George Giglio

GEORGE ROLAND; LONG-TIME DIRECTOR OF THE BOSTON CHILDREN'S THEATRE

By Steve Liss

George Roland, who instilled generations of young people with a passion for theater during 33 years as Executive and Artistic Director of the Boston Children's Theatre, died after a short illness Jan. 30 at Massachusetts General Hospital. He was 81.

Prior to his tenure at BCT, Roland was a principal player with the
Boston Tributary Theatre, the "Trib," a leading regional theater
during the 1940s and 50s. In addition, he performed with St. Michael's
Playhouse in Vermont, Cambridge Summer Theatre, Boston Summer Theatre,
and the Dance Theatre Company of Boston alongside stars Karl Malden,
Buddy Ebsen, Burt Lahr and Kim Hunter. He appeared in numerous
productions, including "Romeo and Juliet", "Winterset," "Macbeth,"
"The Time of Your Life" and "David Copperfield."

As Executive Director of the Boston Children's Theatre, Roland left
his most enduring legacy. When he took over the reins in 1959, the
Theatre was a pioneer in children's entertainment but its audience
was small. Through a masterful television-based PR campaign, including
regular appearances on "Boomtown" and "Big Brother Bob Emory," Roland
brought the theatre wide-spread public recognition that led to
full houses. His creative vision infused the organization with
renewed energy and made it an institution on the Boston arts scene
during the 1960s and 70s. Thousands of children laughed and cried and
learned to appreciate the magic of live theater under his
direction.

Roland was also a first-rate teacher, a gentle
and patient man with a wonderful heart, a great sense of humor and a
gift for relating to young people. "Geroge gave his heart and tremendous guidance to the kids of Boston," said Julie Taymor, director of Broadway's "The Lion King". "I was one of them. We will miss him."

In a 1986 letter honoring Roland, President Ronald Reagan wrote, "I
know the thrill and the joy the theatre holds for children. For more
than 30 years your leadership brought that joy to hundreds of
children. The lessons you have taught about self-confidence,
responsibility, and imagination, have enriched those children's lives
in a multitude of ways. That's a great contribution and a great
reward. Your devotion to the theatre and to the young people of Boston
proves once again that "there's no people like show people."

Roland was born February 21, 1928 in Boston and was a long-time resident of
Wakefield. He is survived by his wife Mary Giglio of Wakefield and his
children George Michael Giglio of Melrose, Dara Weller of Lander,
Wyoming, Christopher Michael Giglio of Upton, Jonathan Michael Richard
Giglio of Belmont and five grandchildren.

Visiting hours will be from 6 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 4 at
McDonald Funeral Home, 19 Yale Avenue in Wakefield. Funeral services
will be held on Friday, Feb. 5 at 10 a.m. at Most Blessed Sacrament
Parish, 1155 Main Street in Wakefield.


Read George Roland Giglio's Obituary and Guestbook on www.mcdonaldfs.com.

Visitation

McDonald Funeral Home
19 Yale Ave.
Wakefield , MA US 01880
Thursday, February 4, 2010, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Service

Most Blessed Sacrament Church
1155 Main Street
Wakefield , MA US 01880
Friday, February 5, 2010, 10:00 AM

Cemetery

St. Patrick Cemetery
Elm Street
Stoneham , MA US 02180
Friday, February 5, 2010, 11:30 AM