When Shelley Winters appeared at the Historic Elitch Theatre in 1973, her biography in the program actually started by saying: “she has been described as volatile (and) outspoken.”
Then, when she returned in 1983, her review in the Denver Post was not kind… “A tedious play needs all the help it can get. But ’84 Charing Cross Road,’ which opens the season at Elitch Theatre, is stomped on by Shelley Winters’ performance…. She stumbled over words and looked pleadingly toward a prompter in the wings.”
The stories of Winters’ time at Historic Elitch Theatre are endless. Denver residents who attended the theatre back in the day will recount their experience seeing Shelley Winters…and the reviews are never favorable. She is probably the most-recalled actress ever to appear at the theatre. (So, that counts for something!)
Despite all the drama (or poorly-executed drama) we’ll forever appreciate her two appearances at the Historic Elitch Theatre — in 1973’s The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds, and in 1983’s 84 Charing Cross Road. (And, we’ll remember her for her award-worthy performances: winning Academy Awards for The Diary of Anne Frank and A Patch of Blue, and receiving Academy Award nominations for A Place in the Sun and The Poseidon Adventure.)
Seasons at the Theatre
- 1973
- 1983
Elitch Theatre Productions/Roles:
- The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds
- 84 Charing Cross Road
Notable Roles, Awards, and Other Work:
- The Poseidon Adventure
- A Place in the Sun
- A Patch of Blue
Elitch Theatre Connections:
Wikipedia Link:
