Paula Geneve Stockwell Rickard

Madison -- Paula Geneve Stockwell Rickard, a woman who dedicated her life to the theater in America, died July 5, 2009.   A Speech and Home Economics graduate of the University of Missouri, she completed a post graduate in directing at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, a division of New York University in New York City while working evening at The Latin Club as a hat check girl.   Upon graduation she was hired by East Coast Productions and worked as a director in off Broadway productions as well as in community theaters throughout New England and the central part of the United States.   Polly married Harlow Rickard in 1941 and continued her career in the theater.   During World War II Polly was asked to turn her directorial skills toward the war effort and took on the challenge of directing numerous shows for bond drives culminating in a three day variety show in Boston with a cast of 600 performers including Bob Hope, Dorothy Lamoure, and Bing Crosby.   Over 13 million dollars per day was raised making it the single most successful bond drive staged during WWII.   In 1947 Polly and her husband Harlow, formed a theatrical production company with staff of eighteen directors and advance agents.   They produced and staged over 3500 community musicals, dramas and variety shows in the United States and Canada.   During those years, Polly wrote twenty-one musical comedies, revues, follies and variety shows.   In 1965 Polly and Harlow created Rickard Publications, as co-publisher she was an active participant in its growth and success.   Polly was preceded in death by her husband Harlow M. Rickard, and her parents Daus Stockwell and Zella Viola Blevins Stockwell.   She is survived by Caroline Ballweg whom Polly wished to acknowledge as both a dear friend and housekeeper, who made it possible for her to live comfortably in her home for many years.   A memorial service will be held at MIDVALE COMMUNITY LUTHERAN CHURCH, 4329 Tokay Blvd., on Thursday, July 9, 2009 at 3:30 a.m. with Pastor Bruce Loewenhagen officiating.   Memorials may be made in memory of Polly to the HospiceCare Facility, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711.