Christopher J. Boll

Christopher J. Boll, 73, of Manchester NH, passed away on February 20th, 2023. He was born on June 27th, 1949 in York, PA to the late Earl & Miriam (Fulton) Boll.

A beloved member of the theatre community, his life long passion began in adolescence, when a friend talked an unsure Christopher into joining the crew for their high school's plays. This small moment revealed itself to be the most decisive of his life, and brought him to the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, VA, first as Technical Director, and eventually Chair of the Theatre Department. During this time he founded the Virginia Shakespeare Festival with two colleagues, spent seven years as production manager for the Williamstown Theatre Festival, and guided countless young artists and professionals entering the theatre.
Continuing his work behind the stage, he moved to New York City and joined Playwrights Horizons. He provided invaluable contributions to acclaimed productions and oversaw the construction of their new location while he simultaneously managed a full season of shows. His life amounts to more than forty years of dedicated service to the art and community he deeply cherished. A craftsman, designer, manager, teacher, and friend, he will be remembered for his brilliant creativity and love of collaboration as much as technical ability.

Outside of his career, Christopher was known for his pastimes. He read everything from history to science fiction, and found great joy in working on and driving cars. A lifelong Democrat who cared deeply for politics, he never missed the nightly news on MSNBC. He could speak endlessly of these to anyone willing to listen, but above all, he was proud of his children and grandchildren as the greatest gifts of his life.

Christopher left a deep and lasting impression on his colleagues, friends, and family. He leaves behind his daughter Kirstin Kochanek; son Emory Richmond Boll; sister Cindy Remley and her family; grandchildren Madison & Andrew Kochanek; as well as extended family members and friends. Services are being considered for a later date.

Christopher suffered from alcoholism his entire life, causing numerous difficulties for himself and
others. His family asks that any donations in his honor be made to the Foundation for Alcoholism Research (alcoholismresearch.org) or the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (niaaa.nih.gov).