London Theatre Icon, Don Fleckser Directs his 180th Play

By Dorothy Downs Anyone who has spent any time on London’s stages will know Don Fleckser.  He is a modest, quiet man who tends to avoid the limelight, and yet he is more deserving of the limelight than most people in his hometown are aware. As I began working on this article about Don, I thought about my own experiences with him.  I am intimidated to put my story alongside the cast of incredible actors that Don has influenced.  I am a part of this fabulous group in only one way.  Don Fleckser took a chance on me, and gave me my first leading role on stage at the Palace, two decades ago. Don Fleckser has been an encouraging energy behind many London actors, both famous and not so famous, for close to 60 years.   “Life with Father” at the London Little Theatre (now the Grand) was Don’s first directing assignment. It starred Brenda May, the top leading lady of the London acting community at the time.  Brenda May just recently turned 100, and is still living in London.  Eight year old Victor Garber (of Titanic and Alias fame) was also in that cast. Don was a constant presence in Victor’s life on stage and, in fact, when Mr. Garber recently received his star on the Walk of Fame in Toronto, the first ten minutes of his speech were spent talking about and thanking Don Fleckser! Then he thanked his mother. That moment is indicative of a man who has spent a long life in the theatre and has managed to connect with many stars of film and Broadway, in a way that is very unusual for a teacher from London Ontario.  Sitting down with […]