Partington, J. A. (John Allan), 1890-1944

J. A. Partington was a producer, inventor and stage manager. Born on the Isle of Man in 1890, he and his family migrated to California when he was five. Partington produced stage shows which were performed before featured films at the Granada and Metropolitan Theatres in San Francisco and later for the Publix Theatres Corporation. Partington is best known for his invention of the rising orchestra pit and the disappearing footlights. Partington produced the stage shows of the Roxy Theatre for Fanchon and Marco until his death. He died in New York City in 1944.

From the guide to the J. A. Partington papers, scores and sheet music, 1924-1931, (The New York Public Library. Billy Rose Theatre Division.)

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