Bonfils, Helen (c. 1890–1972)
Bonfils, Helen (c. 1890–1972)
American theatrical producer and actress. Name variations: Gertrude Barton. Born c. 1890, in New York, NY; died June 6, 1972, age 82, in Denver, Colorado; dau. of Frederick G. Bonfils (co-founder and owner of The Denver Post); m. George Somnes (died).
Began running Denver Post after death of her father (1933); with husband, began producing in NY with Sun Kissed (1937); under name Gertrude Barton (mother's maiden name), co-produced and acted in The Greatest Show on Earth (1938); produced or co-produced many plays, including Pastoral, Come Play with Me, A Thurber Carnival, Sail Away, The Beast in Me, Chips with Everything, Slow Dance on a Killing Ground, Beekman Place, The Promise, Enter Laughing, King Lear, Comedy of Errors, The Killing of Sister George and Sleuth; for 10 years, produced and acted at the Elitch Gardens, Denver; built the Bonfils Theatre in Denver (1953).