(1985-1986)
Few names are as woven into the fabric of Boise Little Theater’s history as Gennie Ison’s. For more than four decades, Gennie gave her time, talent, and creativity to nearly every aspect of BLT — onstage, backstage, and in leadership.
Gennie’s earliest contributions came in the late 1960s, ushering and working on wardrobe and set construction for productions such as No Time for Sergeants and The Merry Wives of Windsor. She quickly became a versatile and trusted collaborator, taking on roles as assistant director (Stalag 17, 1969), properties manager, make-up assistant, and even cover artist for production programs.
On stage, Gennie was a dynamic and memorable performer, portraying a wide variety of characters across decades: Vera Charles in Auntie Mame (1972), Miss Fellowes in Night of the Iguana (1973), Juror No. Eleven in Twelve Angry Jurors (1976), Duchess Stephanie in Death Takes a Holiday (1977), Ellen Dean in Wuthering Heights (1983), Vera in The Odd Couple (Female Version) (1988), Jessie in The Prisoner of Second Avenue (1989), Eunice Hubbell in A Streetcar Named Desire (1990), Lady Alice Miller in Breath of Spring (1997), and Lily Belle Savage in The Curious Savage (2002), among many others.
Her dedication extended beyond performance. Gennie served as a board member, script committee member, scholarship committee member, and nominating committee chair across multiple decades. She was elected President for the 1985–86 season, leading BLT with vision and heart. Her behind-the-scenes contributions — from wardrobe design and properties management to set construction and make-up — ensured that BLT productions maintained a consistently high standard of quality.
Even after stepping back from leadership, Gennie remained a steadfast supporter, regularly ushering, purchasing patron tickets, and serving on committees into the 2000s.
Gennie Ison’s extraordinary commitment, both on stage and off, helped shape Boise Little Theater into the inclusive, volunteer-driven community treasure it is today. Her decades of service reflect the very spirit of community theater — dedication, creativity, and a deep love for the art form.
