Dawn Well, best known for her role of Mary Ann on CBS’s “Gilligan’s Island” died today, Dec. 29, from causes related to COVID-19. She was 82 according to her obituary from the Associated Press.
In 1980 and 1981, Wells would stop in Northeast Pennsylvania to perform in Scranton and Mountainhome.
**FILE** Bob Denver, left, shown posing with fellow cast members of “Gilligan’s Island,” Dawn Wells and Alan Hale Jr., in 1965 in Los Angeles, (AP Photo)
In March 1980, Wells would star in a touring production of Neil Simon’s play “Chapter Two.” The tour would stop in Scranton, started on March 21, as part of the 1979-1980 Broadway Theater of Northeastern Pennsylvania season. Joining Wells in this traveling production was David Faulkner, Donald Gantry and Kathleen Gaffney.
Broadway Theatre of Northeastern Pennyslvania opened Neil Simon’s ‘Chapter Two’ on March 21, 1980 at the Masonic Temple. From left: Donald Gantry, Kathleen Gaffney, Dawn Wells, Beno Levy and David Faulkner. Times-Tribune Archives
Below are reviews of the show.
While the play was playing at the Masonic Temple, people in Lackawanna County also could have scene the movie adoptation of the play at the Ritz in downtown Scranton. The film version starred Marsha Mason and James Caan.
The following year, Wells would return to our area to perform in comedy “Romantic Comedy” with David McCallum at Pocono Playhouse from July 13 to 18, 1981.
Here is a review of the show.
You will be remembered.
Brian Fulton has been the librarian at The Times-Tribune for the past 15 years. On his blog, Historically Hip, he writes about the great concerts, plays/musicals and celebrity happenings that have taken place throughout NEPA. He is also the co-host of the local history podcast, Historically Hip. He competed and was crowned grand champion on an episode of NPR quiz show “Ask Me Another.” Contact: bfulton@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9140; or @TTPagesPast
