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Grayson Hall: A Hard Act to Follow

a biography by R. J. Jamison

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Acting Credits

The stage was her kingdom.

Ted Mann, Artistic Director Circle in the Square Theatre School
CREDITS KEY: Stagework = red  |  Film = blue  |  Television = green  |  Radio = orange

As Shirley Grayson:

YearTitle of Piece, Character GH played, if knownDirector and writer, theatre, dates aired or staged
1941Man on Volcano – StudentPlay by Beaumont Breustle. Neighborhood Playhouse, Philadelphia. June 1941
1942Student Actress –
The Barker –CleoPlay by Kenyon Nicholson. July 20-25
What a Life! – Miss WheelerPlay by Clifford Goldsmith. July 27-August 1
Guest in the House –Play by Hagar Wilde & Dale Eunson. August 3 -8
Stagedoor –Play by George S.Kaufman and Edna Ferber. August 10-18
1945Student Actress– Hedgerow Theatre – Specific Dates unknown
The Rehearsal (Love Punished) – Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing Taming of the Shrew The SeagullPlay by Jean Anouilh, William Shakespeare, Anton Chekov
1945“Seems Radio is Here to Stay”: Norman Corwin documentaryNovember 5, 1945. CBS. Recreation of 1939 program. Lou Ashworth (assistant producer, director), Norman Corwin (writer, producer, director). [A tape recording of Seems Radio is Here to Stay is available for public listening in the Museum of Radio and Television, New York City.]
1949The Wooden Fish –Play by Allan Sloan. Directed by Martin Magner,WOR Transcription. Dramatization about the World Heath Association in New York.
1950Within a Glass Bell – Adelaide LevyPlay by William Marchant. Westport CountryPlayhouse. Westport, CT. July 24-29, 1950. 8 performances.
1951Our Betters – Pearl Saunders, Lady GraystonPlay by W. Somerset Maughm. Directedy by Bob Brown. Yale University student production. (precise dates unknown)
1951Lights Out: For Release Today – Laura, actressdob: January 22, 1951
1952Curtain Call – **dob: February 12, 1951
The Man Who Came to Dinner – Lorraine SheldonPlay by Moss Hart & George S. Kaufman. Cape May, NJ co-star Gordon Russell
1953G. B. Shaw’s Man and Superman– Ann WhitefieldEquity Library Theatre production. Directed by Neal Prince. Feb 11-15-Lenox Hill Playhouse; February 20-21, DeWitt Clinton High School(The Bronx); and February 27-28, Bryant High School, Long Island City.
1953Glad Tidings – Maud AbbottPlay by Edward Mabley, Hilltop Theater, Ellicott City-Baltimore Maryland, June 16-21, 1953 Lakeside Summer Theatre, Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey. July 20-25, 1953.
1953See How They Run –Lakeside Summer Theatre, Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey. August 17-22, 1953
1953Make Momma Happy – Laura CasePlay by George Baxt. Lakeside Summer Theatre, Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey, August 3-8, 1953. Played in Hartford and Philadelphia. Nov.19-Dec. 5.
1954Understudy for Uta Hagen, The Magic and the Loss – Grace WilsonBy Julian Funt. Directed by Michael Gordon. Booth Theatre, Broadway and regional tour locations including Pittsburg, PA Nixon Theatre, April 9-May 1.
1954The Facts of Life – Kate Morleyby John D Hess; summer previews, Bucks County Playhouse, New Hope, Pennsylvania, September 13-?
1954Kraft Television Theatre: Charm Bracelet**Airdate: August 11, 1954. NBC – Unconfirmed
1955Arthur Schnitzler’s La Ronde – the ActressDirected by Jose Quintero, Circle in the Square Theatre (Sheridan Square), Greenwich Village. June 27-Nov. 27 (132 performances)
1955Goodyear TV Playhouse: The Way Things Happen**Teleplay by George Baxt. (episode # 4.9), Airdate: Jan. 30, 1955, NBC.
1955Star Tonight: The Critic**(episode # 1.24) 14 July 1955
1955Six Characters in Search of an Author – Second WomanPlay by Luigi Pirandello. Directed by Tyrone Guthrie. December 11, 1955-February 5, 1956 (57 performances).
??The Man Who Came to Dinner – Lorraine SheldonPlay by George S. Kaufman/Moss Hart. Cape May Playhouse, Cape May, New Jersey.
1957Run Across the River – Sidney**Directed by Everett Chambers. Release date, 1961-Detroit.
1958Understying for Celest Holm, Interlock – Mrs. Priceby Ira Levin. Directed by Phillip Burton. February 6 – 8, 1954. ANTA Playhouse 245 W. 52nd St., New York, NY
1959Aphroditeby Louise Platt adapted from the novel by Pierre Louys. March 1959 Adelphi College on Long Island
1959United States Steel Hour: “Wish on the Moon“**By George Baxt. (episode # 6.23)  29 July 1959

As Grayson Hall:

YearTitle of Piece, Character GH played, if knownDirector and writer, theatre, dates aired or staged
1960The Balcony – Originally The Penitent. Starting June 1, 1960 assumes lead role of Madame Irma.Play by Jean Genet. Directed by Jose Quintero. March 3, 1960-December 1961. Circle in the Square Theatre-Downtown. The Balcony was winner of 4 Obies (Off-Broadyway Theatre Awards) – Best Foreign Play, Distinguished Actor and Actress (Marchand as Irma) and Sets.
1960’s – 1970’sTelevision commercials: VOTE Toothpaste, Chrysler and Singer, **
1961Season of Summer Stock at the Hedgerow Theatre, Pennsylvania, “Off-Broadway at Hedgerow”
The Cocktail Party – CeliaCopplestone Play by T. S. Eliot, opened June 22-July 1.
Misalliance – Lina SzczepanowskaPlay by G. B. Shaw, opened July 3 – 15
The Sea Gull – Madame ArkadinaPlay by Anton Chekhov, July 17-29
Camino Real – Marguerite GauthierzPlay by Tennessee Williams., specific dates unknown
Deathwatch –Play by Jean Genet, specific dates unknown
The Changeling – IsabellaPlay by Thomas Middleton and William Rowley, August 14-26.
Human Voice – The WomanPlay By Jean Cocteau. August 26-Sept. 1 (one-woman performance)
1961The Buskers – AgataPlay by Kennth Jupp. Cricket Theatre, 2nd Avenue & 10th Street.. Oct. 30–Nov. 4
1961-62Subways are for Sleeping -Myra BlakeDirected by Michael Kidd. Colonial Theatre, Boston, MA, St. James Theatre. December 27, 1961 – June 23, 1962.
1961David Brinkley’s JournalAirdate: December 27, 1961: Program about Broadway, featuring scene from Subways are for Sleeping
1962Satan in High Heels – PepeDirected by Jerald Intrator [Filmed Oct – Nov. 1960. Premiers on March 23, 1962 at the Forum in New York City.]
1962Suspense: Snow on 66“
1962A Weekend at GleebesCBS Radio (dob: July 29). [A tape recording of Weekend at Glebes is available for public listening in the Museum of Radio and Television, New York City.]
1962-63The Nurses: – **episode and specific air date unknown
1963The Love Nest – Crystal SeekfestPlay by Deric Washburn at the Writers’ Stage. Directed by Michael Kahn. Jan. 25–Feb. 3
1963How Far is the Barn – ActressRetitling of Lawrence Riley’s, “Personal Appearance”. Hampton Playhouse, Hampton, New Hampshire. August 1, 1963–
1964Route 66: Follow the White Dove with the Broken Wing – Mrs. Reston**(episode # 4.20) 21 February 1964
1964Ed Sullivan Show – **episode and specific air date unknown.
1964The Night of the Iguana – Judith FellowsScreenplay by Tennessee Williams (based on his original play), Anthony Veiller and John Houston.  Directed by John Houston. Filming September – November 1963. Special showing, Lincoln Center, NY June 30, 1964. World Premiere in Hollywood, July 1964
Miss Hall was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role and a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role. 37th Annual Academy Award ceremony held on April 5, 1965 at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium. Host- Bob Hope.
1963-64Walk with Me – LadyBy Carl Gabler. Directed by Richard Altman, Choreography by Robert Haddad. The Actor’s Studio Playwrights Unit, Village South Theatre
1964
The Engagement
Play by Ursula Molinaro. Directed by Robert Haddad. The Actor’s Studio Playwrights Unit, Village South Theatre. (Two performances only)
1964No Strings – Mollie PlummerMusic and lyrics by Richard Rodgers, book by Samuel Taylor. Lambertville Music Circus, New Jersey. June 23-28. Grayson’s first singing appearance.
1964Shout from the Rooftops – ConniePlay by Jess Gregg. The Renata Theatre (East 11th Street); Oct. 28 – Nov. 8 (15 performances)
1965That Darn Cat – Margaret MillerDirected by Robert Stevenson. Filmed –December 1964-January 1965. Opened December 2, 1965
1965A Slight Ache – FloraThe Adjustment – Belinda GroatPlay by Harold Pinter. Play by Albert Bermel. June 24 through July 18. World Premiere of Adjustment Spoleto Festival (Italy)
1965“Bob Hope Presents the Chrysler Theatre”, Back to Back** – Miss Fitzhugh(episode # 3.5) NBC, 27 October 1965
1966Trials of O’Brien, A Horse Called Destiny** – Louise MalcolmCBS, Jan. 21, 1966 Program starred Peter Falk.
1966Qui êtes-vous, Polly Maggoo? (English title: Who Are You, Polly Maggoo?) – Miss Maxwell.Directed and Written by William Klein. UK release for the movie, only limited USA release.
1966The Whole Nineth Floor – Carol BeaumontBy David Phillips [pseudonym for Richard Seff], Directed by Lawrence Kasha, Playhouse on the Mall, Paramus, NJ. February 15-27, 1966. Co-star Alan Alda.
1966Those That Play the Clowns – Frau GerdesPlay by Michael Stewart, Virginia Theatre/ANTA Playhouse -245 W. 52nd St.NY, NY. Nov. 24, – Nov. 26, 1966, playing 3 previews and 4 performances.
1967The Man from U.N.C.L.E.: The Pieces of Fate Affair – Jody Moore [originally named Judith Merle](episode #3.23) 24 February 1967, NBC.
1967The Girl from U.N.C.L.E.:The High and Deadly Affair – Mrs. Fowler(episode #1.28) April 4, 1967, NBC
1967-1971Dark Shadows – Dr. Julia Hoffman, Countess Natalie Du Pres, Magda Rakosi, Julia Hoffman (houserkeeper- PT), Constance CollinsProduced by Dan Curtis. Filmedat 433 West 53th Street, New York, NY. GH appearances – June 16,1967- March 24, 1971.
1968End of the Road – Peggy RankinDirected by Aram Avakian. Screenplay by Dennis McGuire, Terry Southern, Aram Avakian [Preview Dec 19, 1969. General release January 1970]
1969Adam at 6 a.m. – Inez TreadlyDirected by Robert Scheerer [Released August 1970]
1970Night Gallery-: Certain Shadows on the Wall – Ann Brigham(episode # 1.7) 30 December 1970
1970“Girl Talk” – “The Virginia Graham Show” – interview**These may be the same show aired in different markets with different titles.
1970Playtex commercial **
1970House of Dark Shadows – Dr. Julia HoffmanDirected by Dan Curtis. [Released in 1970] Screenplay by Sam Hall and Gordon Russell.
1970Sanka commercial**
1971The Last Analysis – MadgePlay by Saul Bellow. Circle in the Square. Directed by Theodore Mann. June 23-Aug. 1
1971Night of Dark Shadows – Carlotta DrakeDirected by Dan Curtis. Screenplay by Sam Hall.
1971
Friends and Relations: Friends-Melba Relations-Stephanie De Milo
Play by Eugene Yanni. 2-one act plays co-starring Madeleine Thorton-Sherwood. Provincetown Playhouse, 133 MacDougal St, New York. Oct. 14-17
1971The Screens – WardaPlay by Jean Genet. Directed by Minos Volonakis. Chelsea Theatre Center, Brooklyn. Nov. 30-Dec. 26
1972Gargoyles – Mrs. ParksDirected by Bill L. Norton. [Made for television movie, CBS.]
1972Search – **Science Fiction Series; unaired episode. Co-starred Burgess Meredith and Doug McClure.
1973All My Children** – Marge GreyCharacter introduced the week of April 16-20, 1973.
1973Marco Polo Sings a Solo – Mrs. McBridePlay written by John GuareNantucket Stage Company (Cyrus Pierce Theatre) Nantucket, Massachusetts. Summer 1973. Staged again at WestBeth (New York City)in Jean Austin Workshop; 1974 or 75; directed by Anthony Perkins.
1973Secrets of the Citizens’ Correction Committee – Mrs. FugelmanBy Ronald Tavel. Directed by John Chapman. American Place Theatre at St. Clements, 111 West 46th Street. October 17-26 (12 performances).
1974Kojak – Hush Now, or You Die – Mrs. Campbell(episode # 2.3) CBS, 22 September 1974
1974The Great Ice Rip-Off – Helen CalsoDirected by Dan Curtis. ABC Movie of the Week, November 6, 1974
1975The Two Deaths of Sean Doolittle** -RheaDirected by Lela Swift. [Aired on ABC-TV Mystery Movie series April 4.]
1975What Every Woman Knows – Comtesse de la BrierePlay by James M. Barry. Directed by Gene Feist. the Roundabout Theatre Company/Stage One, 333 E 23rd Street, May 28-July 27, 1975.
1975Interviews:WNYC-Public Radio**WEVD-Talk Radio**In conjunction with What Every WomanKnowsJune 30, 1975, 10:00 p.m.July 16, 1975, 12:00 p.m.
1975The Sea – LouiseThe Manhattan Theatre Club, March 12-30 (15 performances).
1975The Leaf People – 1st InterpreterBy Dennis J Reardon. Directed by Tom O’Horgan. Booth Theater. 42 previews; 8 performances. Sept 12-October 26, 1975.
1976Jack Gelber’s New Play: Rehearsal – ArleneWritten and directed by Jack Gelber. September 28-October 4, 1976.
1977Class of ’65 (uncredited?)**
1977Happy End – The Fly, Lady in GrayLyrics Bertolt Brecht; Music by Kurt Weill. Directed by Robert Kalfin. Off Broadway–Chelsea Theatre Center Mar.8-April 30;On Broadway — Martin Beck Theatre May 7-July10.
1977Gazelle Boy – Delarai EddlestonPlay by Ronald Tavel. Directed by John Dillon. The Barn Theatre, Eugene O’Neill Theatre Center, Westport, CT, July 23 (2 performances).
1978Ribcage-SherylBy Larry Ketron. Directed by Andy Wolk. Manhattan Theatre Club.May 17, 1978 (20 performances)
1979-80Radio Voice Overs for Columbia Records-the Rolling Stones, Electric Light Orchestra, Blue Oyster Cult, Heart
1979Veronica’s Room – The WomanWritten by Ira Levin. Directed by Aubrey Berg. Birmingham Theatre in Birmingham, Michigan. April 12 – 21.
1980The Suicide – Serafima IlyinishnaPlay by Nikolai Erdman. Directed by Jonas Jurasas. Oct 9, 1980 -Nov 30, 1980 ANTA Playhouse.
1981The Chapparal Prince – Mrs. MaloneyDirect by Mike CullinghamBased on a short story by O. Henry, written by Bruce Harmon. Directed by Mark Cullingham
1982One Life to Live – Euphemia RalstonSummer 1982-Spring 1983
1982Facade– female narratorClarion Concert Group of Lincoln Center, August 22, 1982, Catamount Ski Center, Hillsdale, NY.
1985The Madwoman of Chaillot – Madam JosephinePlay by Jean Giraudoux; Adaption MauriceValency. Directed by Stephen Porter. Mirror Reperatory, Theatreat St. Peter’s. January-February 1985**Ms. Hall rehearsed and performed the previews for this production but left before opening on January 30 due toillness.

** indicates television/film work which is not presently available but forwhich the moderators of this Site and the compilers of this Resume wouldappreciate assistance in securing.

This list was compiled based on originalresearch by S. R. Shutt and R. J. Jamison, assisted by B. McDonough. Otherlisting utilized include – IMDB.com, IBDB.com and the Louise Lortel off-broadwaydatabase, www.lortel.org.

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