Ill health prevented the Rev. C.M. Mitzell from playing the lead role in "Inherit the Wind" in the York Little Theatre's 25th anniversary production in 1958.
Fortunately, a competent stand-in was available.
The retired York County pastor's son, Cameron, stepped in to play Matthew Harrison Brady in the production based on the Scopes Monkey Trial in Dayton, Tenn.
The rest of the story from "Never to be Forgotten" after intermission... .
Meanwhile, York Little Theatre www.ylt.org is working on a history book to commemorate the anniversary of the theater's 75th season in September 2007. If you have information or research material, contact Julie Aiken at julie@ylt.org.
Cameron also stayed over for three additional days for the sold-out performances, the first time a YLT production had ever been held over.
Concerning Cameron, a newspaper reported, "He is highly regarded by his professional cohorts not only for his fine acting ability but his ability to be a nice guy in spite of the terrific pressures his profession places upon him."
That stand-in?
Cameron Mitzell, better known as Cameron Mitchell, already established in Hollywood and later to gain TV fame in "High Chaparral."
Are you still looking for old info on the theater? My father, William E. Crowder, played in several shows in the late 50's or early '60's....I have some publicity shots of him from the York newspaper. Let me know if you would find this of interest!
Sincerely,
Lynn Maust
Still looking for history of the theater? My father played several leads...in Abe Lincoln of Illinois and Knickerbocker Holiday...want more info on him?
Lynn maust
Oh...I just saw you were looking for your book in 2007! Do you have a copy of the finished book I could buy, if my father is shown in it? Thank you!
Lynn M
Lynn, suggest contacting Julie Aiken of YLT directly: www.ylt.org