Saturday, January 15, 2011
Fabulous!
Study the Mielziner family and you’ll discover an intermingling of the scholarly, theater and the arts. Dr. Rabbi Mielziner wrote several books and sermons, one of which; Die Verhältnisse der Sklaverei bei den Alten Hebräern, 1859 (The conditions of slavery among the ancient Hebrews) remains required reading in the reform movement.) Leo and Ella’s sons became well known in the theater. Leo Jr. adopted the stage name Kenneth MacKenna. His brother Jo was the famed set and stage designor.
An interesting footnote to theatrical history: Kate Hepburn referred to Kenneth MacKenna as “My Deflowerer.” That was Kate’s pet name for the handsome young actor who took her virginity in 1928. She said of the affair: “Someone had to do the dirty deed. Why not Kenneth?”
