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Home > Blogs > Arts and Entertainment > Archives > 2011 > March > 15 > Entry
Veteran stagehand D’Aloia dies
There are actors and directors in Dayton theater who have received more applause. Few, if any, have had a hand in more professional productions than Nelson D’Aloia.
The longtime stagehand and head carpenter at the Victoria Theatre died March 14.
Inducted into the Dayton Theatre Hall of Fame in 2005, Mr. D’Aloia joined the Dayton local (Local 66) of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees in 1961.
For much of the next three decades, he traveled the country with first-run Broadway tours starring the likes of Carol Channing, Dorothy Lamour, Pearl Bailey, Robert Preston, Mary Martin, Lauren Bacall, Yul Brynner, Joel Grey and Tommy Tune.
He came back to Dayton during the summers to work backstage for Kenley Players theater productions at Memorial Hall and other shows.
After serving as an advisor on the renovation of the Victoria Theatre, he was hired as house carpenter there in 1991, a position one colleague described as “god of the stage.”
His leadership and mentoring are two reasons why Dayton audiences are accustomed to productions that run smoothly and why the city is still known by touring companies as one with first-rate stage crews. Stagehands are not created equal.
Before retiring, he supervised the backstage for virtually every one of the city’s resident performing arts groups.
Permalink | Comments (10) | Post your comment | Categories: Theater
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By Pat Rohrer Local 66
March 15, 2011 6:09 PM | Link to this
Nelson was definetly in a CLASS by himself. Though his legacy lives on he will most surely be missed.Mike and Betty you are in my thoughts.
By Andy Welch (local 66)
March 15, 2011 9:13 PM | Link to this
Nelson taught me more than possibly anyone else. One of the most dedicated people I have known, both on and off stage. We will all miss him.
By Dan McLaughlin
March 15, 2011 10:02 PM | Link to this
Nelson’s legacy of love for the theater will remain an inspiration to us all. It was an honor to work by his side. Our thoughts and prayers are with the DAloia family.
By Robby MacLean
March 16, 2011 1:16 AM | Link to this
Although I worked very little with Nelson, he left an indelible impression. His expertise, his dignity, his humility and his smile were an inspiration to me and all those that came in contact with him. My thoughts are with the D’Aloia family.
By Diann Renai (local 66)
March 16, 2011 3:21 AM | Link to this
Everyone will comment about how great of a house carpenter Nelson was, his love of the theatre and how much he loved to teach people his craft. All this and more was true, but, what I will always remember, was his joy. Nelson loved his job, no, not job, profession. I always loved going to the Vic to hear his wealth of knowledge, his laugh and the jingle of those massive keys. It was comforting. Nelson was one of those once and a life time people that made your life richer for having known. A professional whose wisdom you can always refer back to. If you ask me what I will miss about him, it’s not one thing, it is everything. It is his essence. Nelson was a great man who I will sorely miss.
By Michael Behrens
March 16, 2011 10:10 AM | Link to this
We have been blessed to have worked with and to have known Nelson. Few people in our line of work will take the time to show you the proper way to do something and explain the reason why. Goodbye my friend!! My thoughts and prayers are with the family
By Shannon Sellars
March 17, 2011 8:54 AM | Link to this
He was the best educator I ever had.
By Sue Stevens
March 17, 2011 4:15 PM | Link to this
all of us here at Victoria Theatre Association will miss him so…. what an incredible guy who had such an impact on every one who worked at the Vic, on everyone who ever trod the boards here, on every audience member who enjoyed a show he supervised….
By Annette Stewart (local 886)
March 19, 2011 1:11 PM | Link to this
His presence will long be remembered and his absence long felt. My prayers are with Betty, Mike and the rest of his family.
By Greg Smith
March 20, 2011 6:23 PM | Link to this
Nelson was one of the most generous and caring people I ever had the chance to work with. He and his beautiful wife Betty shared their knowledge and freely and with love and made every task at the Vctoria a pleasure. He will be sorely missed! Whata’ guy!