John Angelo Papers

From New York Public Library:

"John Angelo (1922-) is a former dancer, choreographer, actor, and set and costume designer. Born in Newark, NJ, he started dancing as a teenager and performed on Broadway, as well as in the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo. In 1952, Angelo moved to West Hollywood when he was recruited by MGM to be a dancer and acting extra. His film appearances included Summer Stock, Singin' in the Rain (for which he screen tested Gene Kelly's routines), West Side Story, An American in Paris, Guys and Dolls, The Gene Krupa Story, From Here to Eternity, and Scared Stiff (with Jerry Lewis and Dean Martin). On television, he was a regular dancer on The Frank Sinatra Show, and he also appeared on Playhouse 90 and Schultz Playhouse. Angelo continued to perform in stage and summer stock companies in Southern California, and he also worked and choreographed in Las Vegas, where he appeared with the Rat Pack.

After Angelo retired from dancing he worked as a set designer for such television shows as Dallas, Knots Landing, Hart to Hart, and The Red Fox Show.

From the early 1960s onward, Angelo produced theater and dance workshops for children, teens, and adults under the name of Adult, Teen, and Children's Theatre Arts Workshop. He produced, directed, and choreographed most of the productions himself, and was hired by the County of Los Angeles and the City of West Hollywood to produce community theater projects. Angelo was known for an interview show he hosted on the public access West Hollywood City Channel in the 1990s and 2000s, and was interviewed on the channel himself.

In the 1960s, Angelo danced with the Hollywood Shakespeare Festival, which was founded by Angelo's associate, David Bond (born Alfred Allegro, 1914-1989). An actor and theatrical producer, Bond was born in New York City and appeared on Broadway before moving to Los Angeles, where he toured with the Shakespeare Festival around Southern California. He appeared in many films, including The Late George Apley, The Private Affairs of Bel Ami, Joan of Arc, The Great Caruso, Julius Caesar, and House Calls. His television appearances included Dragnet, The Twilight Zone, The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis, and The Untouchables."

John Angelo was born Giovanni Anginoni in Newark on Jun 24, 1922 to Sabbins Anginoni (later went by Sam Angelo, c. 1890-1927) and Guiseppa Purcelli (later Josephine Angelo). His parents were married in 1920. He was born at home at 1 Cutler Street. His brothers were Joseph (1923-2000) and Samuel Angelo (1928-1998). His father was born in Italy.

On Oct 25, 1927 his father Sam Angelo, a chauffeur, died at Newark City Hospital of accidental burns due to a still explosion. In 1930, Josephine and the children lived with the family of her sister -- or sister-in-law -- James and Jennie Guiliano on Clifton Avenue. By 1940, they lived alone elsewhere on Clinton Ave.

In Newark John Angelo attended Franklin Grammar School and Arts High School. In 1942, John's draft card lists his employer as the Newark Housing Authority but he soon became involved in theater and moved to California in 1952. Samuel went on to be an Essex County Freeholder.

Even though John lived in CA his accomplishments were covered many times in the Italian Tribune of Newark.