David Warfield was born on November 28, 1866 in San Francisco and began his theatrical career as an usher in the city’s Bush Street theatre. At the time of his death on June 27, 1951 in New York City, he was one of the world’s richest entertainers. Although he appeared in many productions, his fortune and success in theater centered on his playing four major roles over a 25-year period: Simon Levi in The Auctioneer (1901), Anton von Barwig in The Music Master (1904), Wes Bigelow in A Grand Army Man (1907) and the title role in The Return of Peter Grimm (1911).
Prior to appearing at Elitch, David Warfield had played in The Music Master on Broadway from 1904 to 1907, appearing in more than 1,000 performances, followed by his appearance in A Grand Army Man, which opened at the Stuyvesant theatre in New York on October 16, 1907 for 149 performances, his leading lady being Denver’s Antoinette Perry.
[Borrillo, p. 83]
The Denver Post announced the arrival of David Warfield and his company to the Elitch Theatre:
Mrs. Elitch Long makes a splendid finish to her summer season by bringing in David Warfield for its two final weeks … Were it not for her magnificent enterprise, Denver would be forced to forego seeing this truly great American actor. He is essentially American, and that his art is true is attested by his marvelous popularity everywhere with all classes.
[Borrillo, p. 83]
Seasons at the Theatre
Productions/Roles:
Notable Roles, Awards, and Other Work:
Elitch Theatre Connections:
Wikipedia Link:
