While Charles Nelson Reilly may be known to many as a frequent gameshow panelist, to the Historic Elitch Theatre he is known as the Director who brought Julie Harris’ Tony-winning show, The Belle of Amherst, to the theatre in 1978.
Reilly was an actor, comedian, director, and drama teacher. Plus, like alumna, Marion Ross (Grandma SquarePants) and Mary Jo Catlett (Mrs. Penelope Puff), Reilly did an occasional stint on SpongeBob SquarePants. He was the voice of “The Dirty Bubble” in the episode “Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy II.” He also voiced him in the video game Lights, Camera, Pants!
Reilly’s theatre credits include the original cast of the Pulitzer prize-winning musical How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, and in 1964, he opened on Broadway in the original cast of Hello, Dolly! He originated the role of Cornelius Hackl, for which he received a Tony Award nomination.
Seasons at the Theatre
- 1978
Productions/Roles:
Notable Roles, Awards, and Other Work:
Elitch Theatre Connections:
- Reilly and alumna Mary Jo Catlett were in the original cast of Hello, Dolly! on Broadway.
- Reilly, Mary Jo Catlett, and alumna Marion Ross all voiced characters on SpongeBob SquarePants.
