By Denny H.R. No. 568 74R9587 WMS-D R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, April 10, 1995, marks the first anniversary of the 1-2 death of Tom Hughes, a giant within the Dallas arts community and a 1-3 man who was widely recognized throughout the entertainment industry 1-4 as one of our nation's leading theater producers; and 1-5 WHEREAS, A native Texan, Mr. Hughes was graduated from 1-6 Carrollton High School and pursued his higher education at the 1-7 University of North Texas, where he distinguished himself as vice 1-8 president of the student body and president of the student senate; 1-9 his undying love of the theater was already evident during his 1-10 tenure as a student at North Texas, for he tirelessly devoted his 1-11 time and energies throughout college to serve as producer and 1-12 director of the Varsity Club shows and the Spring Music Festival; 1-13 and 1-14 WHEREAS, In 1955, he was named house manager of the State 1-15 Fair Musicals, known today as the Dallas Summer Musicals, and began 1-16 a remarkable career with that organization that would span four 1-17 decades; having proven himself in positions of increased 1-18 responsibility over the course of six years, Mr. Hughes was named 1-19 managing director of the Dallas Summer Musicals in 1961; and 1-20 WHEREAS, In the ensuing years, this gifted producer elevated 1-21 the national perception of the performing arts in the Metroplex 1-22 area by coupling his trademark flair for the dramatic with his 1-23 seemingly innate understanding of how to please an audience; and 1-24 WHEREAS, Among the many legendary actors and actresses who 2-1 came to Dallas to perform in his lavish productions were such 2-2 Hollywood giants as Katherine Hepburn, Richard Burton, Yul Brynner, 2-3 Ginger Rogers, Gene Kelly, and Carol Burnett; and 2-4 WHEREAS, A keen judge of untapped talent as well, Mr. Hughes 2-5 carefully cultivated the abilities of Sandy Duncan and Tommy Tune, 2-6 both of whom benefited immeasurably from his able guidance and 2-7 encouragement; and 2-8 WHEREAS, Determined to create the broadest possible avenue 2-9 for dramatic expression within his community, Mr. Hughes 2-10 established the Tom Hughes Foundation to bring national touring 2-11 companies of dramas and musicals to the Majestic Theatre and the 2-12 Music Hall during the months when the Summer Musicals are inactive; 2-13 Mr. Hughes also joined with actress Martha Gaylord to establish a 2-14 scholarship at his alma mater for deserving drama students; and 2-15 WHEREAS, For his many notable achievements, Mr. Hughes was 2-16 given an honorary doctorate and a Distinguished Alumnus Award by 2-17 the University of North Texas and was designated a recipient of the 2-18 TACA Award for Excellence in the Performing Arts; and 2-19 WHEREAS, Tom Hughes was a gentleman of rare talent and 2-20 dedication whose extensive achievements in the arts greatly 2-21 enriched the lives of countless residents of and visitors to the 2-22 Metroplex area; although he has been deeply missed in the year that 2-23 has passed since his death, his memory lives on in the hearts of 2-24 his family, friends, and many fans; now, therefore, be it 2-25 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 74th Texas 2-26 Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Tom Hughes and extend 2-27 sincere sympathy to the members of his family: to his wife, Anne 3-1 Kouri Hughes; to his children, Kenneth Thomas Hughes, Ryan Alexis 3-2 Hughes, and Kyle Elizabeth Hughes; to his aunt, Ruby Aiello; to his 3-3 uncles, J. C. Bond and Walter Bond, Sr.; and to the many other 3-4 friends and relatives of this esteemed gentleman; and, be it 3-5 further 3-6 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 3-7 prepared for the members of his family and that when the Texas 3-8 House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of 3-9 Tom Hughes.