The Kenley Players was an Equitysummer stock theatre company which presented hundreds of productions[1] featuring Broadway, film, and television stars[2] in Midwestern cities between 1940 and 1995. Variety called it the "largest network of theaters on the straw hat circuit."[3] Founded by and operated for its entire lifespan by John Kenley, it is credited with laying the groundwork for Broadway touring companies.[2]
The company's success was predicated on booking big-name stars for their box office potential, casting them in familiar plays and musicals, and keeping prices low, thereby attracting large crowds.[4] In its heyday, Kenley Players productions drew crowds of 5,000 in Dayton, Akron, Columbus, Flint, Michigan, and Warren, Ohio.[1] Kenley "pioneered the notion of putting TV stars in summer stock."[5] In a 1950 interview Kenley told The Washington Post, "I only charge $1.50 top...I'd rather have full houses every night than be stuck with a batch of empty seats."[6]
Backstage called the Kenley Players "a legendary summer stock circuit."[6]Playbill called it "for decades, a renowned midwestern summer stock outfit."[4] During the period The Phil Donahue Show was broadcast from Dayton, celebrities appearing in Kenley productions appeared regularly, giving Kenley national publicity.
^"096V157 Karen Valentine portrait". Columbus in Historic Photographs. Columbus Metropolitan Library. Retrieved 17 April 2022. Karen Valentine appeared in Columbus in "The Moon is Blue" on 6/27/1972, "Born Yesterday" on 6/23/1973 and "Bus Stop" on 6/24/1975.
