Portrait of James Earl Jones during his 1956 initial Othello role at the Ramsdell Theatre. Painted by Manistee artist, Gertrude Armstrong. On permanent display at the Ramsdell Theatre. Gift of Mr. & Mrs. David Carlson.

James Earl Jones and former Manistee Civic Players Executive Director, the late Ron Steinberg.

James Earl Jones with Civic Players Board Member, Peggy Futterer and Ramsdell "Ambassador" Anne Wittig (Photo courtesy of Concerned Citizens for the Arts in Michigan)

James Earl Jones signing books in Assembly Hall

James Earl Jones

"When I was a stage carpenter," says  former Manistee Civic Player James Earl Jones (affectionately known as Todd Jones by friends and fellow players) "and they discovered that I really wanted  to storm the stage playing Shakespeare, they let me try." Storm the stage he  did, repeating the Othello role he first played at the Ramsdell many times in  later years to world-wide acclaim. He then went on to develop one of
the most  recognizable voices in the entertainment media today, and to collect  Tony and  Emmy Awards and an Academy Award nomination.

A 1949 graduate of  Brethren, MI High School, longtime Manistee area residents remember James Earl  Jones as an outstanding student and athlete, excelling in both forensics and track. Jones attended the University of Michigan, originally as a pre-med major, but he quickly discoverd he was not cut out to be a doctor anc concentrated on drama.

Jones was a member of the Manistee Summer Theatre
Company at the  Ramsdell Theatre during the 1953, 1955, 1956 and 1957 seasons. He was listed in  the programs as Todd Jones -- a name still used by his Manistee friends and  summer theatre coworkers. He held many jobs with the
group: master carpenter,  Assistant Stage Manager and Stage Manager, directed a Children's Theatre play  and acted in twenty-eight productions.  

Voices and Silences

Because of his love for the Ramsdell Theatre, James Earl Jones held the first public signing of his book, Voices and Silences, at the Ramsdell Theatre in August 1993. The turnout of his friends  from the 1950's and new admirers was overwhelming. Many waited in line for  several hours to greet Mr. Jones, renew old friendships and obtain his signature  on the initial public release of his book. The line stretched from
the far end  of the second floor assembly hall, down the stairs, through the main theatre  lobby and outside for one block. 

The list of theatre, film and TV credit is too long for this page, but can be found at IMDB and IBDB.