H. James Schlader, longtime producer and director of Oakland's popular Woodminster Summer Musicals, celebrates his 90th birthday with theatre board members and family. Above, Jim & Harriet Schlader. Below left to right, sons Todd Schlader, Joel Schlader (the theater's new director), and Kim Schlader, theatre icon James Schlader, and board members Kim Frieda McReynolds and Regina Del Valle. Both women have served as Board Presidents and on the Board for many years, Regina since the founding of the organization in 1967.

For a photo gallery of Jim Schlader's 90th birthday celebration, click here.

Local Theatre Icon James Schlader
Celebrates His 90th Birthday & New Focus

January 15, 2004 - Oakland, CA - H. James Schlader, longtime producer and director of the popular Woodminster Summer Musicals in Oakland's Joaquin Miller Park, marked his 90th birthday by celebrating with theatre board members this week. He also officially turned over the Director's duties to his son, Joel Schlader. James Schlader will retain the job of Producer and his daily involvement in the operations of the summer theatre, a longstanding Oakland family attraction which sells more tickets annually than any other resident performing arts company in Oakland. Joel will assume responsibility for directing the company's three musicals each summer. Says Joel, who directed one show in 2003, "My dad is an extremely hard act to follow. When I directed 'Evita' last year I was very glad to have his counsel and advice. I'd be a lot more worried about doing this if I didn't know he'll be there every day to help me out."

Jim Schlader was born on January 12, 1914. He grew up in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and to this day remains an avid Packer fan. After high school he seemed headed for a career in professional baseball, but an injury while playing for a Dodger farm team ended that prospect, and he entered the University of Chicago as a music major. He began his career singing for the Columbus Opera Company, and then moved to New York to join the Amato Opera Company. He made his Broadway debut in 1947 as an actor and singer in "On the Town." He continued to perform on Broadway for almost 20 years, going from one musical to another without having to audition. His Broadway musicals included "Brigadoon," "Paint Your Wagon," "The Most Happy Fella," and "The Music Man." Jim also worked extensively in summer stock, and played leading roles in a number of productions including "Student Prince," "RoseMarie," "The Chocolate Soldier," and "Merry Widow."

James Schlader served as Vice President of Actor's Equity from 1958 to 1962 under Ralph Bellamy and sat on the council for Equity for many years.

During the run of "The Most Happy Fella," he met his future wife, Harriet, a dancer in the show. During the run of "Music Man," they had two children. In the mid-1960's the Schlader family moved to California, and by 1967, they were producing summer musicals at the Woodminster Amphitheater in the Oakland hills. Since then, Jim has directed 120 productions at Woodminster.

In spite of the demands of the summer productions, both the Schladers have been involved extensively with the Bay Area theatre scene at large. In 1974, Jim appeared in the San Francisco production of "1776" at the Curran Theater. For several years, they assumed artistic direction of the California Conservatory Theatre in San Leandro. Both have taught extensively. In 1963, the Schladers were the recipients of a Critic's Circle Production Award for their lifetime contribution to Bay Area Theatre.
Says Jeff Fong, President of the Board of Directors of the organization, "It's an honor to work with a man like Jim Schlader and with this wonderful arts organization. It isn't just high-quality entertainment they provide the community -- it's also their contribution in terms of bringing children into the theater, nurturing local talent, providing jobs, and fostering a love for this uniquely American art form, the musical."

The Woodminster Summer Musicals are presented under the stars in Woodminster Amphitheater in Joaquin Miller Park. Shows from many eras of the American musical theatre have been presented, and over the years summer evenings at Woodminster have become a beloved tradition for local families. Each Woodminster musical features both accomplished professional actors and talented local amateurs. Since 1967, over 2500 local aspiring actors have performed in the Woodminster Summer Musicals, working and learning alongside professionals. Many have gone on to careers in the theatre, and some return to Woodminster as professional actors in later years. Local union actors, stage managers, and musicians find regular work in the Woodminster Summer Musicals. Families can spent a pleasant evening in a beautiful park with a picnic and a first class musical. For information about the theater, call 510-531-9597 or visit www.woodminster.com.

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