York County artists, actors and athletes to star in exhibit
In this York Sunday News photo from 1958, York (Pa.) Little Theatre’s Jean Farlow makes noted screen actor Cameron Mitchell appear 40 years older for his part as the William Jennings Bryan character in “Inherit the Wind.” A photo of the production was part of a York County Heritage Trust exhibit opening this week. Other posts of interest: Former York countian-turned-screen-writer Laurice Elehwany: How to make it as a writer and Young Alan Alda performed along the Codorus? Researcher checking that out and Many national stars first performed on YLT’s stage.
Paper covers the exhibit cases that are part of the York County Heritage Trust’s “From Artists to Athletes: A History of Entertainment in York County.”
The Trust’s Junior Curators, a group of budding exhibit overseers, will unveil their handiwork starting on Friday, with the exhibit running through Oct. 30.
But a label near one of the covered cases serves as a reminder about one of York County’s leaders in the entertainment field – probably the most honored actor ever from the county… .
It points to a golden moment in local theater history when the York Little Theatre starred York County’s Cameron Mitzell, better known to the world as Cameron Mitchell.
The reason for his YLT appearance has been told many times, and many people alive today remember the moment in 1958 when he subbed for his ailing father, the local pastor Charles Mitzell, to perform in “Inherent the Wind.”
Joseph B. Hicks of the York Sunday News provides a bit more insight:
“Nor was it a surprise when YLT director Bert Smith announced this week-end that Cameron had decided to remain here three additional days so that the hundreds of Yorkers who couldn’t get seats for the regularly-scheduled performances might have a chance to see the play. This is the first time in YLT’s history a play has been held over. But that’s the way Cameron is. 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 on him.”
As for the junior curators work, until the unveiling actually occurs, we have only the following about the 250 E. Market St. exhibit, taken from the York County Heritage Trust Web site: It will feature five different aspects of entertainment found within York County, such as local music, high school events, theater, sports and home entertainment.
Other York Town Square posts on artists, actors and athletes from York/Adams:
– Hanover native Ann Roth explains how she designs costumes for Hollywood.
– John Baer among York countians to star on big screen.
– Memorial service for noted musician Bob January set for, well, January.
– Cameron Mitchell, Craig Sheffer, Dixie Chick born here
– York County, Pa.’s Cameron Mitchell agonized over career choice
– Bomb group seeks Cameron Mitchell’s WWII info
– Stand-in stole show in YLT’s “Inherit the Wind”
– Former York countian-turned-screen-writer Laurice Elehwany: How to make it as a writer
– Young Alan Alda performed along the Codorus? Researcher checking that out
– Many national stars first performed on YLT’s stage.
