Cleveland Jewish News:
Dobama Theatre is a theatrical gem and one well-attended by the Jewish community. It is therefore appropriate that the CJN highlighted the theatre's contributions in its March 8 edition. It is especially relevant since Donald Bianchi, the founding light of the theatre, has been diagnosed with acute leukemia.
As much as a I appreciated Margin Herwald's article, there are historical errors that need correction. The article indicates at Dobama's did its first production in a Cleveland Height's hotel. 'Taint so." The first two productions ('ROPE DANCERS' and 'RAPE OF THE BELT') were done at the Chagrin Valley Little Theatre. The company then moved to the now destroyed Quad Hotel at E. 75th and Euclid for the next couple of seasons. This was followed by the move to its present Coventry basement home. The relocation was accomplished by volunteers ripping out of the four-lane bowling alley and constructing a theatre. It was a labor of love for those of us who believed in Bianchi and his mission. Forty years later many of the same people still support this wonderful theatre.
For those who have admired his contributions to theatre in Cleveland please drop a note to Donald Bianchi at 2348 Charney Road, University Heights, 44118. (Please no phone calls or visits).
Roy Berko
