David Fulford Obituary

DAVID FULFORD
Leading Summer Stock Director and Producer

David Fulford, a leading force in Summer Theater in its heyday from the mid 1950's to the mid 1980's died in New York City on January 20, 2009. He was 83 years old.
In 1954, Mr. Fulford started a small summer stock company in an old barn in Canal Fulton, Ohio. Hiring young New York actors in his first season, he soon discovered that one needed name actors to attract audiences, so, working through Hollywood agents, he began hiring an older generation of film and television stars such as Van Johnson, Betty Grable, Nanette Fabray, George Hamilton and Mickey Rooney. As opposed to the 'star package' policy of other summer theaters, he engaged stars on an individual basis, produced a play of their choice and cast the secondary roles with members of his company. So successful was this plan, he soon abandoned his barn and built, also in Canal Fulton, a state of the art theater, complete with swimming pool. He also opened the Carousel Dinner Theater in 1976 in Ravenna, Ohio, where he produced popular musicals of the day.
Mr. Fulford produced and directed three major Off-Broadway productions – "Moon in the Yellow River", "Colombe" and "Fashion", starring Will Greer and Enid Markey, which won the Vernon Rice Award in 1959. He ventured into the film industry directing and writing the screen plays "Excuse Me For Living", "The Prince of Terror" and "The Haunted Mansion".
Charles David Fulford was born in Newport News, Virginia, on August 31, 1925, and grew up in Barberton, Ohio. He served as a Navy Ensign in WWII and as a Naval Lieutenant in the Korean War. He attended the Yale Drama School, Carnegie-Mellon University and graduated from the New School for Social Research where he subsequently taught "Introduction to Voice Over" from 1989 to the end of 2008. After retiring from his summer stock career, he returned to his first profession of acting, studying with Uta Hagen and appearing in several Off-Off- Broadway plays.
Mr. Fulford is survived by long time companion Patricia O'Grady of New York City; niece Nancy Thrams of Cleveland, Ohio; and nephews Guy Thrams of Lexington, Ohio and Benjamin Thrams of Mansfield, Ohio.

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Published by Los Angeles Times on Feb. 15, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for David Fulford

7 Entries

Maria Buncick

March 28, 2009

To the family and friends of David Fulford,

Seeing David's obit in the New York Times stirred many wonderful memories of his Canal Fulton summer theater.

My Mother was a devoted fan from the start and never missed a show. We had the same front row seats all through my childhood until I grew up and went away to university.

I loved the shows just as much as my Mother did...who could forget Edward Everett Horton...and Hugh O'Brian and all the other actors he brought to us.

I moved to New York City after graduation and one of my jobs entailed taking clients to Broadway plays. I always said, and I still do, that none of the performances I have seen here give me as much pleasure and excitement as those of the Canal Fulton Summer Arena.

Because it was theater in the round, the sets had to be creative so there would be no views obstructed. I just loved it!

Later, David added a dining room, and I remember looking over the beautiful meadows thinking life couldn't be better.

I am sorry I never had a chance to tell him how much his shows meant to me, my family and all the friends I brought there. If I had known of his Voice Over class at the New School in NYC, I would have signed up immediately.

My sympathy to all.

Lee Lavery

February 19, 2009

Nancy & Everett,

Nancy's and my mutual friend Sandy Smith sent the sad news to me out here in Los Angeles. David was to me, the epitome of a gentleman. I believe I spent five summers working at Canal Fulton and also did one show at Ravenna.

He always treated me with the greatest respect, even though I only played small parts or was in the chorus until my last two shows. I remember fondly the opening night parites at David and Everett's house at the Canal Fulton theatre. I remember him encouraging me to audition for roles at the Canton Players Guild and giving me the names of people to contact there. He was a quiet man and I seldom spoke to him at the theatre, but when we did, he always took the time to thank me for my work and make me feel appreciated. He did the same for my students from Canton Lincoln High School who worked as performers or backstage crew. I am forever in his debt. Before going to Canal Fulton I was only a director and theatre teacher. My work as an actor, which I still occasionly dabble in, started in that converted barn-theatre off Portage Road. II am so sorry at your lost. Although it has been many years since I have seen or spoken to David, will always remain an import figure in my life. My condolences to all of you in the loss of this interesting, kind, and creative man.

Lee Lavery (North Hollywood, California)

Jim Penn

February 11, 2009

Dear Everett & Nancy:
I am so sorry to hear of David's death. Working at the Carousel provided some of the best memories of my life. I always enjoyed his company and learned much about theatre and getting a show on its feet from him. I am forever grateful to him for letting me be a part of his theatre.

Jane Bergere

February 11, 2009

Dear Everett and Nancy,

I am saddened to learn of David's passing. I will always cherish and be grateful for the memories and opportunities David gave me in summers at Canal Fulton. I will always remember with humor and love our film endeavor. I will miss him dearly. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Jack Binder

February 10, 2009

David was a patient in my dental practice. He was always a pleasure to treat, a real gentleman. Coincidentally, I worked as a trumpet player for 2 summers in a stock burlesque show in my late teens travelling the straw hat circuit in New England. We spoke about my exploits, but he never bragged about his own accomplishments.
I am sorry for your loss.

Jim Anderson

February 8, 2009

Everett & Nancy... I am so sorry for your loss.

David hired me in 1966 as the drummer for Canal Fulton and later for Carousel. That was the start of a 40+ year career with that company ending in January of 2008.

We had a WONDERFUL run thanks to you all.

I had just spoken to Prescott about David in late December.

He will be missed.

Madonna Kutcher

February 8, 2009

I am so sorry for your loss,Everett
& Nancy.I will always remember my friends at the summer theatre.
He was a special friend,& I think of him often. May God comfort you.
Love,Madonna Kutcher

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