer at The Little Theatre in Sullivan for 20 years. He was seen by theatre patrons in many, many rol es and was terrific as a star or charac ter actor. We have known John for several years and feel that we have lost a friend. THE FARINA NEWS, FARINA, ILLINOIS ~ GALA OPENING TOUNl,?;Je_ 4 WEEKS THR AT 8:00 2 1 1 Senior Citizen'& Spee aWed at 2:3()-$5.00 Matinee · KATHRYN CROSBY Ut.•c-utur. Illinois, Sunday. !Uay 21, 1978 \ , .. , i~,JA John•Kelso ' --- Chicario Tribune, Monday .,Miy 15, . 197 8 ll1P!'.c,~~.\~~~i~~y~~d~~ded t:•1 · contim.ie hf:'r artmg career alter a four-month tour of "Same Time. ~ext Year:· She's vocalizing daily for a May 23 through June 4 run in the musical .. Oh Coward~ .. at the Little Theater on the Square m Sullivan. Ill.

,{Ubr i£tttll' ~h-rntr \ll~ Ch t 1:JIT • l!!i',1lli'11J11 _llll Today~, 1:JO and 7:00 Through June 4 GOOD SEATS AVAILABLE KATHRYN CROSSY ~- ~~,_._,,,,,., - SEASON TICKETS FOR FIVE PRODUCTIONS - Sll.75 GROUP RATES AVAILABLE ' June 6-July 2 JOHN SAXON ~Qf a~ July4-11 Marriage -GoAround July 18 30 GEORGE CHAKIRIS \ - WABD~ ::J ~ t \ Kathryn Crosby, performing with actors Philip Polito and Ty McConnell in 'Oh Coward', appears at The Little Theatre-On The Square through June 4. Kathryn Crosby Gives Sparkling Performance Kathryn Crosby, in a sparkling opening night performance of Oh Coward. at The Little Theatre-On The Square m • •• • a TONIGHT AT 8:00 THROUGH JUNE~ GOOD SEATS AVAILABLE KATHRYN CROSBY -.. • • •• ,t...,Ai~t June G--=--Tuiv '2 Sullivan, endeared herselt to the audience Tuesday evening, May 23. The Texas born widow of Bing Crosby received a standing ovation the conclusion of her performance in the musical revue. At a press conference afterwards, Mrs. Crosby, speaking of her performance, said, "I wanted very much to be good ... 1 never got one (a standing ovation) before.'' Appearing with her on stage were two veteran actors, Philip Polito and Ty McConnell. Both have appeared in New York, Polito on Broadway, and both have had parts on ABC-TV in Ryan's Hope. "I was absolutely petrified when the material arrived," Mrs. Crosby said about the script. She added, however, that "I loved what I was doing tonight. I got to sing some Baptist alto." Oh Coward! is Mrs. Crosby's second musical role. During her 20-year marriage to Bing Crosby, she once had the musical part of Peter Pan, getting the role, she said, because she could crow so well. Mrs. Crosby has known Guy S. Little Jr., producer, owner and managing director of the Little Theatre-On The Square for ten years. She first met him in a playhouse in Phoenix, where she was playing in summer stock. Ever since, Little has been trying to bring Mrs. Crosby to Central Illinois. Mrs. Crosby expressed pleasure toward singing in the Sullivan theatre, calling it a "Jewel Box" and referring to its intimate dimensions as a blessing and a joy. Her voice and that of actors Polito and McConnell carried well throughout the theatre whether during the soft interlude of If Love Were All or during the lively Mad Dogs and Englishmen. The words to the latter, commented McConnell, are so different they rattle our brains. Her favorite song in the Coward pot pourrie was by Lydia Gabriel Lamb London Pride, said Mrs. Crosby. The song, written by Coward after the WW II destruction of London, depicts a wild flower found growing among the debris. ''The lyrics expressed so clearly such a stirring time," she said. "We're going to make it. There's a lot of it in our background.'' In the past, this mother of three, widow of one of the best-known performers that ever lived, has been a stage and screen actress. a registered nurse, a teacher, a TV talk show hostess, a social worker, an author and a charity fund-raiser. '' I feel strongly about the achievement of all women,'' she said, adding that "homemakers have as hard a job as anyone." Theatre, however, represents the joy in her life, Mrs. Crosby said. After leaving Sullivan, she plans to continue with her theatrical career. Like the wildflower in London Pride, Kar hryn Crosby ~CL'lll" likelv to make it.

PANA NEW -PALLADIUM. May 29. 1978 Page9 ''OH COWARD!'' Sl 'LLIVAN - The musical revue. "Oh Coward!'' starring beautiful Kathryn Crosby opened to a capacity crowd May 23. at The Little Theatre-On The Square, and received much praise from patrons and critics alike and a standing ovation at the end of the performance. Directed by Bob Baker, and also starring Philip Polito and Ty :\1cConnell. the production will be presented through June 4, Tuesdays through Friday at 8:00, Saturdays at -1 :00 and 9:00 and Sundays at 2:30 and 7:00. ·'Oh Coward!" is a compilation of the charmed wit that was Noel Coward-his music and lyrics, sketches and play excerpts-an evening's entertainment. It was devised and directed by Roderick Cook, and first presented in New York City on Oct. 4, 1972 at the New Theatre. Noel Coward was an international theatrical personality for over 50 years. He wrote, and starred in his first musical when he was 23. This was the first of 11 musicals to bear the billing "Music. lyrics and book by Noel Coward." "Oh Coward!" is a ml?Sical tribute to his unique genius. Coward's talent to amuse is endless and will continue for ever. Nostalgia interspersed with his inevitable sharp insight into the humorous side of society leaves an audience humming the memorable melodies and mouthing the sometimes hilarious, sometimes moving and always masterful lyrics. Some of his more popular songs included in the revue are "Dance Little Lady," "Ziegeuner," "Why Do The Wrong People Travel," " If Love Were All," "Mrs. Worthington,'' "Mad Dogs and Englishmen," "Mad About the Boy," "I'll See You Again," " I'll Follow My Secret Heart," and "Someday I'll Find You." Kathryn Crosby was born in Houston, Texas, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Emery Grandstaff, and spent her youth in West Columbia and Robstown. Both parents were school teachers. She attended West Columbia , grammar and junior high school, then Robstown High, when beauty contest awards started ~ rolling in. She won several beauty titles and began to see 1 stars in front of her eyes. She entered the University of Texas where she won several more beauty awards, and was urged to try for a movie career in Hollywood. Ms. Crosby tested for Paramount Pictures and was signed to a contract. When she was first at Paramount in 1952, she was correspondent for some 20 Texas newspapers. One of the stars she interviewed was a singer-actor named Bing Crosby. After she was all through asking Bing questions for her colwnn, Bing came up with one of his own: "Will you have dinner with me on Sunday? " The answer was " yes." Bing and Kathryn were married Oct. 24, 1957. A registered nurse, school teach, former television hostess, social worker, charity fund raiser and a very busy actress, Kathryn Crosby just doesn't have enough hours in the day or days in the week. She readily admits that outside her family, her allconsuming passion is the stage. She leaps at every opportunity to act. This is her first appearance at The Little Theatre-On The Square. Also making their Sullivan debuts are Mrs. Crosby's 2 leading men, Philip Polito and Ty McConnell; both experienced New York actor-singers. Mr. Polito made his Broadway debut in the original cast of 0 1776" and was seen in " All Over Town" directed by Dustin Hoffman. His theatre credits include "Wonderful Town" with Lauren Bacall and " The Gingerbread Lady" with Dorothy Collins. Ty McConnell will be remembered as the demented Kenneth Castle on Ryan's Hope on television. He has appeared in New York opposite Angela Lansbury in "Dear World'' and Robert Preston in "The Lion in Winter." Returning for his only production of the season is musical director Bruce Kirle. He served as musical director at The Little Theatre-On The Square for four seasons and when not in Sullivan, he has coached and conducted in Los Angeles with Ed Ames, Peter Breck, the late Jack Cassidy, Robert Conrad, J udy Carnes, Sherri Spilaine and on the road with Mimi Hines and Sue Ane Langdon. He is one of Hollywood's favorite accompanist and is often seen at leading showcases including the Comedy Store and The Little Club. Following "Oh Coward!" John Saxon who was such a sensation in last season's ''Shenandoah" will return to Sullivan to star in the musical " Man of La Mancha" June 6- July 2. Kitty Carlisle will star in the comedy "MarriageGo-Round" July 4-16. Award winning George Chakiris will return to Sullivan for his third appearance to star as "Count Dracula" July 18-30. The musical hit, "Cabaret" will be presented Aug. 1-27, and the star for this production will be announced in the near future. Children's Theatre productions will include "Tom Sawyer," "The Wizard of Oz" and "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" July 17 through Aug. 26 at 1 :00 on Saturdays. Discount cards, group rates, senior citizen, student and children discounts are available upon request at substantial savings. For reservations for an productions or further information, please call the box office at 217-728-7375 from 10:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. daily or write The Little Theatre-On The Square, Box 155, Sullivan, Illinois, 61951. U; 1r •Itttlr [hratrr 1i,~ il:hr ~l!IIIITT' • hll1 1 uon. JIil. June 6-July 2 JOHN SAXON ., 15nct ·•- 11~ .,c~u AT THE THEATRE c JI t1 ,/ f'-:?. 11, 1 , 1.- q, l/(1 "OH, COWARD!'' Mrs. Bing Crosby (Kathryn) will star in this musical comedy revue by Noel Coward. With his recent death, the script of "Oh Coward!" becomes an especially poignant reminder of this most dazzling theatre talent. Here is the cream of Coward- his music and lyrics, sketches and plays excerpts in a compilation of the charmed wit that was Noel Coward. Kathryn Crosby has been touring in "Same Time, Next Year." Tue• day, May 23 through Sunday, June 4. Tuesday through Friday at 8 p.m. , Saturday at 4 and 9 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 and 7 p.m. Little Theatre-on-the-Square. For reservations and further information call 1-728-7375. "MAN OF LA MANCHA" One of Broadway's greatest musicals currently breaking all records on the road after the New York revival this season. John Saxon is the star-he broke all records in Sullivan last season as the star of the hit "Shenandoah." Tuesday, June 6 through Sunday, July 2. Tuesday through Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 4 and 9 p.m. and Sunay at 2:30 and 7 p.m. Little Theatre-on-the-Square in Sullivan. For reservations and further information, please call 1-728-7375. UID.CQLn 11:uu - ~= IU 14 1 N M AIN • 1 •,), 5/lTUllD/lY.T ~ -_ .,·/ NIGH ► ·'(' FEV£n ls] · Tonight at 8:00 through June 4 • Good Seats Available

Page 12, THE ATWOOD HERALD, Atwood, Illinois, June 8, 1978 \ Thursday, J une 8 , 1978 ~ The ML Zion Region Nt ws John Saxon Returns 'Man Of LaMancha: Plays In Sullivan John Saxon, handsome fihn and television star, returns for a second se85'.., at The Little Theatre-On The Square in Sullivan, as Don Quixote in one of Broadway's greatest musicals, "Man of La Mancha," for a four week engagement, June 6 through July 2. Last season, Saxon appeared in the record breaking musical, ''Shenandoah. 11 "Man of La Mancha," the "Impossible Dream' • musical, is the inspiring story of Miguel de Cervantes and the famous character he created, the foolish yet noble knight, Don Quixote de La Mancha. " Man of La Mancha" was conceived by its author, Dale Wasserman, on a casual visit to Spain, where he read in a newspaper that he had come to Spain to write a play based on ''Don Quixote.'' Although he had no plans to do so then, he took the suggestion happily. The stirring musical score by his collaborators, Mitch Leigh and Joe Darion, includes the popular songs "Dulcinea," '·I Like Him," " A Little Gossip'' and the rousing "I am I, Don Quixote." " Man of La Mancha" is the winner of ~he Best Musical award of the New York Drama Critics Circle for 1966. Since then, it has been performed all over the world. Currently, " Man of La Mancha' ' is breaking box office records on the road, after its recent New York revival. It was last seen in Sullivan in 1970. Mr. Saxon, who was born in Brooklyn, had no real dreams of being anactoruntil his midteens, when he saved his money from jobs as a delivery boy in order to enroll in acting classes. Soon he was invited to Hollywood for a screen test, and was thereafter signed to a long-term contract with Universal Studios. After making his fihn debut in "Running Wild," Mr. Saxon received his first real critical acclaim for his moving performances as a deranged young athlete in "The Unguarded Moment." Mr. Saxon 's favorites among his films are "War Hunt" and "The Appaloosa." In "War Hunt" he played a psychotic soldier, and in ''The Appaloosa," which starred Marlon Br ando, he was cast as a Mexican bandit. Mr. Saxon possesses a brown belt in Karate, and used the technique extensively in "Enter the Dragon" with Bruce Lee. Mr. Saxon's best known TV role was his portrayal of Dr. Ted Stuart, the masterful surgeon in "The Bold Ones" on NBC, which is now in syndication worldwide. He has just completed three films, soon to be released: "Shafunar," "The Bees" and "The Glove." Appearing opposite Mr. Saxon is Chicago actress Cheryl Lee as Aldonza, the common woman who is transformed by Don Quixote's faith in her. Miss Lee, who has extensive experience in stage, film and TV, is currently working on a night club act. Also featured in the production are Douglas Mellor as the Captain, Jerry Tullos as Sancho, Lee Neil Jones as Anselmo, Ron Relic as Juan Pace, Tom Schumacher as Jose, Richard Hutt as Tenorio, Phil Courington as The InnKeeper, Janet Baxter Peltz as Maria, Guy Little as The Padre, Stephen Fiol as Dr. Carrasco, Molly Watson as Antonia and Kitty Bickers as Fermina. The production is directed by Guy S. Little, with choreography and musical numbers staged by David Arthur, scenery by Robert Soule and costwnes by Sara Warber. Following "Man of La Mancha," productions for the 1978 season include Kitty Carlisle in "Marriage-GoRound July 4 - July 16, Academy Award winning actor George Chakiris as "Count Dracula" July 18 - 30, and the hit musical, " Cabaret" Aug. 1 - 27. Children's Theatre productions will include "Tom Sawyer," "The Wizard of Oz," and "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" July 17 - Aug. 26 at 1 p.m. on Saturdays. Discount cards, Group rates, Senior Citizen, Student and Children Discounts are available upon request. Reservations for all productions and information may be obtained by calling 217-728-7375 from 10 a.m. W1til 10 p.m. daily or writing The Little Theatre-On The Square, Box 155, Sullivan, Illinois 61951. John Saxon, film and television star, returns for a second season at The Little The~tre-On The Square in Sullivan, Illinois as Don Quixote in one of Broadway's greatest musicals 'M , an of La Mancha.' The musical runs four weeks, June 6 through July 2. Last season, Saxon appeared in the record breaking musical "S}lenandoah." 'Man of La Mancha' the 'Impossible Dre'am' musical, is the inspiring story of Miguel de Cervantes and the famous character he created, the foolish yet nobJe knight, Don Quixote de La Mancha. The story was conceived by its author, Dale Wasserman, on a casual visit to Spain, where he read in a newspaper that he had come to Spain to write a play based on "Don Quixote.'' Although be had no plans to do so then, he took the suggestion happily. The stirring musical score by his collaborators, , Mitch Leigh and Joe Darion, includes the popular songs 'Dulcinea,' 'I Like Him,' 'A Little Gossip' and the rousing 'I AM I, Don Quixote.' 'Man of La Mancna· 1s the winner of the Best Musical award of the New York Drama Critics Circle for 1966. Since then, it has been performed all over the world. Currently, 'Man of La Mancha' is breaking box office records on the road after its recent New York revival. It was last seen in Sullivan in 1970. Saxon, who was born in Brooklyn, had no real dreams of being an actor until his mid-teens, when he saved his money from jobs as a delivery boy in order to enroll in acting classes. Soon he was invited to Hollywood for a screen test, and was thereafter signed to a long-term contr act with Universal Studios. After making his film debut in 'Running Wild,' Saxon received his first real critical acclaim for his moving performance as a deranged young athlete in 'The Unguarded Moment.' Saxon's favorites among his films are 'War Hunt' and 'The Appaloosa.' In 'War ~unt' ~e played eel psychotic soldier, and in 'The Appaloosa,' which starred Marlon Brando, he was cast as a Mexican bandit. Mr. Saxon possesses a Saxon plays Don Quixote Sullivan John Saxon returns for a second sea- son at the Little Theatre-On The Square in Sullivan Tuesday as Don Quixote in "Man of La Mancha." "Man of La Mancha" is the story of Miguel de Cervantes and his famous character, Don Quixote de Le Mancha. The musical score, composed by Mitch Leigh and Joe Darion, is best known for the hit song, "The Impossible Dream." The musical won the New York Dra- ma Critics Circle Award for Best Musical in 1966. "Man of La Mancha" was last performed in Sullivan in 1970. Saxton is best known for his TV role in "The Bold Ones," and recently com- pleted three new films. He appeared last year in the Little Theatre production of "Shenandoah!' Appearing opposite Saxon is Cheryl Lee, who plays Aldonza, the prostitute who is transformed by Quixote's faith in her. Also featured m the production are John Saxon Douglas Mellor as the Captain. Jerry Tullos as Sancho Panza, Lee Neil Jones as Anselmo, Ron Relic as Juan Pace, Tom Schumacher as Jose, Richard Hutt ' as Tenorio, Phil Courington as the Inn.keeper, Ja,net Baxter Peltz as Maria, Guy Little as the Padre, Stephen Fiol as Dr. Carrasco, Molly Watson as Antonia and Kitty Bickers as Fermina. The production will be directed by Guy Little, with choreography and mu- sical number staging by David Arthur. The four week engagement runs through July 2. Other productions for the 1978 season include Kitty Carlisle in "Marriage-Go- Round," July 4-16; George Chakiris as "Count Dracula" July 18-30 and "Cabaret" August 1-27. Children's theatre pro- ductions include "Tom Sawyer," "The Wizard of Oz" and "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs," July 16 through August 26 at 1 p.m. Saturdays. Reservations for all productions and information may be obtained by calling <217) 728-7375 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, or by writing the Little TheatreOn The Square, Box 155, Sullivan, Ill., 61951. Student. senior citizen, children and group rates are available.

JOHN SAXON ,,, ''_16ncf' Ifffanc1ia" June 6 - July 2, 1978

Glamorous Kathryn Crosby ¥,'ill be making :her tlrat appearance at Sullivan's Little Theatre-On The Square, starring in the delig,httul Noel Coward revue "Oh Coward!", 'Wti.ldl opened Tuesday in SUllivan. Kat!lryn Crosby, the petite Texas-borne beauty, is the mother of three active children aa well as being the widow of one o! the best lmown legends 1n the entertainment worldBing Crosby. In addition to these claims to fame, Ka.tilryn ts also an actress, registered nurse, 9Clhool teacher, for.mer television hostess, social worker, charity fund raiser, and an all-round interested participant in living a worthwhile life for herself and others. Kathryn and her da.ug'hter, Mary Frances, toured the swnmer theatre circuit in lfi77 in the George Tibbles' <Xmtedy, "The Latest Mrs. Adams", and she appeared recently in an ABC.TV two-Jiour movie, "The Initiation of Sa.rah". Directed by Bob Baker, and starring Kathryn Crosby, with F!hilip Polito and Ty McConnell, the production will be -presented through June 4. Bruce Kirle bas returned to SUllivan as Musical Director for tlhi.s show only. There will be a special Senior Citizen's 'Matinee on Wednesday, M.a.y 24, at 2:30. Mrs. Crosby will not perform on 'Ihursda.y, May 25, as she bas been invited to appear at the White House in Washington. D.C. in a special three hour performance dedicated to Boo Hope, the comedian w'ho a.ppeared With Mrs. Crosby's husband in so many films. ' ' tat 8:00 through GOOD SEA TS AVAILABLE 0 ✓- JOHN ~/,~~" SAXON • 2c • ~an~f w::..., 'Na -~· ~ ~ ~ .. 'tanc..na CHILDREN'S THEATRE Sat. 1:00 •Alf Seats $1.50 1 'TOM SAWYER11 Coming KITTY CARUSlE 111 "Mama~Ge>- R(M.!ld ·. GEORGE CHAAIRlS as ''COUNT DRACULA' and 'CABARET" • LITTLE THEA THE Will CELEBRATE ITS 3fJWJ~ i~~f~~~~~ ~ATM~~" !W Central Illinois' only profes- J sional Equity (union) star music and drama theatre, Sullivan's Little Theatre-Ota. The Siquare, will celebrate its 3000th performance Saturday night, May 20th during the 9:00 performance. Mr. and Mrs. Peter Palmer are starring m the ihit musical, "I Do! I Do!" which continues furoug'h Sunday, May 21st wiitlh per!orme.nces Tuesday throu;g1h Friday at 8:00, Saturday at 4:00 and 9:00, and Sunday at 2:30 and 7:00. The Little Theatre-On The Square orJginally opened as a silent filin house fifty years ago (lfi28) and was known as The Grand Theatre. Guy S. Little, Jr. leaaed the theatre in tlhe spring of 1957 to bring live, legitimate theatre to centrla Illinois. After making necessary changes at the theaJtre so that stage productions could be produced, Mr. Little obtained a New York cast and staff and first opened the doors on July 3, 1957 witih. his ''S•ummer of Musicals" wifu a production of "Brigadoon". That first season, a new musical was presented ea.oh week for nine weeks With producl.ions of "Wonderful Town," "Roberta.", "Ki98 Me, Kate", "Song of Norway'', "Call Me M.a.datn", "Wish You Were Here'\ ''F'ini6?U1.' .. rta.U4bJVr ano "Guys and Dolls". The ·attendance the first season was nearly 9,000 while in some recent years, nearly 100,- 000 patrons have attended the theatre. Many of tlie great stars from Broadway and Hollywood have appeared at the Sullivan theatre. Peter Palmer, who won faa:ne and stardom on Broadway and Hollywood as "Li'l Abner" has appeared in thirteen musicals in Sullivan since lhe made his debut at The Little TheatreOn The Square as Curly in "Oklahoma!" in 1962. Aniko (Mrs. Palmer) joined her husband as the co.star of "The Student Prince" in 1968, and since tJhen they have appeared t~ether in Sullivan in "The Music Man", "Brigadoon", ''The Sound of Music'', "Li'l Abnet'", a.nd "OkJa.honia!". CROSBY ..-'. " ..•.. ,:), . .,Delightful No ii.. ,, .,., Coward Music 1 Comedy Revue .. _ ,, - 1 ' first time i ~1'A1'~l Sullivan! SEASON TICKETS FOR FIVE PRODUCTIONS - $28.75 GROUP RATES AVAILABLE tudent and Children Discount ssible Dream" Musical June 6- July JOHN SAXO ~cf' 1§~1,i July 4-16 KITTY CARLISLE "MarriageGoRound" July 18 • 30 GEORGE CHAKIRI Today at 4:00 and 9 00 4 W eks ThrouQh Julv 2 ,, · JOHN SAXON ~ Cf' 'l§~a feet to appla~ ri~g t? their formance S xon s per- . . · · · axon must be unwittingly comic . .. pathetic yet even dauntless chi I . . • d ti • va rous an ~a ant .. . he does it all well Ebullient Jerry Tullos and fie . foheryl Lee give spirited peirmances . . . Phil Courgtnton and Janet Baxter Peltz handle double ~oles excellently. Guy Lit- tle making one of his too-rare ap-- peara_nces plays the Padre and ~ontr1butes his first-rate . La Mancha' puts 'em onvoT,che. Feet' .. e E.W. Hesse, Champaign NewsRh uma 1:tt-ffit1001\i!N Ms.- Crosby Starring At Little Theatre Kathryn Crosby, widow of the late Bing Crosby, opened her first appearance in Sullivan' s Little Theatre On The Square this week. Ms. Crosby is starring in ' Oh Coward!' -- a Noel Coward musical revue being presented in Sullivan for the first time. The musical will ~e presented through June 4. Show times are 8 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 4 ·p. m. · and -9-p·.m-;--S-aturcrny-, ~ ·· and 2:30 and 7 p.m. Sunday. Ms. Crosby' s career in acting has included motion picture appearances in ' Cell 2455 Death Row,• ' Th_e Guns of Fort Petticoat/ • Mister Cory,' ' Reprisal,' ' The Phoenix City Story.' • Operation Mad Ball, • The Big Circus,' ' .\n~tomy Of A Murder,' nd • The Seventh Voyage of Sin bad.' . On stage, she has played leading roles in ' Sunday in Kathryn Crosby New York,• ' Sabr Fair,' ' Peter Pan,• • A and The Man,' ' M: Mary,' ' The Guardsme and ' Pygmalion.' Starring with Ms. Crosb1 • Oh Coward!' are Pt Polito and Ty McConrn The musical is being rected by Bob Baker. B Kirle is the musical dir

By Bill Ward Lindsay-Schaub News Service Sullivan Two shows opanec.l Tuesday n!flht at Sullivan's Little Theatre-On the Square. One of them-the Noel Coward musical revu · 1 0h, Cownrd"-was a moderate success. The other-a Love 1' .. east for 1 athryn Crosby-was a smnsh. Noel Cowar~ is not typical Cent:al Illinois rare. and the opening night crowd seemed largely unfamiliar with the man and his music. But Coward was not the renson most of them, were there. They bad filled the Little Theatre to I capacity to cheer Bing Crosby's widow. And that's wl nt they dfd, with pro- longed applause nt the show's opening and a standJ,ng ovation at the end. A for whnt went between-that was lnr ely irrelov nt. T .ose who &ctually wanted to see 0 Ob, Coward," on the other hand, got a generally enjoyable m·ening, with beautiful sets and costtL"llcs and Cowaid's witey lyrics b· oylng indifferent per- formances. Tl.c revue is arranged into 10 segments, some of them medleys and others songs and wriUngs aroW1d a com-• mon theme. • ''England," for Instance. offers satirical views or the lower and upper classes in ''That Is the End of the News" and "The Stately Homes of England," then shows the indomitable spirit of those enduring the Biltz in "London Prida. •· The music hall, travel, theater, love nnd women provide. other themes for Coward barbs and melodics. There are two possible views as to how these segments are corned out. The charitable view is that the three performers-Mrs. Crosby, Philip Polito and Ty McConnell-are well-matched, with no one standing out, thus allowmg 1 Ty McConnell (left), Kathy Crosby and Philip Polito star in Sullivan Little Theatre's musical revue (i was in Sullivan Tuesday and while . par~in~ around their• square downtown, I found ,e S~n studying his Imes for the up- 1 coming musical '.'Man of LaMancha." I talked with John Saxon who had arrived in Sullivan Monday for practice and he was happy to be back. Kathryn C_rd~ will be giving her last performance of "Oh Cowar7s'unday. uy Little, Jr. is practicing this week as he ' will be in the next musical. :J - the Coward material to be the star. The uncharf table view ts that the three are uniformly uninspired. Whichever view ts taken, H's clear that what is memorable m "Oh. Coward" is the songs themselves, not how they're presented. Mrs. Crosby is amusing m the com!c scenes and dloplays a sort, chanteuse singing style suitable for the c .\ r u numbers about world•V.!COry ,. o . n. Am.I she's always lovely to look at in a succc$Sion of gowns. It's hard, however, to reconcile the Dietrich-style vocals with her wholesome, All-American Girl presence. And the only time she dominates the stage lS ;, when she's there as herself, giving an anecdote-laden curtain speech. Meanwhile, throughout the first act Polito and McConnelJ seem cast as the black velvet background on which the would-be jewel is displayed. It's not until after intermission. with the ramous "Mad Dogs and Englishmen,'' that they s~ow any sparkle of their own. Things pick up therenrter, though, with a succession of strong numbersMrs. Crosby in "A Marvelous Party," McConnell in "Dance L1tUe Lady. · Polito in "Mrs. Wentworth-Brewster," and all three in a witty Coward updating ( wittily re-updated for this production) of Cole Porter's "Let's Do It.'' "Oh Coward" also provides something r rom about every show Coward wrote. And the lyrics are always cl ar and understandable. What superlatives "Oh, Coward'' deserves go to its visual effects. 'fhe show could have been staged with three stools and a black backdrop. Instend, Robert D. Soule has created a plush red and gold music hall, with such-11 variety of striking and hilarious drops and ~uch effective use of lighting that it's hard to remember it's a umt set • The stage ac:tion 1s less imaginative Still, director Robert Beker has kept it fast-paced, so that even with curtain speech the show 1s out in less than two hours. Whether you're a N~l Coward or just a Kathryn Cro!lby ran, the Little Theatre for the next two weeks I off ering two shows you're not 11kely see agam soon - •' ·,

Wayne Allen's alley 1t•s good to hear someone say nice things about television. Especially an actor who has earned a good living in it. John Saxon doesn't jump on a soapbox to defend TV against 0\er•simplified criticism. He's too quietly introspective for that. Well• bred is another term for the handsome actor. "Pictures are pictures,'' Saxon opined as he sat down to a bottle of Budweiser after a 'The Saxon Charm' loog day's rehearsal a t the Little Theatr-e in · Sullivan where he v. ill open Tuesday for a roonth's run as 'Man of La Mancha." "The only difference between motion pie• :ures and TV is in the proJection. As living ·oom screens become larger, the difference wl be even less." Sa xon softly makes a .trong case for his theory because he ·s been n both movies and TV for nearly 25 -ears. He hopes to continue indefinitely in 10th. not onJy as a respected character actor, tll hopefully as a direc tor and packager of llms. "Mustcals aren't my thing," Saxon admit• :!d after hJs second day of singing his "Man r La Mancha" songs. " But this Is my sixth eical play. I guess you'd call it a hobby,·• axon beamed his wide, genu.lne and con• 1gious smile. «:--».J=· .y'WY. '• "'··,,·,:-:-~ ~'.-'. ....... ... ,· ~ : "•>Y. John Saxon ·• Dressed in chino slacks, brown stripec shirt sans tie and green jogging sneakers Saxon exudes a brand of masculine virilit) that once made him the heartthrob of g,rJ: MlO envied Sandra Dec and <Saxon's otl1'{1 Turn to page 2 p 'l 1 j · ·~ A 1) , 11111111111111111111111111n111111111111111111111111111i11111,11111-UJ1. en~ from page 1 early movie co-stars. At 42, his only con. ce:s.5ion to the years appears to be a slight thinning of his top locks. Otherwise he's still a man with velvety brown eyes so dark lh~y sometimes seem black. And his 165 pounds · are still muscularly spread on his 5' 11 .. frame. On the raked stage where ''La Mancha" will be performed, Saxon had undergone his exercise for the day. He's a health enthusiast, but not obnoxious about it. "I don't knock TV;' Saxon insisted. .,I never did. It's not only given me a good living. but a chance to grow as an actor. I've done so many TV shows that I haven't had a chance to see all of them... Saxon also has remained busy in motion pictures. Currently he can be seen in "Moonshine County Express" and "The Bees." His vintage films .iJl.. elude everything from the satiric comedy "Mr. Hobbs Takes A Vacation" to the dramatic epic "The Cardinal." 01 TV Saxon has appeared in shows ranging from the live drama of video's Golden Age to such recent miniseries as ··'79 Park AveJrue, ° For three seasons Saxon starred in medical episodes of "The 13old Ones" as "Dr. Ted Stuart." Ironically. "The Bold Ones., W3.5 a sort uf mini•series long before that TV fad began. Saxon doesn't rule out another TV series in his future although current guest star commitments on various shows will take him well into next season. "My home is California <Brentwood)-il has been for 24 years. We like it-my pri• mary work is there and our seven-year-old son is in school." Saxon and his wife, Mary Ann, travel only when his movie work takes him to such faraway places as lndia. Italy and Mexico. She may join him aga.m this summer at Sullivan, but only after school is out later this month. Although Saxon was the hit of the season last summer at the Little Theatre in "Shenandoah... the somctimc•singer docsn ·t ap, pear to be coasting {)n that triumph. After we · • .• , ,., ..,,.,.,.., "'~hf •~ Actor was off to members. 'lbere's no hype from serious minded Saxon about the roar of the greasepaint and clarion call of Broadway. "l'µi a film actor. That's what I know best. I have no real'yen to go back to New York.'' Saxon is a native of Brooklyn where he v.•as born c.armen Orrico. Saxon also pragmatically points out that any work on Broadway would mean a finan- _cial sacrifJ.Ce for an acwr steadily employed ·.1n films and TV. • , "Oh, maybe if it were a show I couldn't refuse," the gentle Italian grinned. "But 1 haven't had any offers like that lately •· For the past few summers Saxon has pur• sued his musical bobby in such summer stock productions as "Guys and Dolls,"' "1776, " ··Promises, Promises" and the aforementioned "Shenandoah." As in films, versa• tility appears to work well for Saxon. The actor minimiz.es his onetime "matinee idol" status. He hopes that tag went out wlih "Rock Pretty Baby." Seven years under contract at Universal was quite enough, Saxon feels. He much prefers free-lancing in movie and 1V roles of his choosing. "I've been playing charader parts since 1 was 22," Saxon recalled. •'La Mancha .. is but one rmre-mit music. Does Saxon regret that supemar status didn't seem to come during his long career in tmvies and TV? "Star is a word that really no longer has much meaning,·· Saxon said as he poured himself another glass of beer. "And there isn't any such thing as a super star, either. John Travotta may be the big• gest thing in pictures at the moment. but rn bet I could walk down the streets r:l Sullivan and run across people who have neveI heard of him. "Stardom is an ,lus1ve thing. You can have it m one area and be unknown in anotht-r There ore so m any d1ff ercnt audiences todav. -~ Saxon allowed. • Whatever kmd of star Saxon may be, he's an intelligent oclor m no way quixotic like • •• ~ • , .. . ,., ..,. ~~PH\•

July 2 ilobS. -•~- .,. riuft9 le lheil ,- •• oppiovcl So>.- I ~<• , • • $o1- ffl1A} ... .,....,,,.,1>9ly com,c •• , ,o•IMhc .• , .,., ...,.,. dov,.1i.n. ch,-,air...1 o-nd 9allanr ••• he ct- 11 el ..,..n, OtvlliMt >-y Tullot ar,cl fie,y 0-,I I.N t,.... tp,ril.., .,..,.-..... ... ~ Cevri,,9- Oftd Jon•I loi<IM ,.111 l,c...U. dovble ,.1e,s .. ,.u.,,.,ty Gvy lillle mo~1n9 on• •f hit -- OW-0"Cfl ployt tt,,o ,.. .... and untnl>,,ilH hio r.n, ... ,. ...ic.. \e Mc,.,ct,,o· ~ '•"' - n.. ,_... E. W, H ..... O.Ompo;g,. H.,...-Gantte Juty4-18 KITTY t CARLISLE Marriage -GoAround - maunee per!urmaaces Sold Out CHILDREN'S THEATRE JuM 24 and July 1 - 1 :00 "TOM SA WYfR" Jut.Y 8, 15, 22 AND 29 "THE WJZARD OF OZ" -~ . July 18 - 30 GEORGE 'CHAKIR1S Little Theatre's 'Oh Coward' More Than a Touch of Class By WALTER LAZENBY SULLIVAN - There's more than a touch of class in "Oh Coward," the Little Theatre ·s second production of the season. First, Noel Coward's lyrics and wellmatched tunes can hardly be surpassed in the modern theatre for sophistication. Second, the three-person cast is headed by Kathryn Crosby, who in person evinces those qualities of ease and graciousness which tele\'ision viewers will remember from the Bing Crosby Christmas specials. She 1s well supported by a duo of actors who rise competently to the challenge of intricate lyrics demanding crisp, articulate, and quick delivery. Third, Robert Soule's production design clcganlly recreates some of the symhols of Cowc1rd s sophisticated world, with a senes of eye-catching cut-outs. In all. it is n lantalizinglv brief evenjng - an hour ,1nd three-quarters. Brief primarily because the selection of numhers lo sho\l. Coward's range and versatihl\ does not seem to allO\\ time for delicious savoring of individual pieces, but brief also from omis'iionc;; For mslanre in a segment called .. England,' one sketch called " That Is the 1<:nd of the '.\:ews." features a Cockney couple keeping their British upper lips stiff, the better to come smiling through hardships; through its humor Coward satm ,Z"'- the notion Thf'n "The Stately Homes of England" presents the ironic plight of impoveri.:;hed landed gentry who A Review keep their castles up "for Americans lo rent." And "London Pride" pays a touching tribute to a lowly wild flower which after the Blitz come to symbolize survival and renewal. Other numbers like "Nina" (about a girl from Argentina who - unbelievably - refused to dance) and " Mrs. WentworthBrewster" (who found life and love in Italy to her liking after her husband's death l give varied pictures of women. So does "Three White F'eathers", a rather poignant sketch of a showgirl just at the moment when she doubts that being presented to the Queen is quite her cup of tea, since she has only risen to the aristocracy through her marriage. There is a segment on travel, ending with this general reflection on tourists: " Why Do the Wrong People Travel?'' The music hall sequence seems much to the liking of the performers but would go over better with the audience if they were more familiar with the English music hall style. My point: this amplitude of variety skimps some of the standard Coward fare. The lyrics of "Mad Dogs and Englishmen·· and "A Marvelous Party" are trimmed, and " Mad About the Boy" features only one of the four onginal parts. The present cast has updaled yet again - the words to Coward's parody of Cole Porter's ''Let's Do It " But " World Weary" is disappointing, because so few bars are included the romantic songs ' I II SeL You Again. · "Someday I'll Find You," "I'll Follow My Secret Heart,·· and "You \\'ere There" get short shrift. too Mrs. Crosby, at a press ronference following the show, apologized for her singing, saymg that if Bing could hear her he would probably be doing a lot of laughing. But she needn't ha\'e. Her voice had precisely the right range for "Matl Ahout the Bov." which <.;h(' sa11g v.W, appropriat1• ronii<h'nt 1alily a11d ,ult ,..me,~ Her t\\ inkling eyes and 1mp!sh smirk along with a gt•nerall\. ekg,rnt ap pearance. helped great!) w11 h her rendition of ·:i..tar\'elous Partv." A, tlw showgirl she was good and her c ocknr) accent for "That ls the r:nrl of the ~ews · was verv creditablr Ty Mcf'onnell sang "You WPrC' There" to a· darkE'nPd aurlitorium , lacking ,1 stage partnerl in part1c11larl~ good \ oire. and his rendition of ' 'N111a·· cxhihit,,ct rf•al flair Phil Polito gavt a perfedly salt'-fying rendition of "Mrs Wentworth-BrewslN'' and teamed with McConnell for a poltshNf staging of" \11d norTs and Englist 111~n". Bouquets to producer for bringing this out-of-the ord:n..ir~ f;irf' tn ,~Pnlral lllino1s I From left Philip Polito, Kathryn Crosby and Ty McConnell in 'Oh Coward ' May 23 ATH RYN1 ~"~-~ ;RQSBY •• ~~,th~i~!r T 9 lmpoulble Oroam' Mu1lcal i:,:~ June 6 JOHN •t SAXOr J.JGncF a~ Kitty Carllsle "Biography" a comedy July 18 - 30 GEORGE CHAKIRI. August 1-27 "CAP.ARET'' SEASON TICKETS FOR 5 SHOWS $28.75 • Group, Senior Citizen and Student Rates available KATHRY CROSBY -- ~·.•· • • • r I Musical uly 2 July4-16 KITTY CARLISLE "Biography" a comedy July 18 30 • ugu1' 1, 27 " CARARET" SEASON TICKETS FOR 5 SHOWS $28, 7 5 • Group Senior Citiien and Student rotu avolloble

DE CA TU R~_s __ U_N_D_A_Y_ H_ E_R_A_ L_D_ A_N_O_ R_E~V_I_E_W _____________ D_t><'alur, lllinoiM,. undny , Junt• J J ,1978 P1 .. odt1ce1· dirccti11 o· . t, a11d s • 11gi11g " Man or La Mancha," the musical ad::iptntion of D:ite W3$ermnn's play, "I, Don Quixote." now at the Little Theatre an Sullivan will continue its month's run through July 2. Starring Hollywood's John Saxon in the title rote, the musical features Little TheaGuy Little Jr. tre p1oducer Guy S. Little Jr. tn one of his infrequent appearances on bls own stage. Portraying the Padre in the hit musical, Little sings three songs. "To Each His Dutcinea,""Only Thinking of Him," and " Tbe Psalm." tittle, who also directed the production, is producer, owner and managing director of the Little Theatre on the Squ ar e where he has pres~ted plays and musicals since 1957. Since open ing his playhouse which ls Central Illlnois' only professional Equity star musical and dramatic . theater, l ittle has presented 228 production!. A graudate of Miami Unlveristy, Little also studied theater and voice in New York City. ln"La Mancha" he 1s repeating a role he performed In a previous Little Theatre edition. Also featured in the musical are Cher yl Lee, as Aldonza. Miss Lee. a Chicago actress, is a former "Miss Cn1cago." Following " Man of La Mar,cha" at tht> Little Theatre will be Kitty Carllsfe m "Marriage-Go-Round," opening July 4th for two weeks. Tickets for this production have been selling rapidly with the matinees already virtually sold out. Saxon to use 1 artist's craft' ' • 1n 1 Man of La Mancha' role By Mardy Fones Actor John Saxon looks on five weeks at Sullivan's Little Theatre-On The Square as "an opportunity to apply the artist's craft. " Applying his craft includes the magic- al transformation of the 41-year-old Sa- xon, who looks youthful despite his thin- ning hair, into the mangy, bearded, wrinkled Don Quixote de La Mancha. "This is my sixth musical," Saxon said of bis role in "Man of La Mancha," which opened last week for a month's run. He readily admits that he's an actor first and a vocalist second. "The important thing is a blend of the acting and the singing. There are 12 acting apprentices here who can sing better than me." Last year Saxon was at the Litte Theatre as the patriarch lead of "She• nandoah." "Sullivan hasn't changed," said Saxon, who lives in Los Angeles when he isn't performing in a play or film. "I wish I'd brought my camera to get some pictures of the people. I've seen things here I haven't seen since I left Brooklyn, just people sitting on the square or in porch swings. It's kind of tranquil, slow and quiet." Saxon has found audiences at the Little Theatre to be much the same as audiences in large metropolitan areas, though. "Sometimes the matinees are a little subdued, but that could be due to a heavier concentration of older people who would be quieter anyway." Saxon looks on his opportunity to play Don Quixote, the windmill-battling knight, as a challenge. "Don Quixote is a classic. The big thing is illusion and reality. " According to the former television star of TV's "The Bold Ones," tbe play's simple theme of idealism versus reality "involves everyone to some degree." And when it comes to reality, Saxon is most ardent where it applies in his own field. "Most actors are very cautious," said -·,:. June 6-July 2 JOHN SAXON 16ncf l§w-~ Saxon, about giving advice to aspiring actors. "I had one young guy tell me he wanted to be an actor because he thought that was the way to get women. "Actually, the simplest way to get started is to begin right where you are and make the most of what's around you, such as with the Little Theatre. Find out something about yourself. "If you feel you have to blossom out then go to a bigger place and study. Just do what you have to do." Just being in the right place at the . right time isn't everything. "Strange things have happened. Luck does enter into it," Saxon admits, "But neither luck nor talent is as important as sheer willingness to keep working. " Sheer willingness means working and waiting for that one perfect part to come along, the one that lets you bloom. The role you don't play -rather, the role you simply are, "It's no different than the Don Quixote thing. It's a piece of stage craft, like John Saxon a pot made for the table, it's not Tupperware." • , • wl1r iGittlr itl1ratrr July 4 - 16 KITTY CARLISLE "Biography" a comNi) July 18 - 30 GEORGE CHAKIRIS SEASON TICllETS FOR ~ SHOWS $28./:J • Group, Se11i0f t,tlten & Student Rates availa~e. ' ('Jn [ lit 9 UQl"t * Sul1111on. )II. FC.R MOTHER'S DAY • THE PERFECT GIFT • SEASON TICKET, GIFT CERTIFICATE or tic- kets to ... Mr. and Mrs. Peter Palmer In the wonder1ul musical, " I DOI I DOI" July 4-16 KITTY CARLISLE m "B1ogra!i1y" July 18 - 30 GEORGE CHAKIRIS August 1-27 "CABARET" "audiences are rising to feet to applaud Saxon 's formance . . . Saxon must b wittingly comic . . . pathetil yet ever dauntless. chive and gallant . . . he does well. Ebullient Jerry Tullos fiery Cheryl Lee give spiritec formances . . . Phil Courir and Janet Baxter Peltz h1 double roles excellently. Gu tie making one of his too-ra, pearances plays the Padre contributes his first-rate \i 'La Mancha' put ·em on Feet' " E. W H Champaign News-Ga Children's Thea1 "TOM SAWYEI Saturday at 1 :0 All Tickets $1.E

~~e,, -'>It°~ -.Ye,, iune 15, 1978 / page 8 --------~~~ .._ _______________ _ Musical aepicts dungeon, stay often ended in death The '· Man of La Mancha•· musical at Sullivan is a more or less ,,. eird story which takes place in a weird Spanish dungeon. It is staged during the time of the Inquisition when politics concerned beheading. life imprisonment. and burning at the stake. John Saxon who delighted audiences last year in Shenandoah, has a difficult part to play trying to relate to an audience who remembered him in the old southern story depicted in Shenandoah. There's nothing romantic or pretty in La Mancha, where Saxon plays an author-actor who is thrown into a den of cuthroats, robbers and unlovely characters. The best part of the production is seeing producer-director Guy Little back on stage where he gets a chance to act and to use his good voice. He plays the part of the padre and sings "To Each His Dulcinea" and "The Psalm." Also with a good voice is Jerry Tullos, who is Don Quixote's servant Sancho. He gives a spirited pedormance and sings ''I Really Like Him'' and ' ' A Little Gossip" as solos. Saxon, as Miguel de Cervantes pretends to be Don Quixote, and helps all the undesirable ar.d beaten down prisoners, to see some of the better things of life. He helps the girl Aldonza to rise above her role in life by insisting John Saxon that she is his Dulcinea. Aldonza is played by newcomer, Cheryl Lee, who does well and sings well in the difficult part. Don Quixote's fight with the windmill is realistic and the duel with the Knight of the Mirrors, is exciting. Old favorites ''The Quest, the Impossible Dream" and "little Bird, Little Bird" are remembered from the same producticn with Bruce Y arne11 the star, eight years ago. The entire company sings the songs well together, and the music is worth hearing and enjoying. "La Mancha" runs through July 2 at the Little Theatre. Tonight at 8:00 through June 4 • Good • • • • Seats Available -~ ~ ,' .. , iJ , /~, Kathryn Crosby in "OH COWARD! The critics rave . . . • . • b .. Kathnn Cro-.ln a -.ma-,h at Sullhan ... a V>\t' f t'aflt for Kathl")"TI (,ro., Y .•. prolon,if'd appJam,•· ... and a standing ovatio.n. ~lrs. Cr,,o;by i.., ~ui,in~ i~ lht' c-omi<- ',Ct'Ot''- and di-,J>la)-'- a -.oft. chantt'u~· -.mgmg. -.tyl•· ... ~ht'~ alway,., !owl)' to look at _in a <,uc-c-.-.. -.ion of gowni- ... :.O,up+-rlatn•-s go to 1ts vumaJ ••ff..-ct, .. ·• Bill Ward Decatur Herald " Had (',owarif l>fi•n in Sulli\an. he ~,mid hav•• lt-d tlw standing ovation • • . ,u.-h tylt: and gnu·~ ... uniqu•· rhurm and talt•nt ... \Oic-t·., bl••nding .. ". c-t-llt-nlly ... an t·H•nin-.t fillt·d ~ith hi~hlight., ... To thoi,t- not )t't d~•vott•t•o,, I .,ug~•...,I Sullhan·-. 1>rodurtion of OH (:0\\AHD! a,., .tht' y..rft•C't mtroduction . . . Joan Meisner, Springfield State Journal WQP i.Gittle '-!>ltentrt .. (On it~, ~Wlff ,i, 6u!~~lll!n, JU. . Final Time, Today 2:30 and 7100 GOOD SEATS AVAILABLE PETER and ANIKO PALMER SEASON TICKETS FOR FIVE PRODUCTIONS - $23.75 GROUP RATES AVAllABU Student and Children Discounts "The Impossible Dream" Musical June 6-July 2 JOHN SAXON ·kancJ" ~~andia July4-18 KITTY CARLISLE Marriage -GoAround July 18 - 30 GEORGE CHAKIRIS June 6 - July 2 'The lmpouibl• Drftam' musical JOHN .ft SAXON ·~ -16ncJ" -~l.i~Jia July 4-16 Kl TTY CARLISLE "Biography" a comedy n : July2 AVAILABLE "Man of LaMancha is given spectacular treatment . . John Saxon heads an outstanding cast . . . Saxon performs with strength and sensitivity. His Knight is valiant. bt,1t vulnerable . . . Masterful character . . . His singing voice is strong and clear. He Is a thorough professional." Springfield State Journal "Audiences are rising to their feet to applaud Saxon's performance ... Saxon must be un• wittingly comic . . . pathetic . . . yet even dauntless, chivalrous and gallant ... he does it all well. Ebullient Jerry Tullos and fiery Cheryl Lee give spirited per formances . . . Phil Couringto and Janet Baxter Peltz hand double roles excellently. Guy tie making one of his too-rare pearances plays the Padre ,contributes his first-rate voi 'La Mancha' puts 'em on •Feet' .. July4-16 KITTY CARLISLE ''Mantage -GoRound" Matinee Performances Sold-Out CHILDR June24 CLUSTER DRIVE-IN SALEM, ILL. RT. 37 S NOW SHOWING IT'S GOT HEAT. I \ ,.. Sllruno/l NIGHT FEVEn JOHN TRA VOLT A A PARAMOUNT PICTURE !RI Plus "HUSTLE" ' GEORGE CHAKIRIS August 1-27 "CABARET" SEASON TICKETS FOR 5 SHOWS s2e. 75 * Group, Senior Citizen a nd Student Rates available . - R Tonight at 8:00 ugh July2 JOHN S~XON ~ancJ" l.iJWi"C1ia "Man of LaMancha is given spectacular treatment . . . John Saxon heads an outstanding cast . . . Saxon performs with strength and sensitivity. His night is valiant, but vulnerable . . . Masterful character . . . His singing voice is strong and clear. He is a thorough professional."

MATINEE DAIL y AT 2:15, 4:Jo. 1 •1so 0:45, 9:05 10 2:45 John Travolta Olivia Newton-John 1 La MancHa' lacks By Bill Ward Sullivan The ads for "Man of La Mancha" call it ''The Impossible Dream" musical. And that, for better or worse, is where the emphasis lies in the new production at Sullivan's Little Theatre. Song after song in this ever-popular show projects dramatic insight as well as thrilling melodies, and a strong group of voices has been assembled to Play review make the most of them. It doesn't take much of a story to bring everything to life. Not much of a story, unfortunately, is just what playwright Dale Wasserman has written. And the dramatic values "Man of La Mancha's" play within a play contains are largely downplayed in this four-week revival. Imagine, if you will, a Spanish dungeon where writer Miguel de Cervantes has been thrown to face not only with the wrath of the Inquisition but a bunch of cutthroats and thieves who beat and rob him. Surely in such a setting, drama should abound - particularly in contrast to the tale of Don Quixote which Cervantes spins to try to save his possessions. Not so, however. The Little Theatre dungeon lacks menace, and the stage action is largely static and at times lu- dicrous - such as when a ghostly In- quisitor shuffles on stage to take a pris- oner to the stake. One almost expects him to tell the unfortunate wretch, "Trick or treat!" Producer-director Guy Little has apparently chosen a Dinner Theatre approach, with plenty of music, some slapstick humor, and nothing too heavy to interfere with the audience's diges- tion. Viewed this way, "Man of La Mancha" is quite successful. drama John Saxon is handsome and sings well enough in the dual role of -Cerv antes-Quixote, while Cheryl Lee is beautiful and sings well enough as the whore Aldonza ( Quixote's "Dulcinea"). Strong voices are also shown by Step- hen Fiol, who makes his Little Theatre debut as Quixote's nemesis, Dr. Carrasco, by Janet Baxter Peltz as bis housekeeper, and by Little, who takes the role of the Padre. The show offers one all-around excel- lent performance: the Sancho of Jerry Tullos, warm, tuneful and funny. It also bas two noteworthy scenes: Quixote's hilarious ''combat" with a bunch of rowdy muleteers, and their cbilllng subsequent rape of Aldonza. Finally, it has "The Impossible Dream." With dinner and a drink, that might be enough. But as it is, this production of "Man of La Mancha" is little more than an original-cast album with costumes. JOH AX( • ~ CHILDREN'S THEA TR Sat. at I :00 e Alf Seoh $1. ··roM SAWYER"' Coming ... KITTY CARUSte "Marriage Go-Round GEORGE CH AKIRIS ' ''COUNT DRACULA" QC "CABARET" 1 l,hiliJilf.iJl-itiHUiit•£ · Spectacular production Principals in "Man of La Mancha," now playing at Sullivan's L11tle Theatre, are from left Jerry Tullos, John Saxon Cheryl Lee. of 'Man of La Mancha' "Man of La Mancha," that spectacular musical based on Cervantes' "monument to human wit and folly," is given spectacular treatment at Sul• livan's Little Tbeatre-On•TheSquare. John Saxon heads an out• and clear. In much the same manner, Aldonza is one of the more demanding women's roles. Cheryl Lee, however, is more singer than actress. Physically she is a beautifut young standing cast as the belea• ( ] guered "knight of the woeful Revi·ew countenance." Winner of the prestigious ~--------- New York Drama Critics Award in 1966, .. Man of la Mancha" will have a fourweek engagement in Sullivan. playing through July 2. Boasting one of the most memorable and magnificent musical scores yet written ("Impossible Dream," "Dulcinea," "Little Bird, Little Bird," etc.) "Man of la Mancha" is powerful, moving. funny and poignant. Impo$i• ble though Quixote's dream may be. it is a reality for audiences to identity with and experience with him some part of that dream. Surely one of the most de• rnanding roles ever created is that or Don Quixote/Cervantes which Saxon performs with strength and sensitivity. His knight errant is valiant but vulnerable. staunchly insisting one cannot go through life without dreams to sustain us. Saxon steps In and out or character in his play-within• a-play with masterful ease and his singing voice is strong woman suited to the role but she needs to be gutsier lo be totally convincing. .Jerry Tullos as the hapless squire Sancho displays a mobile face and exceJlent timing sense in both comic and dra• matic scenes. His portrayal of Sancho is a completely different interpretation than most and a joy to behold. Stephen Fiol as the Doc• tor/Duke Is painfully practi• cal and cynical, with no time for dreams or illusions. Yet at the final denouement, as he bends over the fallen knight, his face and whole being convey such compas• sion his quiet, simple statement evoked tears. Pl1il Courington as the innkeeper/governor shines in the knighting scene and Janet Baxter Peltz as the house• keeper/Maria is a fine actress with a magnificent voice. Antonia 1s portrayed by Molly Watson, with a love• ly voice and stage presence to match. Richart Hutt as the barber creates a delightful total characterization, as be pantomimes and cavort$ about as though dancing 011 hot coals. . Producer Guy Little Jr. took over the directorial reins, staging the productior m one complete act as wa! orginally intended, so that i1 lost neither its leaven nor its drama. AlthOugh seldom seen on stage, Little also displayed his able acting and singing talents in the rote of the Padre . David Arthur's choreogra• phy and staging 1s differen: and innovative, allowing th actors great freedom o movement. Little, Arthui<: and set designer Robert Soul,t have succeeded 10 makinc the stage assume physical d mensions it does not have. ) Soule's raked stage an,• stairs that lower drawbridgf fashion into the Seville dunr geon are effective. and Freel Sager's hghting is intricate and well done. The off-sta~e orchestra of four pieces pro, vides eff ecti\'e background under the direction of John Tanis. In all, the produclion sue. ceeds in illustration of it• theme: We are all men of u. Mancha, holding onto some prcclous dream, no matte:! how improbable. s Joan Meisne,

THE FARINA NEWS, FARINA, ILLINOIS AT SULLIVAN -: ~ ·Nt 8; 1'17/' John Saxon, handsome film and television star, returned for a second season at The Little TheatreOn The Square in Sullivan as Don Quixote in one of Broadway's ~reatest musicals, Man of La Mancha", for a four week engagement, June 6 through July 2. Last season, Saxon appeared in the record breaking musical, "Shenandoah". "Man of La Mancha", the "Impossible Dream" musical, is the inspiring story of Miguel de Cervantes and the famous character he created, the John Saxon foolish yet noble knight, Don Quixote de La Mancha. "Man of La Mancha" was conceived by its author, Dale Wasserman, on a casual visit to Spain, where he read in a newspaper that he had come to Spain to write a play based on "Don Quixote". Although he had no plans to do so then, he took the suggestion happily. The stirring musical score by his collaborators, Mitch Leigh and Joe Darion, includes the po~ular songs, "Dulcinea", "I Like Him", "A Little Gossip" and the rousing "I Am I, Don Quixote". "Man of La Mancha" is the winner of the Best Musical award of the New York Drama Critics Circle for 1966. Since then, it has been performed all over the world. Currentl¥, "Man of La Mancha" is breaking box office records on the road, after its recent New York revival. It was last seen in Sullivan in 1970. Mr. Saxon, who was born in Brooklyn, had no real dreams of being an actor until his mid-teens, when he saved his money from jobs as .a delivery boy in order to enroll in acting classes. Soon he was invited to Hollywood for a screen test, and was thereafter signed to a long-term contract with Universal Studios. After making his film debut in "Running Wild", Mr. Saxon received his first real critical acclaim for his moving performance as a deranged young athlete in "The Unguarded Moment". Mr. Saxon's favorites among his films are "War Hunt" and "The Appaloosa". In "War Hunt" he played a psychotic soldier, and in "The Appaloosa", which starr~d Marlon Brando, he was cast as a Mexican bandit. Mr. Saxon possesses a bro~ belt in Karate, and used the technigue extensively in "Enter the Dragon" with Bruce Lee. Mr. Saxon's best known TV role was his portrayal of Dr. Ted Stuart, the masterful surgeon, in "The Bold Ones" on NBC, which is now in syndication worldwide. He has just completed three films, soon to be released: "Shalimar", "The Bees" and "The Glove". , . Appearing opposite Mr. Saxon is Chicago actress Cheryl Lee as Aldonza, the,comm?n woman who is transformed by Don Quixote s faith in her. Miss Lee, who has extensive experience in stage, film and TV, is currently working on a night club act. Also featured in the production are · Douglas Mellor as the Captain, Jerry Tullos as Sancho, Lee Neil Jones as Anselmo, Ron Relic as Juan Pace, Tom Schumacher as Jose, Richart Hutt as Tenorio, Phil Courington as the Inn Kee~er, Janet Baxter Peltz as Maria, Guy Little as the Padre, Stephen Fiol as Dr. Carrasco, Molly Watson as Antonia and Kitty Bickers as Fermina. The production is directed by, Guys. Little with choreo~raphy and musical numbers staged by David Arthur, scenery by Robert Soule and costumes by Sara Warber. AILABLE ATHRY ROSBY - ;:-.. . ,. . ., .. .r .. • 11.•. = ~ r ft•Aib! ENING TIJESDAV AT 8: 2 AXON .. The lmposililt> Drean1·· Musical j _/ i I I'/ P / 6 T, ?he S Tu;ne.J -Y . . . !9 7 y <.'1t11cns. and unemployed person<. w11h an 1dcntilkation card from Illinois Job Servit'c. will be admit1cd free of thargc to Sunday matinee<,. Rc·scrvations may be made: bv phone (789-8(}30) or al the theatre box office. The Windmills of His Mind-The Spanish lnqubition was not the jolliest of limes. Huddled in a dark dugcon surrounded by other political unfortunates, Cervantes passes the time spinning tales of the gallant Don Quixote fighting battles for truth. justice and "The Impossible Dream ... John Saxon recreates the roles of Cervante!> and Don Quixote in the popular musical 'Man of La Mancha' June 6-July 2. Tickets for the performances at Sullivan's Little Theatre-On The Square range from $5.95 to $9.75 . Curtain at 8 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; 4 and 9 Saturday; 2:30 and 7 p.m. Sunday. For reservations or information. call 217/728-7375. _Sullivan. THE FARINA NEWS, r:ARINA, ILLINOIS APPEARING AT SULLIVAN Thursday,· Jaine 15, 19 8 Cheryl Lee, who appears as Aldonza in The Little Theatre production of "Man of La Mancha", is a native Chicagoan who represented her home ~own as ~iss Chicago in 1973 in the Miss America Pageant Scholarship Program. She has had feature roles in "Fiddler on the Roof" "B ' . , oeing Boeing", "Ki ng Lear", "Diary of Anne Frank", "Pal Joey" and "Summer and Smoke". She has ap- peared in numerous commercials, films and television pro9rams and recently is perfonning her new night club act when her schedule peI11Uts. Cheryl Lee "Man of .;,a Mancha" starring handsome Johhn, Saxon.will be presented Tuesday trough Friday at 8:00, Saturdays at 4:00 and 9:00 and Sundays at 2:30 and 7:00 through Jul¥ 2nd. . For reservations or further inforrna- ~on,_please call 217/728-7375 or write e Little Theatre-On The Square Box 155, Sullivan, Illinois 61951. , Following "Man of La Mancha", produ"c=- tions for the 1978 Season include Kitty Carlisle in "Marriage-Go-Round", July 4- July 16; Academy Award winning actor George Chakiris as "Count Dracula", July 18-30; and the hit musical, "Cabaret", August 1-27. Children's Theatre f.roductions will include "Tom Sa~er", 'The Wizard of Oz", and "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs", July 17 through August 26 at 1:00 p.m. on Saturdays. Discount cards, group rates, .senior citizen,.stu~ dent and children discounts are available upon request. AVAILABLE :::.h JOHN .❖, ~ SAXON ~ancf' 1'~ Reservations for all productions and information may be obtained b¥ calling 217/728-7375 from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. daily or writing The Litt~e Theatr~-0~ The Square, Box 155, Sullivan, Illinois 61951. Children's Theatre ''TOM SAWYER" Saturday at 1 :00 All Tickets $1.50

Appears at Sullivan I a In 11Man of LaMancha" Cheryl Lee, who appears as Aldonza in The Little Theatre production of ''Man of La Mancha," is a native Chicagoan who represented her hometown as Miss Chicago in 1973 in the Miss America Pageant Scholarship Program. She has had feature roles in "Fiddler on the Roof," "Boeing, Boeing," "King Lear," "Diary of Anne Frank," "Pal Joey" and '•Summer and Smoke." She has appeared in numerous commercials, films and television programs and recently is performing her new night club act when her schedule permits. "Man of La Mancha," starring handsome John Saxon, will be presented Tuesday through Friday at 8:00, Saturdays at 4:00 and 9:00 and Sundays at 2:30 and 7:00 through July 2. For reservations or further information, call 217-728-7375 or write The Little Theatre-On The Square, Box 155, Sullivan, 11. 61951. 711 l[/ qhJulv2 JOHN SAXON ~an~ .a~a "Audiences are rising to their feet to applaud Saxon's performance ... Saxon must be unwittingly comic ... pathetic .. . yet even dauntless. chivalrous and gallant . .. he does it all well. Ebullient Jerry Tullos and fiery Cheryl Lee give spirited performances ... Phil Courginton and Janet Baxter Peltz handle double roles excellently. Guy Little making one of his too-rare appearances plays the Padre and contributes his first-rate voice. 'La Mancha' puts ·em on The Feet'" E.W. Hesse, Champaign NewslP!fflffin@efl·df~ila ' monday, june 12, 1978 features the daily Illini Play's supporting cast.tops Saxon's good performance by Paul Wood Television actor John Saxon, best known for his macho role on The Bold Ones, shows off a surprisingly good voice as Don Quixote in the Sullivan Little Theatre production of Man of La Mancha-but that doesn't stop an enterprising supporting cast from stealing the show. As a singer, Saxon is blown away by his squire Sancho (Jerry Tullos, who can also be seen in Damien: The Omen II). Their duets make this painfully obvious. Saxon's voice has a quiet strength (As Don Quixote, he looks and sotmds like Boris Karloff.) ; in a film version with closeuJli and overdubs that wouJd do, but not in a theatre where he must project to the back row. John Saxon talks about the martial arts roles he played beforeMan of La Mancha and Cheryl Lee shows off her bruises in an interview on page 21 . The other scene stealers are a pair of actors costumed as the mighty steeds of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza. Their costumes were almost too good ; sometimes the horseplay detracts from more serious matters. Technically, the production is decidedly superior. Besides the costumes, the set design is unpretentiously simple, with one gimmicky elem~nt (a drawbridge down to the dungeon) used effectively. The lighting in the same scene is striking, a tableau of light falling from above on th~ helm~ts of the inquisitors' soldiers. Later, red lights heighten the tension during the rape scene. 'The story is simple, based loosely on Miguel de theater review f Cervantes' 16th century novel. In the framing episode, Cervantes awaits judgment for heresy against the Church in a dungeon, while the prisoners there try him for heresy against Realism. Cervantes' defense is a play-within-a-play, rerely done so smoothly as in Dale Wasserman's adaptation. Cervantes makes himself up as Don Quixote, a supposedly senile man who battles windmills (off-stage) and mule drivers for the greater glory of his beloved Aldonza (Cheryl Lee), a half-crown whore. Most 6f the story is in the songs, and many are memorable. "The Impossible Dream" has been sung by various pious singers ad nauseam; Saxon's performance is proficient. Lee's voice grew stronger as the play progressed and her confidence increased. A former Miss Chicago, she was interesting early in the play only for the rising and falling of her carefully uncovered breasts. Supporting players were more singers than actors, which is perhaps as it should be. Phil Courington brought a heroic opera style to the Innkeeper's songs. Little Theatre owner Guy S. Little played the comic Padre as if inspired with the ghost of Gene Wilder. Man of La Mancha is worth the long trip to tiny Sullivan, Ill. Let's hope producers and ca,1ting scouts get down there so some of the performers can make the long trip out of tiny Sullivan, Ill. onday,. june 12, 1978 features the daily John Saxon Cheryl Lee Saxon: strong as lio and sings like bird by Paul Wood A reporter expressed surprise that tough~loo~ing Jo~n Saxo taken the part of an idealistic but ineffectual kmght m the Little Th~ production of Man of La Mancha. Not only that, but he looked the part. . . "Everybody does," the actor answered. "There's a httle bit 1 Quixote in everybody." . . Still, anyone who c~uld trade blows with Bruce Lee and bve_ ' about it sure isn't getting stereotyped w~en he pla}'.s an old mci spends more time getting beat up than domg the beatmg. Saxon a appeared together in Enter the Dragon. "Bruce was an exceptional person," Saxon remef1:1bers .. ''Heb a cult hero because he was such an exceptional martial artist. HE knew his stuff." . And Saxon should know. Holder of a brown belt m karate, he judo and tai chi chuan in addition to h~ a~ting classes. It's no wot tends to play the killer type in m?st of hi~ film~. . After making his film debut m Runmng Wild, Saxon received l critical attention for his moving performance as a deranged athlete in The Unguarded Moment. " I think the films I'm most proud of are War Hunt and The Apa Saxon says. In War Hunt, he played a psychotic soldier, an_d Apalovsa, which starred Marlon Brando, he was cast as a Mex1c dit~n television he doesn't always have to lay waste to people. B Id Ones as "masterful surgeon Dr. Ted Stuart," he even save li~es. Sax~n has also made a cult horror film in which he pl~yed t guy, even if you suspect him of the murd~ throughout the film .. Black Christmas is a low-budget Canadi~n.shocker about a kil ting down sorority sisters (among them, Olivia H~ssey and Mari der) over Christmas break. Saxon plays the detective who solves a few victims too late. ,, . \. "I knew Black Christmas would be a s~ccess, Saxo~1 sa1d. T., tor (Bob Clarke) put in a nice amount of ~risly elem~nts. . Saxon's career horizons are ever w1~er followmg v01~e an~ lessons in New York. Man of La Mancha 1s the_ seco_nd mus~cal s~ done in Central Illinois; last year he was top-billed m the Little T production of Shenandoah. While he pursues varied roles on the stage! however, Sax?r doing more or less the same o~ film ( The B~es 1s a current proJe his wit is still reminiscent of ClmtEastwood s- . When lovely starlet Cheryl Lee showed ~ff her lovel~ bru1 hastened to explain that the wounds had been mcurred during re for the rape scene. Had the five rehearsals helped her to learn the part of a woman?· . "Yes, and she learned to like it,'' Saxon replied, barely suppl sexist smile.

Page 10, THE ATWOOD HERALD, Atwood, Illinois, June 22, 1978 ''Man of La Mancha'' Thursday, Juno 22, 1978 THE FARINA NEWS, FARINA, ILLINOIS IN "MAN OF LA MANCHA" Guy S. Little, Jr. , appears as the Padre in Sullivan's Little Theatre-On The Square production Starring John Saxon Continues of "Man of La Mancha" which stars handsome John Saxon. The popular Broadway musical features a cast of professional Equity The popular Broadway musical, "Man Of La Mancha" starring well-known actor, John Saxon and featuring a cast of professional Equity actors from Chicago, New York and Hollywood, currently being presented at The Little Theatre-On The Square through July 2, continues to receive much praise from local reviewers. E.W. Hesse, from Champaign's NewsGazette says "Audiences are rising.to their feet to applaud Saxon's performance ... Saxon must be unwittingly comic ... pathetic ... yet ever dauntless, chivalrous and gallant ... he does it all well. Ebullient Jerry Tullos and fiery Cheryl Lee give spirited performances . . . Phil Courington and Janet Baxter Peltz handle double roles excellently. Guy Little makes one of his too-rare appearances playing the Padre and contributing his first-rate voice. 'La Mancha' puts 'em on The Feet!'' Joan Meisner of the Springfield State Journal writes, "Man Of La Mancha" is given spectacular treatment. .. John Saxon heads an outstanding cast... Saxon performs with strength and sensitivity. His knight is valiant, but vulnerable . . . Masterful character ... His singing voice is strong and clear ... He is a thorough professional." Guy S. Little, Jr. appears as the Padre in "Man Of La Mancha" and also directed the production. Producer, owner and managing director of the theatre, which he opened July 3, 1957; the only professional Equity star musical and dramatic theatre in central Illinois, Mr. Little is making a rare stage appearance and as the Padre sings "To Each His Dulcinea," "Only Thinking Of Him" and " The Psalm." Since 1957, he has presented 228 major productions and more than 3,000 performances have been viewed by Central Illinois audiences. Many of the great stars from Broadway and Hollywood have appeared on the Sullivan stage. At the age of 43, Mr. Little is looking forward to producing at least another thirty seasons at The Little Theatre-On The Square. Handsome John Saxon, who starred in "Shenandoah," the smash hit of the 1977 season, continues to win many admirers in his second appear ance on the Sullivan stage. He has been wellkoown for many years in films and TV, and recently completed three f ihns, soon to be rel eased; "Shalimar," "The Bees" and "The Glove." His best known TV role was his portrayal of Dr. Ted Stuart, the surgeon in "The Bold Ones" on NBC. "Man Of LaMancha," written by Dale Wasserman, with music by Mitch Leigh and lyrics by Joe Darion has been acclaimed all across the country. It was recently revived with much seccess on Broadway with Richard Kiley, and toured across the country breaking box office records in Chicago and Los Angeles. "Man Of La Mancha" was first presented in 1965 and early reviews were mixed. Since then the musical has been acclaimed around the .world, and its songs are continually being heard in concerts, night clubs and on television. When in "Man Of LaMancha," the dauntless, demented Don Qui)tote proclaims his mission to dream the impossible dream, he expresses both a personal credo and the theme of the musical play. Following " Man Of LaMancha," the 1978 season will continue with Kitty Carlisle starring in the comedy "Marriage-GoRoundn July 4-July 16. Tickets for this production have been selling very rapidly with the matinees virtually .sold out. George Chakiris will return to the Sullivan theatre to star in "Count Dracula" July 18-30, and the musical hit, "Cabaret" will close the season Aug. 1 through Aug. 27. The Children's Theatre will present "Tom Sawyer" June 24 and July 1. "The Wizard Of Oz" will be presented July 8, 15, 22 and 29 with "Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs" concluding . the Children's Theatre season Aug. 5, 12, 19 and 26. All performances are Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m. Tom Schumacher, a Yale graduate in drama, will direct these productions, which will feature the apprentice company, who are studying theatre and learning the practical asp~cts of theatre by actually working in all departments of theatre production during their summer in Sullivan. Discount Cards, group rates, senior citizen, student and children's theatre discounts are available upon request. For reservations or information about any of these productions, please call the box office, 217-728-7375 from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. daily or write The Little Theatre-On The Square, Box 155, Sullivan, Illinois 61951. {union) actors, and is being presented Tuesday through Sunday throu~h July 2nd. Mr. Little, pro- ducer, owner and managing director of the theatre, opened central Illinois' only ~ro- Guy S. Little, Jr. fessional Equity star musical and dramatic theatre on July 3, 1957, and is currently celebrating his 22nd season. Since 1957, he has present- ed 228 major productions and more than 3,000 performances have been viewed by central Illinois audiences. Many of the great stars from Broadway and Hollywood have ap~eared on the Sullivan stage. Mr. Little is making a rare stage appearance and as the Padre sings, "To Each His Dulcinea", "Only Thinking of Him" and "The Psalm". Following "Man of La Mancha", the 1978 season will continue with Kitt¥ Carlisle starring in the comedy, "Marriage- Go-Round", July 4 - July 16. Tickets for this production have been selling very rapidly with the matinees virtually sold out. George Chakiris will return to the Sullivan theatre to star in "Count Dracula" July 18-30, and the musical hit, "Cabaret", will close the season August 1 through August 27. The Children's Theatre will present "Tom Sawyer" June 24 and July 1. "The Wizard of Oz" will be presented July 8, 15, 22 and 29 with "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" concluding the Children's Theatre season August 5, 12, 19 and 26. All performances are Saturday afternoon at 1:00 p.m. Tom Schumacher, a Yale graduate in drama, will direct these produc- tions, which will feature the apprentice company, who are studying theatre and learning the practical aspects of theatre by actually working in all de~artments of theatre production during their summer in Sullivan. Discount cards, group rates, senior citizen, student and children's theatre discounts are available upon request. For reservations or information about any of these productions, please call the box office, 217/728-7375, from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. daily or write The Little Theatre-On The Square, Box 155, Sullivan, Illinois 61951.