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Post by jczolarr on Mar 30, 2011 21:56:51 GMT
In the mid-1980s, I spent considerable time in the local history section of the Berkshire Athenaeum, a wonderful library in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. I poured over clippings, microfilm of local newspapers, playbills, etc., in the quest for information about Dwight Frye's time with the Colonial Players (1921-1923). A lot of that information appears in the text and appendices of "Dwight Frye's Last Laugh." A short distance from the library was the wallpaper and paint store of one George Miller. This store was actually built over the remains of what had been the Colonial Theatre on Route 7, the main road into the Berkshires. Miller had maintained as much of the integrity of the theatre as possible, while still pursuing his business. Some 15 years later, I read that there was a local movement to restore the Colonial to its former splendor. The work was completed a few years back, but I had not witnessed the results.
In any case, in mid-February,I was traveling to Williams College (further up Route 7) to attend my daughter's final swim competition of her college career. I was compelled to stop in Pittsfield and see the Colonial. I was stunned by the incredible restoration work (you can google the Colonial and see photos of the process). Being in the theater was like going back in time to 1921. It moved me far more than I expected. If any of you get the chance to see a show or concert there, it would be well worth the effort. But the main thrill was being where Dwight stood and acted - which really catapulted him to Broadway thanks to producer Brock Pemberton. What I thought would be interesting turned out to be far more meaningful than that. I made a detour to the Athenaeum (and found a copy of Greg and my book now in their local history room). From there it was on to Williamstown, but the visit proved to be an important moment for me.
Jim C.
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Post by Mrs Vindecco on Mar 31, 2011 0:31:58 GMT
I have just googled the theatre and it looks so beautiful. Thank goodness for someone like George Miller who had the respect to maintain what was left of theatre as best as he could. There are not many good souls like that. I am glad you got to visit the restored building and I am sure it must have been amazing to visit somewhere that was so instrumental in helping Dwight on his way to Broadway. I'll have to add this to my ever increasing list of places to visit if I ever manage to visit the States.
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Post by Monk's Moll on Mar 31, 2011 0:55:24 GMT
I too have just looked at the pictures, what an amazing job that was done, and bless George Miller for doing all of this. I can imagine that Dwight must be tickled pink over all of this  ! I would love to see it in person one day. So far I have been to the 166 W.72nd street apartment building and am still giddy from the visit ! |
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Post by limey on Mar 31, 2011 1:09:44 GMT
What a beautiful theatre. I can imagine standing in The Colonial and being swept back to when Dwight performed there. I hope to make it to California one day and visit Dwight's grave to pay my respects.
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Post by Monk's Moll on Mar 31, 2011 1:15:38 GMT
Recently, I watched a youtube clip of renovation work being done at the Belasco Theatre. As I did so, I imagined Dwight as Alfons, slinking about the stage as his new bride Laura watched him lovingly from the audience. That is a beautiful place. Then I watched a video of The Little Church Around the Corner-so enchanting, and also on my list of places to visit . |
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Post by Monk's Moll on Mar 31, 2011 1:22:33 GMT
Same here Limey, I would love to visit Dwight's grave. Believe it or not, I google earthed Forest Lawn, thinking maybe I could do it online. It probably sounds very silly, but I wanted so much to pay my respects to this wonderful person, and I don't know if I'll ever get the chance otherwise. I think I found the general area where he is, at least I hope so.
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Post by limey on Mar 31, 2011 1:54:52 GMT
OMG Monks Moll - I did the same thing. I Satellite Map goggled Forest Lawn too. I think I found the approximate area where Dwight is. Forest Lawn is a huge cemetery!
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Post by Monk's Moll on Mar 31, 2011 2:45:29 GMT
You did the same thing Limey? Oh my gosh, I'm glad you said that ! It IS a big place! I went searching this way:I looked on one tab at find a grave with the pic of the view downhill. Then on another I worked with different views to try and get the right coordinates. My inner Miss Marple was hard at work, and hopefully I either found it or am pretty close . |
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Post by Monk's Moll on Mar 31, 2011 2:58:03 GMT
Limey, while I worked with google earth and find a grave, I also tried to match the view from the pic with the mountain in the background to get the right angle. Gee, the things we do for love . I'll have you know that I never did this for Houdini or Valentino, and I'm a fan of theirs too (no offense, gentlemen). |
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Post by leah2359 on Mar 31, 2011 13:44:10 GMT
I live in California and have actually visited his grave several times. I will try to put up some photos here, and also if anyone ever does go, a good tip is to tell the closest landscaper the plot number. The office employees are weird about giving out info like that (understandably)but I first found the grave with a little help from a very nice landscaper. They know where everyone is and don't mind telling you.
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Post by Luna on Mar 31, 2011 18:52:22 GMT
Thank you Jim C for sharing such a poignant moment with us. The theater looks and sounds magnificent. I love when history is preserved in all aspects, especially historical landmarks, as I feel that society likes to "wash away" older buildings far too easily and quickly in the name of so called "progess". It must be amazing to stand in such a place, which looks and feels as if it still belongs to the 1920's. It must be like stepping back in time.
I didn't realize that "You Tube" had so many amazing videos of the little church and Belasco. I will have to search them out now. Thanks to Monk's Moll for the tip!
I have yet to visit any Dwight landmarks due to lack of funds- but one day I hope to and the various tips given here have been invaluable:)
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Post by Monk's Moll on Mar 31, 2011 19:12:16 GMT
You're welcome Luna, it's just one video of each building, but both are great to watch. Wait until you see what they find in the apt. above the theatre ! |
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Post by Luna on Mar 31, 2011 20:19:15 GMT
I will definitely have to check it out! I am curious now to know what they found *LOL* |
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Post by Monk's Moll on Mar 31, 2011 21:39:25 GMT
The Belasco vid is under the title "At This Theater Belasco" . You'll love it, guaranteed. |
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! I would love to see it in person one day. So far I have been to the 166 W.72nd street apartment building and am still giddy from the visit 
