Dorothy Patten

Dorothy Patten (January 24, 1905 – April 11, 1975) was an American theatre producer and actress.[1]

Dorothy Patten
Born(1905-01-24)January 24, 1905
Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA.
DiedApril 11, 1975(1975-04-11) (aged 70)
Westhampton Beach, New York, USA.
NationalityAmerican
Occupation
Years active1929-1960s
Partner(s)Cheryl Crawford (c. 1930 - c. 1937); Cecelia McMahon (c.1939 - her death)

Biography

Born in Chattanooga, Tennessee to a wealthy family, Patten rejected the traditional role of a Southern socialite and hostess and set out for a life on the stage. Following the death of her mother in 1927, she left for New York City and attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, getting her first break on the stage in Elizabeth the Queen in 1929.

Patten was linked romantically with actress Cheryl Crawford in the 1930s, who together with Harold Clurman and Lee Strasberg formed The Group Theatre in 1931.[2] Patten financed several of the group's shows, and also acted in several of them. Patten and Crawford lived together and visited each other's family homes in Chattanooga and Akron.[3]

Patten returned to Chattanooga during WWII to assist her father with his work. After his death, she donated their family home to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, and became a philanthropist to arts and theatre organizations in Chattanooga.[4] The University's "Patten Performances", funded by her grant and named for her, have been ongoing for over thirty years. As of 2009, it was reported that they had brought theatre performances to over 100,000 people in Chattanooga and earned almost one million dollars for the University.[5]

After the break-up of her relationship with Crawford circa 1937, Patten became linked to Cecelia McMahon, who became her lifelong companion.[6] Patten died in New York in 1975.

Notable productions
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References
  1. "DOROTHY PATTEN, STAGE ACTRESS, 70". The New York Times. April 14, 1975. Retrieved July 15, 2020.
  2. Billy J. Harbin, Kim Marra, Robert A. Schanke (2005). The Gay & Lesbian Theatrical Legacy A Biographical Dictionary of Major Figures in American Stage History in the Pre-Stonewall Era. ISBN 9780472068586.CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  3. http://www.elisarolle.com/queerplaces/abcde/Cheryl%20Crawford.html. Retrieved July 15, 2020. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  4. https://chattanoogahistory.com/1907_4.php. Retrieved July 15, 2020. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  5. Courter, Barry (August 23, 2009). "Patten Performances ready for its 30th anniversary season". The Chattanooga Times Free Press. Retrieved July 15, 2020.
  6. Barranger, Milly S. (July 2010). A Gambler’s Instinct The Story of Broadway Producer Cheryl Crawford. ISBN 9780809385706. Retrieved July 15, 2020.

Further reading
  • "From Chattanooga to Broadway -- the Dorothy Patten story" by John Wilson, published Chattanooga, Tennessee, 1980
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