Biography

Composer, author, actor and director, educated at Syracuse University. He was a television writer and Broadway actor in productions including "Oklahoma", "The Iceman Cometh", "Men to the Sea", and "A Story for a Sunday Evening" (also director". He directed the Broadway productions "The Silver Whistle", "Texas Li'l Darlin'", "This Time Tomorrow" and "Midsummer".
- IMDb mini biography by: Hup234!

Paul Crabtree was an actor, director, producer and composer. He attended Syracuse University. He made his Broadway debut when he succeeded a role in the original Broadway production of "Oklahoma". He was then given a contract with the Theatre Guild. He went on to produce and direct Broadway shows with such legends as 'Helen Hayes', Charlton Heston, 'José Ferrer', 'Geraldine Paige', Loretta Young, E.G. Marshall and many others. After a chance meeting with Eugene O'Neill, he was hand picked by O'Neill himself to play the role on Don Parrit in the original Broadway cast of "The Iceman Cometh". After working on Broadway for several years he tried his hand at Hollywood by writing for The Loretta Young Show (1953), Studio One (1948) and Kraft Mystery Theatre (1947). He also wrote two films, Johnny Tiger (1966) and Country Boy (1966) (in which he was also part of the cast. But in 1964 is when he truly left his mark in the theatre world when he relocated to Crossville, Tennessee. In Tennessee, with the help of family, friends, and many volunteers from the surrounding community Paul was able to bring about the off-Broadway theatre The Cumberland County Playhouse. The first show performed on the Playhouse's stage was the hugely successful "Tennessee, USA" which starred successful Broadway and film actor Bob Gunton as Johnny Timberlake. "Tennessee, USA" ran for 5 years bringing a following to that has now made The Cumberland County Playhouse an institution in the rural town of Crossville, Tennessee. Now in its 38th year, The Cumberland County Playhouse draws crowds from all over the country. People come from all over to support this wonderful family theatre. Paul wrote and directed many shows on the Playhouse stage. Now the Cumberland County Playhouse is under the supervision of Paul's oldest son Jim Crabtree.

In 1996 Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (1997) composer George S. Clinton along with Jim Crabtree premiered their show "Spirit of the Mountain". Paul passed away March 9, 1979 in Hershey, Pennsylvania from a heart attack. He is survived by his wife Mary and their five Children. His influence on the Cumberland area of Tennessee has left an everlasting impact.
- IMDb mini biography by: Matt Ducey