02/29/2024 General, General Paintings, General Furniture & Decorative Arts
NEW YORK, NY -- Doyle is honored to auction property from the Estate of actor, vocal coach and cabaret legend Elinor “Ellie” Ellsworth in select auctions this season.
Born in Connecticut, Ellie Ellsworth (1941-2023) trained as a coloratura soprano at the Hartt School of Music in West Hartford before moving to New York to pursue a career in musical theatre. Her big break came with a lead role in the original production of the musical revue, Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris. She later performed in several long-running productions, including South Pacific and The Fantasticks.
In 1977, Ellie co-founded the Actors Institute, where she shared her expertise with others teaching Master Classes, Acting for Musical Theater, Singer Workshops and Songwriting. Her commitment to nurturing talent led to the establishment in 1989 of The Cabaret Symposium at the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center in Waterford, Connecticut, which was recognized with the Backstage Bistro Award in 1991.
Taking on the role of Artistic Director for the Ensign-Darling Vocal Fellowship in 2001, Ellie dedicated herself to educating the next generation of performers, coaching high school students in the art of cabaret at The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts in Hartford, Connecticut. She also led Cabaret Workshops at The Boston Conservatory.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Ellie was deeply involved in her community, volunteering for over 20 years at St. Paul's House, a homeless charity in the theatre district, where she became a longtime board member. She also served as a Deaconess at Redeemer Presbyterian Church, counseling members seeking spiritual, practical and emotional support. Ellie cherished her roles as sister, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, often embarking on family ski trips to Utah and other adventures with her loved ones.
Ellie’s vivacious spirit and unwavering dedication to her craft and community leave behind a remarkable, inspiring and enduring legacy.
Property from the Estate of Elinor Ellsworth is highlighted by a 1984 acrylic on paper by Elaine de Kooning (below left) from her Cave Paintings Series (est. $80,000-120,000) and a mixed media work by Robert Courtright (below right) (est. $5,000-7,000). Both will be offered in the sale of 20th Century Abstraction on March 13. View Lots.
Additional property will be offered in select sales this season.
