On Theater:

Last year, I celebrated one of those landmark birthdays, and my son threw a big party, inviting many of my friends from the past few decades, primarily in the world of community theater.

One of those guests was Ron Albertsen, whom I hadn’t seen in more than 20 years but who forged a memorable impact on local theater, primarily at the Huntington Beach Playhouse.

Albertsen looked hale and hearty at the time, but recently he passed away at 76.

He first appeared locally in the playhouse’s 1966 production of “Champagne Complex,” back when the theater was accurately known as “The Barn,” an old converted farm building at Main Street and Yorktown Avenue. Soon afterward, he directed a fine production of “The Rainmaker,” which introduced Phil de Barros (who also died earlier this year) to local audiences.

Albertsen’s next project was the part of Harry Brock in “Born Yesterday,” also at the playhouse. As he recreated the Paul Douglas/Broderick Crawford character, I watched that one up close in my role as Paul Verrall, the part William Holden played in the movie.

Three years later, it was my turn to direct at the playhouse, and the show was “Once More, With Feeling,” which centered on a domineering symphony conductor. Who better than Ron? He shared the stage with Carol Filian and Martin H. Fuchs, who became one of Albertsen’s closest friends.

“Ron was born Dec. 11, 1932,” Marty said, “and he worked at Huntington Beach High School, teaching various English courses and theater. He also was the assistant principal and a teacher union rep for a while.”

“He retired about 10 to 15 years ago,” he went on. “He taught summer classes at UCI for high potential students for a few years. He joined the Huntington Beach Elks Club and held many offices with them.”

Albertsen held honorary life memberships at the playhouse, as well as the Westminster Community Theater and Long Beach Community Playhouse, where he also directed and performed in many memorable productions.

His most recent marriage to Lyn Baird Albertsen ended after more than 20 years with her death in 2005. He is survived by a sister, Donna, of Newport Beach, and two sons, Ron Jr. and Hans.

They didn’t come much bigger than Ron Albertsen at the Playhouse, either in size or heart. We’ll miss you, big guy. Give our regards to Phil when you run into him up there.

TOM TITUS reviews local theater for the Independent.