Remembering Virginia Samford Donovan

| January 14, 2011 

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The namesake of Birmingham’s Virginia Samford Theatre has died. Virginia Samford Donovan passed away Tuesday at the age of 90. The theatre was once known as the Clark. It was home to the Birmingham Little Theatre and UAB’s Town and Gown Theatre. Virginia Samford Donovan acted in many productions at the theatre over the course of her life. When UAB sold the building in 1999, Donovan led a group of community leaders to buy and restore the venue. The theatre was renamed in her honor. Cathy Gilmore is Executive Director of the Virginia Samford Theatre. She spoke with WBHM’s Bradley George about Donovan’s life and passion for theatre.

The theatre will hold a memorial service for Donovan, Saturday at 12:30.

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