By Joanie Juster–
On November 6, 2023, Milt Commons made his final exit at the age of 96 in his longtime home of San Francisco, California, after an exceptionally long, useful, and fascinating life.
The son of Milton and Katherine Commons, and brother of Carol, Milt was born and raised in tiny Macksville, Kansas, on June 17, 1927. Possessing a bright and curious mind, he set out to see the world beyond Kansas, attending the University of Santa Barbara, then graduating from Kansas University with a B.S. in English Education and an M.A. in Drama.
His professional career in theatre began in 1950 with the Imperial Players, a melodrama company in Cripple Creek, Colorado. From there he traveled to Phoenix, working in shows with stars such as Kirk Douglas, Roddy McDowell, Mel Ferrer, and Cesar Romero. He worked his way around the country, from Hollywood to Maine, as both a stage manager and an actor, in summer stock, small regional theatres, and finally off-Broadway and Broadway. His skill and professionalism led him to other major stages, including the Guthrie Theatre in Minneapolis, the Magic Theatre in San Francisco, and the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles.
It was at the Mark Taper Forum that Milt began his longest professional association, working with Luis Valdez on his groundbreaking play (and subsequent film) Zoot Suit. Milt continued to stage manage for Valdez’s theatre company, El Teatro Campesino, on their annual bilingual Christmas plays in San Juan Bautista for 25 years, culminating in his final performance in 2018.
Throughout those years, Milt also stage managed at many other professional theatres. When he was in his 80s and found stage management jobs increasingly hard to come by, he pivoted to a new career, studying for and passing the test to become a member of the theatrical wardrobe union. Milt dressed local and touring productions until he was 92, when the COVID-19 pandemic closed theatres and there was no more work for him.
Never one to sit idle, Milt was a valued participant in several reading groups, filled a number of key roles as a lay member at Old St. Mary’s Cathedral in San Francisco, and loved to travel. He was the consummate theatre professional, an artist, an intellectual, a rigorous scholar, a witty raconteur, a charming bon vivant, and the most faithful and devoted of friends. He mentored generations of theatre artists for over seven decades, and was a proud Union man, being a 70+-year member of Actors’ Equity, as well as SAG-AFTRA and the Theatrical Wardrobe Union.
Milt leaves behind a loving family, including his sister Carol (Ray) Ladbury, nephews Ray Ladbury, Jr., (Michelle Chesnut), John (Ranelle) Ladbury, and Laurie (Scott) Biethan; grand-nieces and -nephews Sarah (Andy) Robinson, Michael Biethan (Marie Kapelke-Biethan), Peter Biethan, Colton (Ashlee) Ladbury, Tony Ladbury, and Janelle (Beau) Kelley; and great-grandniece and -nephew Kira Biethan and Leonardo Robinson.
In addition to his biological family, Milt was blessed with the love of his extensive chosen family of friends and colleagues, including legions of theatre artists he mentored throughout his legendary career.
Details of services are pending. If you have stories to share of Milt, his family would love to hear them. And to honor Milt’s life and legacy, go see a live theatre performance, and raise a glass to him!
Joanie Juster is a long-time community volunteer, activist, and ally.
In Memoriam
Published on November 16, 2023
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