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RIP Frank Wittow

Posted By on April 14, 2006

Pleasant morning so far as we head into the afternoon. I took Caroline to her favorite park to play at the playground. She ran around for about an hour climbing, sliding, and swinging. We then went to the fabric store which was having an incredible sale on remnants (75% off at Joanns) which allowed me to get some great fabric at next to nothing. A lot of it is upholstery fabric that is great for puppet clothing and the pieces are big enough to actually to do something with without having to add another piece of fabric. Towards the end of our time at the store Caroline had a melt down because Mommy wouldn’t buy her a toy. Once we got to the car she calmed down and told me that she was hungry so I went home and got her lunch together. She ate lunch and then settled down to watch Wonder Pets.

I just go an e-mail from my father that Frank Wittow has died. Frank was the driving force and soul behind “The Academy Theater” in Atlanta, Georgia. He hired me while I was still in college but looking for more professional experience for my resume. Frank had a rough voice and a rather brusque manner over all but he cared about everyone who was part of that theater. He always reminded me in looks and voice of Orson Wells. He was a brilliant director and could pull performances out of people that they didn’t even know they could do. He frustrated some people because he never wanted to go for the hit that would make money for the company and he had a few he could have capitalized on but he had a vision of what he wanted his company to be and wouldn’t be swayed by anyone. Rest in Peace Frank. You will be missed and remember by all who worked with you.

I am grateful that I was able to work for Frank.


Comments

One Response to “RIP Frank Wittow”

  1. Kevin Crysler says:

    Frank touched so many lives – theatre in Atlanta is rich with his legacy. The Horizon, Theatre Gael, Jewish Theatre of the South, Kenny Leon, Chris Keyser, Rosemary Newcott, Brenda Bynum – all trace thier roots back to the Academy.

    There will be a tribute to Frank at the Academy Theatre (now in Avondale Estates) on Monday, May 1 at 7 p.m.