Ray Duval, a life in the theater

MANY PARENTS have a hard time getting their children to read. Ray Duval's parents had no such problem. When other kids were outdoors playing sports, and trying to get Ray to join them, he was polishing off book after book in the quiet of his South Philadelphia home.

Ray went on to become a well-known figure in the Philadelphia theater world, writing scripts, acting in films, stage-managing theaters and producing cultural events.

Ray Duval, who was born Nathan Goldiner, also had a strong commitment to social justice, and the care of needy children.

He died Oct. 14 of a heart attack.

Many theatergoers will remember the silver-haired gentleman in black who served as house manager for many years at the Prince Music Theater, 1416 Chestnut St., and greeted one and all with big hugs.

Ray once said, "I couldn't live without reading." To nobody's surprise, when he ran out of shelf space, he piled up magazines and books on the floor, compelling visitors to step over them.

Ray majored in child development at Temple University, minoring in theater and speech. While in college, he wrote reviews and scripts, and analyzed and directed plays.

Upon graduation, he became associated with the Theater of the Living Arts and Full Circle Theater Company. He also worked as an assistant stage manger for the Siebrand Bros. Circus & Carnival.

A highlight of his theater experience was when he and his longtime partner, Ron Hunter, visited London for a theater festival, and happily saw two or three plays every day for three weeks.

Ray worked as stage manager for a number of theaters, including Philadelphia Theater Company, the Interact Theater, the EgoPo Classic Theater, Dancefusion Company and the Wilma Theater.

He also voluntered for practically every cultural festival in the city, including the Philadelphia Fringe Festival, the Philadelphia International Film Festival and the Philadelphia QFest.

Back at Temple University, Ray created and led sessions on theater management and appreciation. He directed and staged readings, appeared as an extra in four independent films and produced his own film.

Shortly before his death, he was rehearsing for the musical, "3 Divas 3." He can be seen in his final movie role as part of Andrew Repasky McElhinney's new film, "Christmas Dreams."

Ray co-founded and co-directed the Red Lion Day Care and camp, in the Northeast. He created children's shows and presented cut-down versions of Broadway shows for the day-care kids.

Ray worked for 14 years at the Woodhaven Center, in the Northeast, caring for mentally disabled and emotionally challenged males. He became a mediator for staff concerns, pleading the case of workers at the facility.

Ray became disturbed by the story of a black woman who underwent a heart transplant and then was denied medical care because she had no health insurance, causing her death.

He began lobbying lawmakers in Harrisburg and Washington on behalf of the rights of minorities. He joined the Philadelphia Unemployment Project, mainly comprising blacks and Hispanics, and became its outspoken frontman.

Besides his partner, Ray is survived by a sister, Marian Morris, and a brother, Herman Goldiner.

Services: Memorial service 5:30 p.m. Nov. 24 at the Prince Music Theater, 1412 Chestnut St.