A marker noting the birthplace of Orson Welles in Kenosha.
Although Orson Welles spent relatively little of his 70 years in his birthplace of Kenosha, Wisconsin, the town is celebrating his centenary with events that salute his artistry and his heritage.
Welles was born to inventor Richard Head Welles and concert pianistBeatrice Ives Welles on May 6, 2015. They lived in a two-story home on the east side of Library Park.
His accomplishments in radio (The War of the Worlds) and film (Citizen Kane, The Magnificent Ambersons) will be noted, but his family’s place in Kenosha with reenactors at Green Ridge Cemetery at the end of the month.
The Citizen Welles Society, led by Nita Hunter of Radio Girl Productions, has been a driving force in energizing Kensosha for the celebration.
Highlights of the month-long celebration are listed below. More details can be found online at citizenwelles.org
May 6, 7 p.m., Carthage College:
Kick-off event with Kenosha Mayor Keith Bosman. Alderman Jan Michalski and members of the Citizen Welles Society of Kenosha will show highlights from Welles’ films. Patrick McGilligan, author of the upcoming Young Orson: The Years of Luck and Genius on the Path to Citizen Kane, will speak, with a special emphasis on Welles’ early days in Kenosha.
May 7, 7 p.m., Kenosha Public Museum:
“Orson Welles & FDR: On the Campaign Trail.” Franklin Delano Roosevelt re-enactor Gary Stamm and Michalski, portraying Orson Welles, will perform this short play written by Nita Hunter. The play is comprised of the 1944 speeches Welles gave in support of FDR.
May 8, 3:30 p.m., Public Craft Brewing:
Taste an Orson Welles-themed brew
May 9, 1 p.m., Kenosha Public Museum:
The War of the Worlds performance presented by RG Productions. A. Brad Schwartz, author of Broadcast Hysteria: Orson Welles’ War of the Worlds and the Art of Fake News, will introduce the show and host a talkback afterward.
May 9, 6 p.m. Fusion:
The Puppet Underground taps into Orson’s passion for puppetry
May 13, 5:30 p.m., Northside Library:
Me and Orson Welles, a book and film discussion.This program focuses on the novel Me and Orson Welles by Robert Kaplow and the 2008 film based on the novel. Both will be discussed.
May 14, 7 p.m., Fusion:
Voices & Verses, a music and multi-media performance ensemble.
May 15, 7 p.m., UW-Parkside Cinema Theatre:
Citizen Kane with Jay McRoy
May 21, 7 p.m., Fusion:
Vincent Longo shares images of Orson Welles’s drawings
May 24, 2 pm., Woman’s Club of Kenosha:
The Magnificent Ambersons with Joseph McBride
May 30-31, 1 to 4 p.m., Green Ridge Cemetery:
Meet Welles’ ancestors through the performances of talented reenactors
For more info, visit citizenwelles.org or email Nita Hunter at nhunter271@yahoo.com
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