The 1934 Todd Theatre Festival, conceived by Orson Welles and his mentor Roger Hill, was recalled in an 80th anniversary celebration in Woodstock, Illinois on May 16-17, 2014.
A live production Welles’ classic radio work by RG Productions, classic film festival, photo exhibit, pub crawl and two panel discussions by Welles experts filled the weekend event.
Guest speakers included author Todd Tarbox, grandson of the late Roger Hill; film critic Jonathan Rosenbaum; film historian Joseph McBride; producer Michael Dawson; Wellesnet founder Jeff Wilson; and Josh Karp, author of the forthcoming book The Unmaking of Orson Welles’ ‘The Other Side of the Wind. Author Robert Elder served as moderator. A video shot at the conference has also been included.
From left, Jeff Wilson, Robert Elder, Josh Karp and Joseph McBride at the May 17, 2014 panel discussion in Woodstock, IL
Producer Michael Dawson with actor Erik Van Beuzekom at the Stage Left Cafe in Woodstock. ILFilm critic Jonathan Rosenbaum at at the May 17, 2014 panel discussion in Woodstock, IL[ Todd Tarbox at the Stage Left Cafe in Woodstock, IL
Jeff Wilson, Josh Karp and Joseph McBride in Woodstock, IL.Michael Dawson at the stage Left CafeRG (Radiogirl) Productions cast picture: Scott Annala, Kandy Helson, John McLaughlin, Rebecca Jackson, Nita Hunter, Gary Stamm, James Kollar, Peter Norman Heimsoth, Tina Huck, Leslie Meyer Utech, Rick Hagerty, Jane Meyers and Daniel L Stika on the Orson Welles Stage at the Woodstock Opera House.Macbeth playing along side blockbusters at the Woodstock Theat.erThe Todd Theatre Festival display at the Woodstock Public Library
Todd Theatre Festival memorabilia on display at the Woodstock Public Library