She grew up the daughter of an actor, but was too shy to follow in her father’s footsteps.
However, Christine Dolen eventually parlayed her love of the stage into a successful career in theatrical journalism. And now, after 36 years as theater critic for The Miami Herald, Dolen is retiring.
In the last four decades, Dolen has watched the South Florida theater scene grow from little more than a touring company outpost to a formidable and respected artistic wellspring.
Below, you can hear Christine Dolen discuss her career highlights with WLRN’s Christine DiMattei:
Between South Florida, regional theater, Broadway, London and Paris performances, Dolen estimates she’s seen 4,000 shows throughout her career.
Did she save the Playbills from all of them?
“No! I wish I were a more organized person!,” she exclaims with a laugh. “In hindsight you wish you remembered everything as you were experiencing it, but I guess I will have to have my memories of great performances.”
