Actress/model Arlene Dahl and KMO announcer Arnold Benum exchange big smiles at KMO's Keyes Building studio at South 9th and Broadway in April of 1946. A seated group of young children and adults are waiting for the upcoming live broadcast. Although born and primarily raised in Minnesota, Miss Dahl had many relatives in Tacoma, Parkland and Seattle. Her parents moved to Tacoma about 1944 where her father was employed at Todd Shipyards. She lived for a short time in Tacoma with them at their 4815 North 10th residence before leaving for Hollywood as a result of signing a seven year contract with Warner Brothers. Miss Dahl was to go on to star in many Hollywood films, including "Three Little Words," "Slightly Scarlet" and "Journey to the Center of the Earth." Later her Arlene Dahl Enterprises company marketed lingerie and cosmetics. Her son, Lorenzo Lamas, is also an actor. TPL-7150 (T.Times, 4-24-46, p. 1-article) ALBUM 5.

Actresses; Dahl, Arlene; KMO Radio Station (Tacoma)--1940-1950; Radio broadcasting--Tacoma--1940-1950; Benum, Arnold; Celebrity touring--Tacoma--1940-1950;

College of Puget Sound's Campus Playcrafters performed Thorton Wilder's "Skin of Our Teeth" as their spring production. The play depicts man's survival through the ice age, deluge and war. The play starred: Irene Fearn, Troy Strong, Helen Strong, Shirley Milstead and William O'Connell. View of the character, Maggie Anthrobus with pet dinosaur and woolly mammoth.

Actresses; Theatrical productions--Tacoma; Costumes; Masks--Tacoma; College of Puget Sound (Tacoma)--1940-1950;

College of Puget Sound's Campus Playcrafters performed Thorton Wilder's "Skin of Our Teeth" as their spring production. The play depicts man's survival through the ice age, deluge and war. The play starred: Irene Fearn, Troy Strong, Helen Strong, Shirley Milstead and William O'Connell. View of the Fortune Teller.

Actresses; Theatrical productions--Tacoma; Students--Tacoma--1940-1950; Costumes; Benches--Tacoma; Universities & colleges--Tacoma; College of Puget Sound (Tacoma)--1940-1950;

Play rehearsal at Annie Wright Seminary. Large group of girls dressed in Japanese costumes on stage of school theater. These actors, part of the largest junior class in the school's history, performed the operetta, "The Mikado," in May of 1952. (1952 Shield yearbook -alt. photograph)

Theatrical productions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Annie Wright Seminary (Tacoma)--1950-1960; Private schools--Tacoma--1950-1960; Students--Tacoma--1950-1960; Costumes--Japanese;

Actor Keenan Wynn at the McChord Officers Club dance. Mr. Wynn is seated to the extreme right. The blonde in the November 5, 1951, photograph is believed to be Mrs. Wynn, known professionally as Betty Butler. The Wynns and a cast of eight others visited Fort Lewis, McChord AFB and Madigan Hospital to entertain local armed forces. (TNT 11-6-51, p. 3)

Wynn, Keenan; Actors--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Bob Dickinson's Orchestra had just opened up at the Winthrop Hotel's Wedgwood Room. Bob was a talented musician who could play six different instruments and sing solos. Dickinson had played throughout Washington and California, he had been playing in Seattle for over ten years, and in Tacoma for the past eight. View of orchestra leader, Bob Dickinson (See images D33864-1 & 5).

Orchestras--Tacoma; Musicians--Tacoma--1940-1950; Singers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Men--Clothing & dress--Tacoma; Portrait photographs; Singing--Tacoma; Portraits; Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma); Dickinson, Bob;

Tacoma's Junior League had their first "Follies" show in 20 years. The "1947 Follies" show would benefit the Occupational Therapy Workshop, which was sponsored by the Tacoma Junior League Chapter. Performances were open to the public and the show proved to be a great hit. View of Junior League members and other volunteers performing "South America, Take It Away" (T. Times, 11/12/47, p. 15). TPL-10524

Actors--Tacoma; Costumes; Musical revues & comedies--Tacoma; Theatrical productions--Tacoma; Fund raising--Tacoma--1940-1950; Choreography; Junior League (Tacoma);

The Elks Club was having their annual Father-Daughter program at the Elks Temple in March of 1947. A large number of club members and their daughters and granddaughters would be performing. The show's main attraction was a six year old pianist. View of two Elks club members doing a dancing cow puppet show act (T. Times, 3/6/47, p. 13).

Theatrical productions--Tacoma--1940-1950; Puppets; Puppet shows--Tacoma; Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma);

Bob Dickinson (far right) and his Orchestra opened in the Wedgwood Room of the Winthrop Hotel in June of 1948. Dickinson, who could play six different instruments and sing solos, was a longtime friend of Bing Crosby. He and his orchestra had been playing in and around Tacoma for eight years including the old Crystal Ballroom from 1944 through 1946. Previously, he had been music director at both KOMO and KJR radio in Seattle. Sitting on the piano, surrounded by six orchestra members, is vocalist Margie Smith. According to the News Tribune, they are: (left to right) Jan Busbank at the piano, Dave Black, Charles Childs, drums, Francis Coe, bass, Miss Smith, Dean Christian, Tony Bye, saxophone and Bob Dickinson at far right. (T. Times, 6/18/48, p. 8; TNT 6-25-1948, p. 14).

Orchestras--Tacoma--1940-1950; Musicians--Tacoma--1940-1950; Musical instruments--Tacoma; Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma); Dickinson, Bob; Smith, Margie; Busbank, Jan; Black, Dave; Childs, Charles; Coe, Francis; Christian, Dean; Bye, Tony;

St. Leo's High School and Bellarmine High School presented "The Spanish Belle", an operetta in two acts, at St. Leo's auditorium April 30 and May 2, 1950, under the direction of Sister Mary Lavinia of St. Leo's and Father John Thatcher, S.J., of Bellarmine. Here we see two of the young male actors dressed as Spanish women as part of the humorous sketches that were worked into the action. Ordered by Sister Lavinia. (TNT, 4/30/1950, p.C-13)

Operas & operettas--Tacoma; Stage props; Costumes; Students--Tacoma; Bellarmine High School (Tacoma); St. Leo's Parochial School (Tacoma);

College of Puget Sound's Campus Playcrafters were performing their annual spring play in the Jones Hall auditorium. Student thespians were performing "If I Were King", this performance was open to the public. Leading roles were being portrayed by: Barbara Rowe, Dale Nelson, Harold Simonson, Robert D. Peterson and Gretchen Swayze. View of students on stage at Jones Hall (T.N.T., 4/27/49, p. 8).

Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Stage props; Stages (Platforms); Universities & colleges--Tacoma; Theatrical productions--Tacoma--1940-1950; Students--Tacoma--1940-1950; College of Puget Sound (Tacoma)--1940-1950;

Western singer and motion picture actor Gene Autry (center with white hat) with a group of unidentified men at Cushman Indian Hospital on July 15, 1949. Mr. Autry made the most of his one-day stay in Tacoma with a visit to the Cushman Hospital to visit sick children, a radio broadcast on KMO, and capped it off with the Tacoma Athletic Commission - College of Puget Sound variety show at Memorial Fieldhouse. ALBUM 8.

Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Musicians--Tacoma--1940-1950; Singers; Autry, Gene, 1907-1998; Hospitals--Tacoma--1940-1950; Cushman Indian Hospital (Tacoma); Indians of North America; Celebrities;

Western singer and motion picture actor Gene Autry demonstrates trick riding on his horse Champion during a show at the College of Puget Sound Fieldhouse on July 15, 1949. Champion Jr. also joined his famed sire on stage later that evening. The 12-act western musical variety show was sponsored jointly by the Tacoma Athletic Commission and the College of Puget Sound. Mr. Autry's troupe of western motion picture stars and radio entertainers included M.C. assistant to Mr. Autry, comedian Pat Buttram and vaudevillian Rufe Davis. (TNT 7-15-49, p. 13, 7-16-49, p. 3) TPL-148. ALBUM 8.

Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Singers; Autry, Gene, 1907-1998; Horses--Tacoma--1940-1950; College of Puget Sound (Tacoma)--1940-1950; Trick riding--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Tacoma Council of Churches was the sponsoring organization for the original Black Hills Passion Play, this play would be showing four matinees and four evening shows at Tacoma's Temple Theatre. View of one of the actors in full costume, possibly King Herod; he was part of the Black Hills Passion Play (T.N.T., 10/5/49, p. 8).

Theatrical productions--Tacoma; Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Costumes; Historical dramas; Biblical events; Tacoma Council of Churches (Tacoma); Temple Theatre (Tacoma);

Black Hills Passion Play was a great success in Tacoma, this famous play offered a wonderful story with beautiful costumes and talented actors. All performances at the Temple Theatre were very well attended. View of actor, Joseph Meier, portraying Christ; he is fully dressed in his costume for the Black Hills Passion Play (T.N.T., 10/5/49, p. 8).

Theatrical productions--Tacoma; Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Costumes; Historical dramas; Biblical events; Tacoma Council of Churches (Tacoma); Temple Theatre (Tacoma); Meier, Joseph;

The play is said to have offered their audiences wonderful acting by actors with a great deal of experience and beautiful costumes and scenery. View of actress, Mrs. Joseph Meier, she is portraying Mary the Mother of Christ; she is fully dressed in her costume for the Black Hills Passion Play (T.N.T., 10/5/49, p. 8).

Theatrical productions--Tacoma; Actresses--1940-1950; Costumes; Historical dramas; Biblical events; Tacoma Council of Churches (Tacoma); Temple Theatre (Tacoma); Meier, Joseph--Family;

Elks Extravaganza, 1955 edition, the hand painted opening curtain for the show. The curtain features advertising from many Elk-owned businesses, with Art Emery's American Outdoor Advertising featured prominently in the center. Many of the ads have caricatures of the business owners. Rinaldo Keasal's reads simply "Out of Business. Retired to the Farm on I Street. Take your problems some where else."

Theatrical productions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Entertainers--Tacoma--1950-1960; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma);

Reina L. Dougherty presents comedian Chico Marx with the "Key to the City of Tacoma" at the ground breaking of the U.S. Oil and Refining plant on the Tideflats. The blonde "Indian Princess Ah-pu-ya-ki" would be participating in Fun Fair events held in Tacoma that same weekend. Miss Dougherty was the granddaughter of George J. Dougherty, interpreter for Ezra Meeker, and the first Territorial judge of Washington. (TNT 7-21-55, B-6, TNT 7-23-55, p. 5) ALBUM 5.

Actors; Marx, Chico (Leonard), 1891-1961; Dougherty, Reina; Petroleum industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; US Oil & Refining Co. (Tacoma); Ground breaking ceremonies--Tacoma;

Comedian Chico Marx speaks at the ground breaking of the U.S. Oil and Refining plant on the Tacoma Tideflats. A packed platform of local and state dignitaries, including Congressman Thor Tollefson, 2nd from left, front row and Mayor Harold Tollefson 3rd from right, second row, enjoyed the witty comments of the famed Marx brother. Mr. Marx was also to assume the duties of master of ceremonies at the Young Men's Business Club invitational luncheon held at the Winthrop Hotel. He dazzled the luncheon crowd of refinery officials and dignitaries with his lightning fast repartee and samples of his piano virtuosity. (TNT 7-21-55, p. 1) ALBUM 5.

Actors; Marx, Chico (Leonard), 1891-1961; Petroleum industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; US Oil & Refining Co. (Tacoma); Ground breaking ceremonies--Tacoma;

Three costumed men participate in a skit during the Tacoma Printers Association's banquet held at the University-Union Club on December 2, 1952. Two masked men clad in white coats and wearing "Steilacoom" hats are escorting a rather disheveled looking individual in a straitjacket through an open doorway. Although the masked men are unidentifiable, the man in the straitjacket is believed to be longtime Tacoma Public School faculty member Robert C. Evans. Mr. Evans taught English, as well as working with music and drama students. Photograph ordered by Tacoma Printers Association.

Theatrical productions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Physical restraints--Tacoma; Tacoma Printers Association (Tacoma); University Union Club of Tacoma (Tacoma);

One of the skits for the 1956 Elks Extravaganza, March 14 & 15, involved a crooning duo, backed up by the All Girl Elks Band. Some of these "girls" look quite muscular handling those instruments because they are really Elks brothers. Once a year, Elk members could doll themselves up for the amusement of fellow members, friends and families. The Wednesday show, the more risque of the two, was viewed by members only. The Thursday show was open to members, ladies and friends. In 1956, the show was once again directed by old time vaudeville star Max Frolic, who had been prevented from participating in 1955 by ill health. (TNT 3-11-1956, pg. A-3)

Theatrical productions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Entertainers--Tacoma--1950-1960; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma);

Area residents would be fortunate to be able to see Academy Award winning actress, Luise Rainer, appear in the play, "Joan of Lorraine", which was held during Pacific Lutheran College's third annual drama-music festival in May, 1954. She worked with a student cast of 22 actors; here she is gesturing during rehearsals while three young men watch intently. The play, directed by Theodore Karl, was performed once only on May 7, 1954. (TNT 4-25-54, D-12, TNT 4-29-54, B-5)

Theatrical productions--Parkland--1950-1960; Actresses; Rainer, Luise; Pacific Lutheran College (Parkland)--1950-1960;

Luise Rainer extends her arms wide as she speaks to fellow cast members on stage during rehearsals for Pacific Lutheran College's play, "Joan of Lorraine". She would be performing the lead in the Maxwell Anderson play on May 7, 1954, as well as giving a matinee program of interpretive readings and selections from the Bible the same day. Pianist Jakob Gimpel, who was also a guest artist in the drama-music festival, accompanied Miss Rainer in the matinee program. Miss Rainer, Viennese-born, was a stage and screen actress who won Academy Awards for The Good Earth and The Great Ziegfeld. She also appeared in the plays, "Kiss for Cinderella" and Ibsen's "The Lady from the Sea." (TNT 4-25-54, D-12, TNT 4-29-54, B-5)

Theatrical productions--Parkland--1950-1960; Actresses; Rainer, Luise; Pacific Lutheran College (Parkland)--1950-1960;

Actors John Russell (TV series "The Lawman"), and Arthur O'Connell (TV series "The Second Hundred Years") flank actress Tippi Hedren ("The Birds") outside the Lakewood Terrace Restaurant while in Tacoma for the Tacoma Mall Theater's grand opening. In addition, Jody McCrea, Madlyn Rhue, Diane McBain and Troy Donahue also appeared at the theater's premiere. The stars were quartered overnight at the Lakewood Motor Inn. They had spent a busy day visiting the sick and wounded at Madigan Army Hospital prior to the 8:00 p.m. start of festivities. (TNT 5-16-68, C-6) ALBUM 5.

Actors--Tacoma--1960-1970; Russell, John; O'Connell, Arthur; Hedren, Tippi; Actresses; Celebrity touring; Lakewood Terrace (Lakewood);

Actor John Forsythe on stage during opening night at the Southcenter Theatre, April 1, 1970. Hands in pocket, Mr. Forsythe addresses the crowd attending "Topaz," an Alfred Hitchcock-directed spy film which also starred Philippe Noiret and Michel Piccoli. He eventually became best known for his work in television on "Bachelor Father" and the unseen, uncredited Charlie on "Charlie's Angels." ALBUM 7.

Forsythe, John; Actors; Motion picture theaters--Tukwila; Southcenter Theatre (Tukwila);

Actor John Forsythe signs an autograph during opening night at the Southcenter Theatre, April 1, 1970. Moviegoers are dressed in their best for the theater premiere. Mr. Forsythe's film, "Topaz," was the first film shown at the new theater located in Tukwila. ALBUM 7.

Forsythe, John; Actors; Motion picture theaters--Tukwila; Southcenter Theatre (Tukwila);

Actor John Forsythe with two men during opening night at the Southcenter Theatre, April 1, 1970. Mr. Forysthe, on the far right, grasps the arm of an unidentified man as he stolls down the aisle of the new Southcenter Theatre. His film, "Topaz," would be the first movie shown in the new theater. It was directed by Alfred Hitchcock and was one of his two "cold-war" themed motion pictures. ALBUM 7.

Forsythe, John; Actors; Motion picture theaters--Tukwila; Southcenter Theatre (Tukwila);

The cast of "No! No! A Thousand Times No!" posed for a variety of photographs on March 10, 1969. They were preparing for the opening of the two-act musical melodrama on March 19th. One actor, straddling a wooden chair above, gapes in astonishment at the exhortations of an aproned actress. All performances would be held at Steve's Gay '90s, 5238-40 South Tacoma Way, and include twelve big musical numbers. Members of the audience were invited to a community singalong prior to the 8:00 p.m. opening curtain. Photograph ordered by Steve's Gay '90s. (TNT 3-16-69, D-17)

Theatrical productions--Tacoma--1960-1970; Melodramas; Actors--Tacoma--1960-1970; Actresses; Steve's Gay '90s (Tacoma);

In case Jack Richardson's handlebar mustache, sinister black cape and dented black derby didn't give away the right clues, Rory Ogburn, a member of the Opera House Players, gently reminds the audience that they should reward the "villain" with appropriate greetings. Mr. Richardson portrayed the city slicker, Stafford Blackman, in the 1890's musical melodrama, "No! No! A Thousand Times No!," at Steve's Gay '90s during the spring of 1969. He had also appeared in another villainous role in a previous Opera House Players production of "The Drunkard" in 1967. Mr. Richardson was known as the "King of MCs" in his regular entertainment role at Steve's. Photograph ordered by Steve's Gay '90s. (TNT 3-16-69, D-17)

Theatrical productions--Tacoma--1960-1970; Melodramas; Richardson, Jack; Actors--Tacoma--1960-1970; Actresses; Ogburn, Rory; Steve's Gay '90s (Tacoma); Signs (Notices);

Bill Thurmon is surrounded by a bevy of beauties while in rehearsal for the musical melodrama "No! No! A Thousand Times No!" at Steve's Gay '90s. His mouth is wide open, either in surprise or dismay. The Opera House Players, consisting of many of Steve's entertainers, made up the cast of the melodrama. Performances were held mid-week for about a month during the spring of 1969. Mr. Thurmon was a member of the barbershop quartet, the "Most Happy Fellows." Photograph ordered by Steve's Gay '90s.

Theatrical productions--Tacoma--1960-1970; Melodramas; Thurmon, Bill; Actors--Tacoma--1960-1970; Actresses; Steve's Gay '90s (Tacoma);