Among the names of women who had the greatest impact on the Historic Elitch Theatre — Mary Elitch, Helen Bonfils, and Haila Stoddard — the name Maude Fealy must be included.
Maude’s first appearance on a professional stage was as a young woman at the Historic Elitch Theatre in 1896. Her mother, actress and acting coach Margaret Fealy, was friends with Mary Elitch and both Margaret and Maude would appear in the 1896 season. Her first appearance was during the week of July 19th in Henry Churchill de Mille’s The Lost Paradise.
In 1905, Churchill de Mille’s son, Cecil B. DeMille, was hired as a stock player at Elitch Theatre, and Fealy appeared as the featured actress in several plays. Their friendship continued for decades, including when DeMille cast Fealy in his film The Ten Commandments.
[Borrillo, T. A. (2012). Denver’s historic Elitch Theatre: A nostalgic journey (a history of its times). Colorado. p. 29 & 64-65.]
Seasons at the Theatre
Elitch Theatre Productions/Roles:
Notable Roles, Awards, and Other Work:
Elitch Theatre Connections:
- In 1905 Fealy appeared at Elitch Theatre with Cecil B. DeMille, who was hired as a stock player for the summer. Their relationship would continue for many years and DeMille would cast Fealy in his future films, including The Ten Commandments.
- Fealy would appear in The Ten Commandments with alum, Edward G. Robinson.
Wikipedia Link:
