David L. Bolt

David L. Bolt

Cedar Rapids

David Lynn Bolt died Friday, October 18, 2024 naturally and peacefully, surrounded by friends. David was a true gentleman and was affectionately known as “Mr. Community Theatre.” He was 83 years old.

David was born August 27, 1941 at St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids, and was adopted nine days later by Edna and Joe Bolt. He had a loving childhood and graduated from Jefferson High School in 1959. David would forego college and jump immediately into professional sales, but his avocation was always music and theatre.

The summer after graduation David was cast in the city musical which included students from all three Cedar Rapids high schools. Even after graduating, he was asked to return the following three summers.

He dated Sylvia Kinkead for several years before matrimony, and the two enjoyed their five-year marriage with much laughter, remaining dear friends beyond their union.

David’s last job was advertising sales for nearly 30 years at the locally owned and operated radio station KMRY Radio in Cedar Rapids. One of his first jobs was selling sheet music at Hiltbrunner’s, and would later work in appliance and electronics sales. He served as General Manager and Development Director for CRCT (Cedar Rapids Community Theater, now Theatre Cedar Rapids), organizing their move from the Strand Theater building (what is now NewBo City Market) to the Iowa Theater Building. David employed his savvy, confidence, sincerity, humor, and knowledge in everything he did. He would make sales calls in person by establishing old-school rapport with clients: schmoozing, finding a connection, telling jokes, laughing, and then making the short pitch for the advertisement or donation. David never forgot a client’s name nor their personal interests.

For 25 years David produced a weekly pre-recorded show on KMRY Radio called

Music of Broadway and Hollywood

, airing soundtracks from productions in both mediums – always making a point to share selections from shows that would be soon performed by Revival Theatre Company, at Brucemore or by the local community theatre (TCR).

David was the consummate Master of Ceremonies for decades at many events in town. His supportive promotion and cheerleading of theatre and music productions in Cedar Rapids are unparalleled. His affable, insightful and glib humor (as well as his Ed McMahon-sized frame) always made him very visible and audible in a crowd. Most everyone recognized when he was in the audience, as his booming and encouraging laughter and shouts of “Yeah!” immediately after a musical number were unmistakable… and a loving affirmation to performer friends on stage.

David also “trod the boards” for decades. Among many other roles, David is fondly remembered for his portrayals of Pseudolus (

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum

), Ben Franklin (

1776

) and Big Daddy (

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof

).

David had a childlike wonder. He always chose to look at the goodness in people and to keep an optimistic view of life. Longtime childhood friend Gary Niebuhr bestowed upon David the worthy nickname:

The Evangelist of Joy.

David is predeceased by his parents, Edna and Joe Bolt and a brother, Ron. He leaves behind many dear friends and colleagues, as well as countless younger-generation musicians, actors and performers whom he encouraged, promoted and lauded (as only David could do), especially Jackson (Jennifer Beall) Bartelme, Lincoln (Grace) Ginsberg and Harrison Ginsberg.

Heartfelt appreciation to the competent and compassionate staffs of Hospice of Mercy, Hiawatha Care Center, Terrace Glen Village, University of Iowa Hospitals and Mercy Hospital, as well as the Linge family and Cedar Memorial.

A formal Celebration of David is being planned to take place around July 4, 2025, in the “virtual shank of the evening.”

For those wishing to honor David with a donation to the arts, memorials may be sent to 711 Tiffany Dr. NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402, and they will be distributed to his favorite cultural organizations. As David adored them, another way to pay tribute is to surprise someone you love or appreciate with the gift of flowers.