The hard hats we earned for building the Fallout Theatre. Jimmy wanted to have a bombshell stencil that we could put on the back every time we did a show in the Fallout.
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Our satin jackets. I wish I still had mine.
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Robert "coach" Wenck, September 9, 1937 – April 8, 2022
Retired Texas A&M Aggie Players Theater Arts Professor, Bob “Coach” Wenck died quietly at his home in Bryan, Tx. Friday evening April 8th 2022, with his son Robert Jr. at his bedside. A graveside memorial & interment service will be held at Norwood Cemetery, Hearne, Tx. Wednesday April 20th at 10am. Services are in the care of Callaway-Jones Funeral Centers of Bryan College Station.
Bob “Coach” was born in Fresno, California. He was, son of August and Ruth Wenck, brother of Elizabeth Miller (nee Wenck). Bob was a voracious reader and took to the theater from a young age. He grew up in Monahans and Midland Texas. He graduated from Texas A&M in 1958. He was active duty enlisted US Army from 1960 to 1963. He then went back to graduate school at UT and A&M and earned a Liberal Arts Masters Degree. He then taught english, speech and theater arts at Texas A&M for over 34 years.
Apart from his devotion to his family, his three passions in life were; Theater (directing plays), Sport Motorcycle Touring and early morning coffee at The Kettle doing the New York Times crossword.
To his Aggie Players students he was “Coach”.
To the waitresses at The Kettle he was “Honey-Bob” (because he took honey in his coffee instead of sugar).
To his sons he was simply Daddy.
His greatest motorcycling accomplishment was; Completing the USTRA: America the Beautiful & SCMA: USA 4 Corners Tours simultaneously May 11 – 31, 1985. It was 10,528 miles, in 21 days, through 30 states, Washington, DC. and three Canadian provinces.
He directed thousands of actors over the years and rode hundreds of thousands of mile on sport-touring motorcycles.
He is preceded in death by his sister Elizabeth Miller and parents August & Ruth Wenck.
He is survived by his ex-wife Aileen Hendricks, his two sons August and Robert Jr., his nephew Curt Miller and his niece Rachael Nelson.
Bob “Coach” was born in Fresno, California. He was, son of August and Ruth Wenck, brother of Elizabeth Miller (nee Wenck). Bob was a voracious reader and took to the theater from a young age. He grew up in Monahans and Midland Texas. He graduated from Texas A&M in 1958. He was active duty enlisted US Army from 1960 to 1963. He then went back to graduate school at UT and A&M and earned a Liberal Arts Masters Degree. He then taught english, speech and theater arts at Texas A&M for over 34 years.
Apart from his devotion to his family, his three passions in life were; Theater (directing plays), Sport Motorcycle Touring and early morning coffee at The Kettle doing the New York Times crossword.
To his Aggie Players students he was “Coach”.
To the waitresses at The Kettle he was “Honey-Bob” (because he took honey in his coffee instead of sugar).
To his sons he was simply Daddy.
His greatest motorcycling accomplishment was; Completing the USTRA: America the Beautiful & SCMA: USA 4 Corners Tours simultaneously May 11 – 31, 1985. It was 10,528 miles, in 21 days, through 30 states, Washington, DC. and three Canadian provinces.
He directed thousands of actors over the years and rode hundreds of thousands of mile on sport-touring motorcycles.
He is preceded in death by his sister Elizabeth Miller and parents August & Ruth Wenck.
He is survived by his ex-wife Aileen Hendricks, his two sons August and Robert Jr., his nephew Curt Miller and his niece Rachael Nelson.
JIMMY HUMPHRIES June 6, 1954 ~ March 18, 2019
James (Jimmy) Hugh Humphries Jr. passed away after a long illness on March 18, 2019, and was surrounded by his loving wife and family. He was born in Washington, DC to his parents, James Hugh Humphries Sr. and Mary Margaret Humphries on June 6, 1954.
He is preceded in death by his father James Hugh Humphries Sr.
Survivors include his Wife, Linda L. Humphries of Chincoteague, Virginia; Mother, Mary M. Humphries of Texarkana, Texas; his son James H. Humphries III of Springfield, Ohio; three brothers: John C. Humphries and wife, Elizabeth, of Charleston, South Carolina, William E. Humphries and Wife, Jan, of Dallas, Texas, Robert M. Humphries and Wife, Donna, of Benton, Arkansas; and two sisters: Mary H. Geidner and husband, Bruce, of Buford, Georgia and Anne M. Wren and husband, Fred, of Hot Springs, Arkansas. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, step children and step grandchildren.
Jimmy graduated from Oakton High School in 1972. He received his Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Studio Art and Minor in Theater in 1977 at Southern Arkansas University. At the University of Idaho, he received his Masters of Technical Production in 1980 and Masters of Fine Arts in Production Design in 1986. During his distinguished career he was an Instructor of Theater at the University of Nebraska – Kearney; Graduate Assistant to obtain a Masters of Fine Arts at the University of Idaho; an Assistant Professor at Texas A&M University (1986 – 1992); an Associate Professor of Theater and Dance Emeritus at Wittenberg University (1992 – 2017). Jimmy was a member of the Texas Shakespeare Festival in Kilgore, Texas for 25 years designing sets for over 45 productions, properties master, designing lobby displays, making festival banners, and even helping with the concessions! His incredible work at the Texas Shakespeare Festival led to designing for shows at the Longview Community Theater, Opera East Texas, the New London Museum, Playhouse on the Square in Memphis TN, and American Stage in St. Petersburg, FL.
Jimmy enjoyed traveling with his beautiful wife, Linda, painting, spending time with friends, family and beloved cat, Shelby, and enjoyed spending his retirement in Chincoteague, VA.
He is preceded in death by his father James Hugh Humphries Sr.
Survivors include his Wife, Linda L. Humphries of Chincoteague, Virginia; Mother, Mary M. Humphries of Texarkana, Texas; his son James H. Humphries III of Springfield, Ohio; three brothers: John C. Humphries and wife, Elizabeth, of Charleston, South Carolina, William E. Humphries and Wife, Jan, of Dallas, Texas, Robert M. Humphries and Wife, Donna, of Benton, Arkansas; and two sisters: Mary H. Geidner and husband, Bruce, of Buford, Georgia and Anne M. Wren and husband, Fred, of Hot Springs, Arkansas. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, step children and step grandchildren.
Jimmy graduated from Oakton High School in 1972. He received his Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Studio Art and Minor in Theater in 1977 at Southern Arkansas University. At the University of Idaho, he received his Masters of Technical Production in 1980 and Masters of Fine Arts in Production Design in 1986. During his distinguished career he was an Instructor of Theater at the University of Nebraska – Kearney; Graduate Assistant to obtain a Masters of Fine Arts at the University of Idaho; an Assistant Professor at Texas A&M University (1986 – 1992); an Associate Professor of Theater and Dance Emeritus at Wittenberg University (1992 – 2017). Jimmy was a member of the Texas Shakespeare Festival in Kilgore, Texas for 25 years designing sets for over 45 productions, properties master, designing lobby displays, making festival banners, and even helping with the concessions! His incredible work at the Texas Shakespeare Festival led to designing for shows at the Longview Community Theater, Opera East Texas, the New London Museum, Playhouse on the Square in Memphis TN, and American Stage in St. Petersburg, FL.
Jimmy enjoyed traveling with his beautiful wife, Linda, painting, spending time with friends, family and beloved cat, Shelby, and enjoyed spending his retirement in Chincoteague, VA.
dENNIS wHITEHEAD-dARLING obit IN pLAYBILL
Beloved opera, theatre, and film director Dennis Whitehead Darling died May 17 following an e-scooter accident, according to Opera Wire. He was 59.
Director Dennis Whitehead Darling Has Died at 59 Following Tragic Accident
Mr. Darling's work can currently be seen Off-Broadway in Lights Out: Nat "King" Cole at New York Theatre Workshop
By Margaret Hall
May 29, 2025
At the time of his death, Mr. Darling was working as associate director on Off-Broadway's Lights Out: Nat "King" Cole at New York Theatre Workshop. He had been involved in the production since its earliest development, working with his close friend and collaborator Patricia McGregor, the show’s director/co-writer and NYTW's Artistic Director.
Said McGregor, “For almost a decade, Dennis has been my most frequent collaborator and one of my closest friends. The unflappable joy of his spirit mixed with his curiosity and ingenuity made him invaluable in any process. He was a stellar director and music director who also lit up a room when he walked in. Through his craft and encouragement, he empowered other artists to shine as well. Of his many talents, what is irreplaceable is the abundance of his heart. Our artistic family at Lights Out is devastated by the loss of our beloved brother as are his godchildren, Orion and Jupiter. We carry the sweetness of his memory with us, and we hope the work of our head, hands and heart will honor his mighty spirit. Dennis, you are loved—forever and ever.”
An opera director as well, Mr. Darling's also recently directed The Anonymous Lover at Opera Philadelphia.
Mr. Darling was the recipient of three B. Iden Payme Awards for Outstanding Direction and a four-time Ostrander Award Winner. In 2018, Mr. Darling was selected by Opera Memphis as their Inaugural McCleave Fellow in Directing, a fellowship dedicated to fostering the careers of Stage Directors and Music Directors of color. Throughout his career, Mr. Darling expressed one major goal, "to tell emotionally engaging and provocative stories that challenge the viewer to see the world from a different perspective."
The Supreme Court ruled in favor of marriage equality three weeks before Mr. Darling’s wedding to his husband Bryan, and they were one of the first gay weddings to be published in Martha Stewart’s Weddings magazine. Said Bryan: "It is so hard in a few words to honor a man who changed my life forever. He taught me, by his actions, to love generously, connect deeply, and to have a giddy sense of exploration. He has completed his journey, and I really think he’s excited about exploring this new place. Our magical man is making friends, listening to their stories, connecting those that he feels need to be connected, and smiling with that indescribable glowing smile that lets you know you’re important to him. Please speak his name often, tell happy stories about how you met him, don’t stop expressing your love for each other, and to honor him, stay deeply connected."
Mr. Darling is survived by his husband and his godchildren.
Mr. Darling's work can currently be seen Off-Broadway in Lights Out: Nat "King" Cole at New York Theatre Workshop
By Margaret Hall
May 29, 2025
At the time of his death, Mr. Darling was working as associate director on Off-Broadway's Lights Out: Nat "King" Cole at New York Theatre Workshop. He had been involved in the production since its earliest development, working with his close friend and collaborator Patricia McGregor, the show’s director/co-writer and NYTW's Artistic Director.
Said McGregor, “For almost a decade, Dennis has been my most frequent collaborator and one of my closest friends. The unflappable joy of his spirit mixed with his curiosity and ingenuity made him invaluable in any process. He was a stellar director and music director who also lit up a room when he walked in. Through his craft and encouragement, he empowered other artists to shine as well. Of his many talents, what is irreplaceable is the abundance of his heart. Our artistic family at Lights Out is devastated by the loss of our beloved brother as are his godchildren, Orion and Jupiter. We carry the sweetness of his memory with us, and we hope the work of our head, hands and heart will honor his mighty spirit. Dennis, you are loved—forever and ever.”
An opera director as well, Mr. Darling's also recently directed The Anonymous Lover at Opera Philadelphia.
Mr. Darling was the recipient of three B. Iden Payme Awards for Outstanding Direction and a four-time Ostrander Award Winner. In 2018, Mr. Darling was selected by Opera Memphis as their Inaugural McCleave Fellow in Directing, a fellowship dedicated to fostering the careers of Stage Directors and Music Directors of color. Throughout his career, Mr. Darling expressed one major goal, "to tell emotionally engaging and provocative stories that challenge the viewer to see the world from a different perspective."
The Supreme Court ruled in favor of marriage equality three weeks before Mr. Darling’s wedding to his husband Bryan, and they were one of the first gay weddings to be published in Martha Stewart’s Weddings magazine. Said Bryan: "It is so hard in a few words to honor a man who changed my life forever. He taught me, by his actions, to love generously, connect deeply, and to have a giddy sense of exploration. He has completed his journey, and I really think he’s excited about exploring this new place. Our magical man is making friends, listening to their stories, connecting those that he feels need to be connected, and smiling with that indescribable glowing smile that lets you know you’re important to him. Please speak his name often, tell happy stories about how you met him, don’t stop expressing your love for each other, and to honor him, stay deeply connected."
Mr. Darling is survived by his husband and his godchildren.
1984-85
Antigone
Lilliam
You Can’t Take it with you
Lilliam
You Can’t Take it with you
1985-86
Archie and Mehitabel
The Skin of our Teeth
The Cry of Players
Twelfth Night
Mousetrap
The Skin of our Teeth
The Cry of Players
Twelfth Night
Mousetrap
1986-87
Luv
Forum
Medea
Picnic
Forum
Medea
Picnic
1987-88
The Triple AAA Plowed Under
Wind Dancers
An Evening of Tennessee Williams Coach directed plus student directed
King Lear with Jeffrey Dench, Fania Williams directed. Gordone, Billy Thomas and Thomas Miles were the Gloucester family. Because we were committed to color blind casting.
The Robber Bridegroom Coach directed
Summer:
The Foreigner Coach directed Mark Hadley starred
Lion in Winter Scott Kelly and Emma as Henry and Eleanor.
Wind Dancers
An Evening of Tennessee Williams Coach directed plus student directed
King Lear with Jeffrey Dench, Fania Williams directed. Gordone, Billy Thomas and Thomas Miles were the Gloucester family. Because we were committed to color blind casting.
The Robber Bridegroom Coach directed
Summer:
The Foreigner Coach directed Mark Hadley starred
Lion in Winter Scott Kelly and Emma as Henry and Eleanor.
An Evening with Tennessee Williams
King Lear
1988-89
A Question of Identity Gordone directed, cancelled during previews
Pirates of Penzance Coach directed
Hedda Gabbler Shultz directed Emma as Hedda, Oliver Tull as Torvald?
In Vitro Matt directed or Pomo? Matt Hunt wrote it.
Man in the Moon Marigolds student directed, starred Lanell Pena
Another Antigone Troy Directed, starred Danya Arafat
Imaginary Invalid Pomo directed
Roan Brown and Cherry Gordone directed
Summer:
The Nerd Coach directed
Dracula Coach directed
Dear Liar Coach directed Scott Kelly and Emma starred
Pirates of Penzance Coach directed
Hedda Gabbler Shultz directed Emma as Hedda, Oliver Tull as Torvald?
In Vitro Matt directed or Pomo? Matt Hunt wrote it.
Man in the Moon Marigolds student directed, starred Lanell Pena
Another Antigone Troy Directed, starred Danya Arafat
Imaginary Invalid Pomo directed
Roan Brown and Cherry Gordone directed
Summer:
The Nerd Coach directed
Dracula Coach directed
Dear Liar Coach directed Scott Kelly and Emma starred
Pirates of Penzance
The Nerd/Dracula
1989-1990
ithe Spirit Greenwald directed
Waiting for Godot Schultz directed Oliver Tull, Clinton Sam as Didi and Gogo, Al Alford as Pozzo, John Flores as Lucky, Sean Dunham as the boy.
Little Shop of Horrors Coach directed, Dennis Whitehead musical directed, KC choreographed. Troy Herbort and Stephanie Tramell starred with MA as the Plant!
The Fantasticks Schultz directed
Gambler’s House Pomo directed
Same Time Next Year Coach directed Ginny Green and Mark Hadley starred
Stories to be Told Pomo directed
Children of the Chairman Greenwald directed
Angels Fall Kathy Schultz directed
Steel Magnolias Coach directed, Ginny Green, Lanell Pena, Lisa Woods, Maryellen Brennan, Desiree Dunman, and Ren Powell.
Summer Shows:
Boeing Boeing
2 Rms Rvr Vu Coach directed Christie Vela starred
Pump Boys and Dinettes Coach directed
Female version of The Odd Couple directed by Troy Herbort (with HS students)
Waiting for Godot Schultz directed Oliver Tull, Clinton Sam as Didi and Gogo, Al Alford as Pozzo, John Flores as Lucky, Sean Dunham as the boy.
Little Shop of Horrors Coach directed, Dennis Whitehead musical directed, KC choreographed. Troy Herbort and Stephanie Tramell starred with MA as the Plant!
The Fantasticks Schultz directed
Gambler’s House Pomo directed
Same Time Next Year Coach directed Ginny Green and Mark Hadley starred
Stories to be Told Pomo directed
Children of the Chairman Greenwald directed
Angels Fall Kathy Schultz directed
Steel Magnolias Coach directed, Ginny Green, Lanell Pena, Lisa Woods, Maryellen Brennan, Desiree Dunman, and Ren Powell.
Summer Shows:
Boeing Boeing
2 Rms Rvr Vu Coach directed Christie Vela starred
Pump Boys and Dinettes Coach directed
Female version of The Odd Couple directed by Troy Herbort (with HS students)
1990-91
Non Si Pago
The Heidi Chronicles
My Children My Africa Schultz directed
No Exit student directed
Largo Desolato
House of Bernarda Alba
Country Wife Greenwald directed and acted
The Mikado
Summer
The Heidi Chronicles
My Children My Africa Schultz directed
No Exit student directed
Largo Desolato
House of Bernarda Alba
Country Wife Greenwald directed and acted
The Mikado
Summer
1991-92
Breaking the Code
Devils
Merchant of Venice
Godspell
Other People’s Money
Artificial Jungle
Talk Radio directed by Jeff Gilmore
Summer:
Talley’s Follies Coach directed, Scott and Susan Kelly starred
Smoke on the Mountain
PS Your Cat is Dead directed by Lisa
Devils
Merchant of Venice
Godspell
Other People’s Money
Artificial Jungle
Talk Radio directed by Jeff Gilmore
Summer:
Talley’s Follies Coach directed, Scott and Susan Kelly starred
Smoke on the Mountain
PS Your Cat is Dead directed by Lisa
The Devils
TAlley's Folly/smoke on the mountain
1992-93
Dangerous Liaisons Coach directed Christie Vela and John Flores starred
Three Sisters directed by Oscar Giner
Theodora written and directed by Ren Powell
Three Sisters directed by Oscar Giner
Theodora written and directed by Ren Powell
Dangerous Liaisons
1993-94
Rumors
A My Name is Alice
Grapes of Wrath: Coach as Grandpa Joad
A My Name is Alice
Grapes of Wrath: Coach as Grandpa Joad
Wing Dings/parties etc...
