Oral Histories

Interview of James A. Doolittle

Manager of the Greek Theatre.
Subtitle:
Enriching the Cultural Life of Los Angeles
Series:
Interviews not in a series, part one
Topic:
Theater
Biographical Note:
Manager of the Greek Theatre.
Interviewer:
Galm, Bernard
Interviewee:
Doolittle, James A.
Supporting Documents:
Records relating to the interview are located in the office of the UCLA Library's Center for Oral History Research.
Language:
English
Copyright:
Interviewee Retained Copyright
Abstract:
Family background in Salt Lake City; childhood in Los Angeles; theatrical influences; Southern California theater, 1920s and 1930s; actors and theater size; Biltmore Theatre; Huntington Hartford Theatre; Plumstead Players; history of repertory companies; beginnings in theatrical production at University of Southern California; opera productions at Hollywood Bowl; Erich Leinsdorf and La Traviata; Nadine Conner; San Francisco Ballet; Las Palmas Theatre productions; Actors Equity; Gian Carlo Menotti; ballet at Greek Theatre; Music Center of Los Angeles County programming; New York City Ballet; Lincoln Kirstein; Fujiwara Opera Company; Madame Butterfly; Greek Theatre Association; Harry Belafonte; Victor Borge; Maurice Chevalier; purchase of Biltmore Theatre, 1959; Lunt and Fontanne in The Visit; Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?; Grand Kabuki of Japan; purchase of Huntington Hartford Theatre, 1964; HMS Pinafore; Mame with Ann Miller; theater in Los Angeles; probe of Greek Theatre, 1962; Samuel W. Yorty mayoralty; Los Angeles Recreation and Parks commissioners; press and community support for Greek Theatre Association; struggles for survival; county versus city arts administrations; special programs for students and teachers.