The original Black Hills Passion Play was playing at Tacoma's Temple Theatre for four days, the performances were being sponsored by the tacoma Council of Churches. View of actress portraying one of the characters from the Black Hills Passion Play, she is fully dressed in her costume (T.N.T., 10/5/49, p. 8).

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

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. Here we see two of the young male actors dressed as Spanish women and an English tourist 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);

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);

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. A line of tap-dancers are shown in costume. Bob Columbini originated and directed the dances. The orchestra was directed by Louis Greiner. Ordered by Sister Lavinia. Names of the more than 20 dancers in the operetta are listed in the newspaper. (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);

Each year the officers of the Pre-school section of the Tacoma Council of Parent-Teacher Associations gave a get-acquainted party to welcome the new presidents of the local pre-school associations.The theme for the party held on October 3, 1951, at the Jefferson Park fieldhouse, was "Bibs and Pinafores." Here we see Mrs. Oscar Nero creating a fingerpainting while Mrs. William Larson and Mrs. Raymond Telling offer good hearted encouragement. (TNT 9-30-51, D-9, TNT 10-6-51, p. 5)

Theatrical productions--Tacoma; Costumes; Tacoma Council of Parent-Teacher Associations (Tacoma); Educational organizations--Tacoma; Women--Tacoma--1950-1960; Nero, Oscar--Family; Larson, William--Family; Telling, Raymond--Family;

Actor Keenan Wynn, right, in earnest conversation with French actress Denise Darcel and an unidentified military officer on November 5, 1951, at a McChord Field Officer's Club dance. Mr. Wynn was the son of legendary comedian Ed Wynn but developed his own niche as a first-rate character actor. He appeared in varied roles in such films as See Here Private Hargrove, Kiss Me Kate, Dr. Strangelove, Finian's Rainbow, and Disney's Absent-Minded Professor and The Love Bug. His first wife, Eve Lynn Abbott, would eventually marry movie star Van Johnson. Mr. Wynn and his cast of nine, including second wife Betty Butler and actress Debbie Reynolds, had just concluded a two-day visit to Fort Lewis, McChord Air Force Base and Madigan Hospital. Miss Darcel, who had appeared in Tarzan and the Slave Girl and Battleground, was one of the lovely ladies in the cast. The troupe put on 90-minute peformances at each military post. Sepia photograph taken on November 5, 1951. (TNT 11-6-51, p. 3) ALBUM 5.

Wynn, Keenan; Actors--Tacoma--1950-1960; Darcel, Denise; Actresses;

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;

Actor Keenan Wynn, right, with unidentified USAF officer at McChord Field Officer's Club dance. To boost the morale of the area's armed forces, Mr. Wynn and his nine member troupe performed at Fort Lewis, McChord Air Force Base and Madigan Hospital. Each military post saw a 90-minute performance. Mr. Wynn's wife, Betty Butler, was part of the cast. (TNT 11-6-51, p. 3)

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

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;

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);

The unidentified dancers in this chorus line from the Elks Club Extravaganza of 1953 were not afraid to show a little leg. The Extravaganza was produced and directed by Max Frolic (far right), well known former vaudevillian and band leader. Each of the heavily made up dancers has a distinct mole painted on his face, ala Marilyn Monroe. (TNT 3-24-53, p. 14)

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

Four members of the Tacoma Elks Club await the call to perform in the 1953 annual Elks Extravaganza. While all four are wearing tights and skirts, apparently two are supposed to be more masculine in nature--witness the buckskin jacket and derby hat. There were a variety of skits presented during the evening's entertainment, to the amusement of the large audience. Max Frolic, former vaudevillian, produced the two-night extravaganza, with a cast of over fifty individuals and a 35-piece Elk band. One performance was for members only. (TNT 3-24-53, p. 14)

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

Actor Duncan Renaldo, TV's "The Cisco Kid," poses with young patients at Cushman Indian Hospital on October 24, 1953 during a visit to Tacoma sponsored by the B&I Circus Store. In between public appearances at the B & I, Mr. Renaldo was ferried by Air Force helicopter to visit ill & disadvantaged children at the Indian Hospital, Rainier Buckley School for Boys, the childrens' ward at St. Joseph Hospital and Remann Hall. Mr. Renaldo is pictured with a young patient on a type of gurney, an autographed picture of the star resting on the boy's blanket. There is already a picture of "The Cisco Kid" and his famous horse "Diablo" on a nearby shelf. The patients and nurses alike seem to be fascinated with Mr. Renaldo's appearance; he was dressed in his trademark sombrero and Western clothing. ALBUM 7.

Renaldo, Duncan, 1904-80--Public appearances; Cushman Indian Hospital (Tacoma);

Actor Duncan Renaldo, TV's "The Cisco Kid," poses with a group of unidentified people during a visit to Tacoma sponsored by the B&I Circus Store in October, 1953. The store had just completed a $100,000 expansion project which included a new children's department. Mr. Renaldo was asked to attend the grand opening of the newly refurbished B&I; his appearance drew 75,000 shoppers in one day. ALBUM 7.

Renaldo, Duncan, 1904-80--Public appearances; Actors--Tacoma--1950-1960; B&I Circus Store (Tacoma);

Television star Duncan Renaldo seems to give a warm greeting to one of his many fans during his appearance at the B&I Circus store on October 24, 1953. Best known for his work as the "Cisco Kid" in both movies and television, Mr. Renaldo was stranded in the United States when the Brazilian ship on which he was employed burned in the early 1920's. He moved into the field of film production and then into acting, with some of his early roles in "The Bridge of San Luis Rey" (1929) and "Trader Horn" (1931). Because there was some confusion as to the legality of his entry into the United States, he was imprisoned at McNeil Island for about a year in the early 1930's. He was eventually pardoned by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. ALBUM 7.

Renaldo, Duncan, 1904-1980--Public appearances; Actors--Tacoma--1950-1960; B&I Circus Store;

Actor Duncan Renaldo, TV's "The Cisco Kid," poses with a group of unidentified women during a visit to Tacoma sponsored by the B&I Circus Store. The store was celebrating its $100,000 expansion on Saturday, October 24, 1953, with the exclusive public appearance of Mr. Renaldo who had flown to Washington on a West Coast Airlines DC 6-B. A full page ad in the News Tribune on October 23rd promoted Mr. Renaldo's visit heavily and also thanked the television show's sponsors, Mission Macaroni and Sunny Jim peanut butter, for relinquishing previous claims on Mr. Renaldo's time so that he could appear at the B&I. (TNT 10-23-53, D-1, Ad) ALBUM 7.

Renaldo, Duncan, 1904-80--Public appearances; Actors--Tacoma--1950-1960; B&I Circus Store (Tacoma);

Actor Duncan Renaldo, TV's "The Cisco Kid," poses with three children during a visit to Tacoma sponsored by the B&I Circus Store. The actor's appearance on October 24, 1953, was in conjunction with the $100,000 expansion of the store, which included an entirely new children's department. In his exclusive public appearance, Mr. Renaldo gave free autographed pictures to all children accompanied by their parents. The pictures featured "The Cisco Kid" and his famous horse, "Diablo." Two of the children posed with Mr. Renaldo carry on his Western theme; they are dressed in (cowboy) boots, jeans, and the little girl is wearing a cowboy hat. A full page ad promoting Mr. Renaldo's visit also indicated that holster gun sets on sale at $2.98, cowboy hats at $1.17 and "Cisco" comic books at a mere dime apiece. (TNT 10-23-53, D-1, Ad) ALBUM 7.

Renaldo, Duncan, 1904-80--Public appearances; B&I Circus Store (Tacoma);

Actor Duncan Renaldo, TV's "The Cisco Kid," spreads his arms out wide as he poses with one woman and seven children during a visit to Tacoma sponsored by the B&I Circus Store on October 24, 1953. Since the B&I was publicizing the opening of a brand new children's department, a part of its $100,000 expansion, perhaps some of the children dressed in Western garb had purchased apparel there. Cowboy hats were on sale for $1.17, holster gun sets for $2.98, and cowboy boots for $3.97. Should the waiting for the promised autographed pictures of the television and movie star make the kids hungry, they could have purchased a yard long hotdog (said to be 36 inches long) for 97 cents. (TNT 10-23-53, D-1, Ad) ALBUM 7. TPL-9105

Renaldo, Duncan, 1904-80--Public appearances; B&I Circus Store (Tacoma);

One of the B&I 's flamboyant publicity stunts brought actor Duncan Renaldo, TV's "The Cisco Kid," to Tacoma in October, 1953. Here he poses with B&I Circus Store owner Earl (E.L.) Irwin, his wife Constance, and children Mary Lou and Ron. Opened in 1946 by Leo Bradshaw & Earl Irwin (hence the "B&I"), the store originally offered war surplus goods and hardware. Irwin bought out Bradshaw and increased the size and offerings of the complex, publicizing it with outrageous stunts such as a circus, wild animals and a quarter of a million pounds of ice in a guessing contest. The crowds poured in. Earl Irwin died in 1973 at the age of 64 and Constance and his children continued to run the business. ALBUM 7.

Renaldo, Duncan, 1904-80--Public appearances; Irwin, E.L.--Family; B&I Circus Store (Tacoma); Irwin, Constance; Irwin, Mary Lou; Irwin, Ron;

Actor Duncan Renaldo, TV's "The Cisco Kid," poses with B&I Circus Store owner E.L. Irwin, second from left, and Mr. Irwin's wife Constance during a visit to Tacoma sponsored by the store in October, 1953. Mr. Irwin has donned Mr. Renaldo's trademark sombrero for this photograph. Over 75.000 adults and kids crowded the area to see the star and receive an autographed picture. ALBUM 7.

Renaldo, Duncan, 1904-80--Public appearances; Irwin, E.L.; Irwin, Constance; B&I Circus Store (Tacoma);

During a costume fitting in March of 1954, Gale Bass checked Barbara Jensen's hemline on the dress she wore in the Lincoln High School production of the play "The Robe". Forty-five Lincoln seniors took part in presenting the tale of a Roman tribune who won the robe worn by Christ as the senior class play. Miss Jensen played the part of Theodosia Eupolis. The student production, directed by Morris Summers, was only the second time the play has been performed in the Pacific Northwest. Performances were presented April 7-8-9 in the school auditorium. Photograph ordered by TNT. (TNT 3-21-54, D-11, TNT 3-28-54, D-1)

Theatrical productions--Tacoma; Actresses; Seamstresses; Lincoln High School (Tacoma); Jensen, Barbara; Bass, Gale;

Carl Dollina sees himself rapidly aging with the help of makeup, a wig and a false beard. Morris Summers, the drama coach at Lincoln High School uses a grease pencil to add age lines to Carl's forehead. Carl was cast as Simon Peter in the 1954 senior class production of "The Robe". Joanne Deatherage, the makeup chairman, holds hair attachments, a bottle of Stein's Sweet Gum, and part of Carl's stage beard. Fortyfive seniors took part in the production that was presented April 7-9, 1954. (TNT 3-21-54, D-11, TNT 3-28-54, D-1)

Actors--Tacoma; Theatrical makeup; Theatrical productions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Lincoln High School (Tacoma); Dollina, Carl; Summers, Morris; Deatherage, Joanne;

Luise Rainer is shown in rehearsals for the Pacific Lutheran College production of "Joan of Lorraine", a play by Maxwell Anderson. The play was part of the third annual drama-music festival held at the school in May, 1954. Miss Rainer was a two-time Academy Award winner for The Good Earth and The Great Ziegfeld. Although she had performed the lead in "Joan of Lorraine" many times before, this would be the first time she would work with an amateur cast. (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;

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;

Award winning actress Luise Rainer enjoys a cup of coffee and snack as she looks over the "Joan of Lorraine" script on April 30, 1954. She would be appearing in the third annual drama-music festival at Pacific Lutheran College on May 7, 1954, as the lead in the play. It would be the first time she had performed this play with amateurs; she would be joined by 22 student cast members. Co-Director of the drama-music festival and director of the play, Theodore Karl, is on the extreme right. (TNT 4-25-54, D-12, 4-29-54, B-5)

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

Seated among several Pacific Lutheran College students is motion picture and stage actress Luise Rainer. Miss Rainer, in long white shirt and dark pants, would appear as the lead in the school's production of "Joan of Lorraine" on May 7, 1954. The play would be directed by Theo Karl and have a cast of 22 amateur actors. Interpretive readings and selections from the Bible would also be given on the same day, in a matinee performance, by Miss Rainer. (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;

Actress Luise Rainer gestures expressively as she addresses fellow actors during rehearsal on April 30, 1954. She is perched on a railing with one hand grasping the rail for balance. Miss Rainer was appearing for one night only in the Pacific Lutheran College production of "Joan of Lorraine." The play by Maxwell Anderson was part of the third annual drama-music festival held in May of that year. Miss Rainer was an accomplished screen and stage actress; she had won two Academy Awards in consecutive years for The Great Ziegfeld and The Good Earth. She was quoted in the News Tribune as saying "Acting must come from the inside out--never from the outside in." (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;

Elks Extravaganza, 1955 edition. A man in a tuxedo, most probably show director Bert Kool, interviews a well dressed "lady" in front of the curtain. The "lady" is actually a fellow Elk dressed as a woman. The one and a half hour show featured many Elks dressing as the "other half" all in good fun, for the amusement of their fellow members and guests. The annual show featured music, magic, dance and vaudeville routines. The 1955 show was dedicated to former vaudevillian and previous years' director Max Frolic, who was recovering from an illness of several months.

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

The cast of the 8th annual Elks Extravaganza, 1955 edition. The two and one half hour event would take place at the Elks Temple March 30 & 31, 1955. The Thursday night performance would be only for Elks, their wives and friends. This year's cast is honoring Max Frolic, the director of the show in years past, who recently recovered from an illness of several months. Bert Kool served as entertainment chairman and musical director in 1955. The "Elks Dolls," the rather frumpy looking "women" in the back row opened the show. They are Mike LaVelle, Bob Morgan, Swan Johnson, C.J. (Bud) Weller and Jack Thomas. (TNT 3/27/1955, pg. B-8)

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