Cotillion

‘Cotillion’ Draws Overflow Crowds

Woodie King Jr., producer of “Cotillion,” a play by John Oliver Killens based on his novel of the same name, said yesterday that about 100 persons each night are being turned away from the New Federal Theater, where the play is being put on with no admission charge.

“We have grants,” Mr. King said, “and the people in this community can’t afford to pay to see shows. And we feel if it’s successful an outside producer will pick it up.” The play is about a black Brooklyn mother’s desire to introduce her daughter properly to society.

The Henry Street Settlement’s New Federal Theater, at 240 East Third Street, seats 300, and Mr. King said that 50 more people stand. The play has run three weeks, and it is scheduled to close tomorrow night. Mr. King said it cost $15,000 to produce and $2,500 more a week to keep it in the theater. – NY Times

Cotillion earned two 1975 AUDELCO awards: to Joe Gandy for Scenic Design and to Woodie King, Jr. for Producing.