Quality Hill Playhouse owes existence to Mel Solomon

Most people don’t know that Mel designed another space used by many members of the Jewish community, along with hundreds of thousands of area theater lovers over the years. Back in 1988, Mel was a board member of Theater League. Our organization was looking for an intimate performance space, to go along with the Midland Theater, where we presented big touring Broadway shows. I found a space in a garage downtown and took Mel over to see it.

The size and ceiling height were great, but there was a problem. Since we were in a garage, cars would be driving right over the audience throughout a performance. Lighting would have gone out of focus, the room would have shaken — these problems seemed insurmountable, until I asked Mel to check it out.

Well, the Quality Hill Playhouse was completed and has played host to thousands of performances — notably those produced for the last 25+ years by Kent Barnhart. But none of it could have happened if Mel hadn’t designed a solution to our car problem. You see, the entire ceiling of the theater is suspended from 150 shock absorbers, like the ones in the cars that use the garage. I’ve won several bets over the years when I’ve wagered that the ceiling of the QHP — unlike most any other room you’ve ever been in — does not actually touch the walls. Check it out, the next time your see one of Kent’s shows (which hopefully won’t be too long).

A great idea from a great fellow (and fellow Wash U Sammy). Thanks, Mel, for ALL of your spiritual spaces.

Mark Edelman

Leawood, Kansas