Remembering Wendell Phillip MacNeal III (1929–2026)

A Life Dedicated to Theatre, Community, and the Human Spirit

A remembrance by Russell Posthauer
Board Member, TheatreWorks New Milford

Wendell Phillip MacNeal III, a founding leader of TheatreWorks New Milford, accomplished theatre director, actor, educator, and mental health professional, died peacefully on November 3, 2026, at his home in Bluffton, South Carolina. He was 97.

Wendell lived an extraordinary life, bringing creativity, compassion, and an enduring commitment to the performing arts to the communities he served. His influence extended from the professional entertainment world of Cab Calloway to the stages of Connecticut and South Carolina, and from the rehearsal room to the field of mental health.

Born August 1, 1929, in Chicago, Wendell was the eldest of eight children. At sixteen, he embarked on an extraordinary adventure when his uncle, legendary entertainer Cab Calloway, asked him to deliver an automobile to New York. That journey led to a year traveling with Calloway’s company throughout the United States and Cuba, introducing Wendell to the world of professional entertainment.

He subsequently graduated from Morgan State University with a degree in psychology, pursued graduate studies in social work at New York University, and served in the United States Army during the Korean War. He later performed as a singer and actor with a touring Black theatre company.

Building a Theatre and a Cultural Legacy

Wendell’s enduring contribution to New Milford began with the Holiday Players, established in 1958. As Artistic Director, he worked alongside attorney Harry Cohen to develop live theatre in the community. Their leadership helped establish the Creative Arts Center of New Milford, incorporated in 1967. In 1973, the organization acquired the historic Second Advent Church on Brookside Avenue, converting the building into a permanent performance venue. That remarkable undertaking established the home of what is now TheatreWorks New Milford, an institution that continues to enrich the cultural life of western Connecticut more than five decades later. Wendell’s theatrical influence extended throughout Connecticut. He directed numerous productions, founded a Shakespeare company presenting outdoor summer performances in the early 1980s, and mentored generations of performers.

A Career of Service

Parallel to his theatrical accomplishments, Wendell pursued a distinguished career in mental health. He played an instrumental role in developing the Danbury Hospital Mental Health Center, subsequently continuing his professional work in private practice. His dual careers reflected a lifelong interest in understanding people, encouraging personal growth, and strengthening communities. In 1990, Wendell married Bernadette Bromiley. In 2006, they retired to Bluffton, South Carolina, where he continued directing, mentoring performers, and contributing to community theatre. In November 2010, TheatreWorks New Milford recognized Wendell and Harry Cohen with Board of Directors Emeritus status, honoring their foundational contributions.

An Enduring Legacy

Wendell MacNeal leaves a remarkable legacy of artistic achievement, community leadership, and compassionate service. For those of us at TheatreWorks New Milford, his influence remains visible in every production and every new generation of performers who step onto our historic stage.

Wendell helped create more than a theatre. He helped build a community, and his legacy will endure.

Russell Posthauer
Board Member, TheatreWorks New Milford