It is a poorly kept secret that Wellesnet.com is smitten with Woodstock Celebrates Inc., a non-profit Illinois group organizing major events to mark the 80th anniversary next year of the 1934 Todd Theatre Festival at the historic Woodstock Opera House, as well as the 100th anniversary in 2015 of Orson Welles’ birth.
This charming community will honor a theatrical and cinematic giant, who spent in his formative years there and attended the Todd School for Boys. They are bringing respected scholars to Woodstock to mark these important anniversaries.
Celebration plans are already coming together. Here is a tentative look at what to expect:
The 80th anniversary of the 1934 Todd Theatre Festival; Todd Press publication of “Everybody’s Shakespeare” by Welles and Roger Hill; and production of Welles’ first film “The Hearts of Age.”
• Lectures and panel – Jonathan Rosenbaum, Michael Dawson, Joseph McBride, Lawrence French, and James Naremore
• Screening of Orson Welles films
• Re-enactment of 1938 “The War of the Worlds” radio broadcast
• Period (Prohibition and Great Depression) cocktails, music, and dances
Centenary of Orson Welles’ birth in Kenosha, Wisconsin in 1915
• Publication of third and last volume of Simon Callow’s biography
• Publication of Patrick McGilligan’s biography of the younger Welles
• Birthday party
• Lectures and panel – Michael Dawson, Catherine Benamou, and Richard France on Welles’ masterwork, “Chimes at Midnight,” which began at Todd School when he compiled and staged “Winter of Our Discontent.”
• Screening of Orson Welles films
• Period (1915) cocktails, music, and dances
All of this takes money – and while federal tax-exempt status details are still being ironed out, Wellesnet readers can help by becoming members of Woodstock Celebrates for $15 a year. Dues may be mailed to: Woodstock Celebrates Inc., P.O. Box 342, Woodstock IL 60098.
The scope of this celebration depends on the financial support and participation of Welles fans. On a personal note, Mike Teal and I would like to know how many of you are considering a trek to Woodstock in 2014 or 2015. Please drop us a note at contactwellesnet@gmail.com
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