Role of a lifetime

Resident Pat Brannigan Doherty traveled the world singing and dancing for troops with the USO. Her love for theater, entertaining and people is in her blood.

TO SAY PAT BRANNIGAN DOHERTY WAS RAISED IN THE THEATER would be an understatement. She grew up surrounded by family whose name has been synonymous with behind-the-scenes theater work in Pittsburgh (and beyond) for more than a century. Last year, after helping on and off stage for 71 years, Pat finally closed the curtain on her career in theater.

In 1946, Pat’s father, her uncle and other family members helped start Pittsburgh’s Civic Light Opera (CLO). Her father was an electrician, and her uncle was a carpenter who built all the sets. The theater company’s first production was held in Pitt Stadium. It moved around several times before finding its current home, the Benedum Center, where it draws more than 200,000 patrons each year.

Pat had her first acting experience at age 6 as the rabbit in “Alice in Wonderland.” She performed throughout high school and after graduating, joined the CLO’s wardrobe department in 1946. Having worn many costumes and knowing what did and didn’t work, she found the role was a perfect fit.

She took a break in September, when she joined the USO to sing and dance for troops in China, Japan, Korea and the Mariana Islands. She loved the experience and witnessing different cultures, although it was difficult to see the devastation of Japan.

“People ask me how my parents could let me go. They actually packed my bag just to get some peace and quiet,” she joked. “I was always moving and shaking. To be 19 years old and leave home – it was a wonderful experience, no question.”

When she returned home in 1947, the CLO was waiting for her.

One of Pat’s fondest memories was when she was traveling with the show “Gypsy” in Chicago. At the same time, her father was working on “The Sound of Music” and her brother was with “The Egg,” also in Chicago. It was rare to have three members of her family traveling to the same town. Both her brothers went on to work in New York City, one helping to build Lincoln Center and the other renovating Carnegie Hall.

It was also during that tour, Pat recalls a wardrobe malfunction which tested her skills. She went out front to watch the show, when an actress who was wearing silk wings caught and tore the wing on a prop. Pat had to rush backstage and make a new set of wings for the second act.

Working in theater required long hours, time away from family and friends and thriving in chaos, but Pat loved it. It was about more than just meeting stars, like Perry Como, Eddie Fisher and Frankie Valli, although they were all easy to work with, according to Pat.

“It’s in your blood. It was wonderful working with the family. We all had the same background, and we were able to exchange stories,” Pat said. “I miss it. It was something to look forward to. Every week, there was a different show and different people. One time, I was told I made friends too readily. It’s because these people come into town for one week, and you really get to know them.”

Pat, who has been widowed twice, raised one son and lived in the same home in Mount Washington for 75 years. While keeping her job with CLO, in 1966, she went to work for the city of Pittsburgh as a building inspector. She retired from there in 1992. In 2013, she moved to the Masonic Village at Sewickley.

“It’s the best move I could’ve made,” she said. “I like the idea of the independence in the apartments, but with the knowledge I’ll be cared for if it’s needed and when it’s needed. Plus, I’ve made some very good friends.”

Pat keeps busy by driving residents to doctors’ appointments, which provides good opportunities to get to know people. She shares her love of theater with others on trips to see local productions, including ones at the CLO. Pat was recently able to use her wardrobe skills during a show where 17 residents displayed their wedding gowns. She assisted one woman with laying out her gown, going away dress, shoes and bouquet featuring long streamers.

Six generations of the Brannigans have worked backstage theater in Pittsburgh (and still do), not because they felt they had to, but because they wanted to. Hearing stories from relatives, including Pat, make it a family tradition they are proud to continue.

“I tell my grandson all the time, ‘have a ball,’” she said. “Do as you choose. Stay out of trouble, but do anything you want to do. Build up memories. Once you’re my age, you’ll have all these wonderful memories. I’ve been blessed, and I tell people that daily.”