Dietzler and Upper Darby are celebrating 35 years of the children's and community theater program, which he founded when he was a Temple University music major.
Upper Darby Summer Stage produces seven musicals - six for children - and offers an arts and theater program for students, most of whom are cast in its productions.
Last year, 30,000 people bought tickets to productions by Dietzler and his staff of 90. About 700 youngsters participate.
"Harry is just a gem," Upper Darby Mayor Thomas N. Micozzie said. "Kids who could be hanging on the street corner are backstage making costumes for the shows. The atmosphere is an amazing thing to have in a community of our size."
Program alumni include actress-writer Tina Fey; Terrence J. Nolen and his wife, Amy Murphy, founders of the Arden Theatre Company in Philadelphia; and Alyse Alan Louis, who is starring as Sophie in the Broadway production of Mamma Mia!
Dietzler was just a Temple junior when he persuaded Upper Darby officials to give him $4,000 to put on a show.
"I wanted other kids to have that same experience that I did," Dietzler said.
He had developed a love of theater by way of his parents, Charles and Mary Anne, who met while performing in a Gilbert and Sullivan production.
The oldest of nine children, Dietzler began taking piano lessons at 12. When he enrolled at Monsignor Bonner High School in Upper Darby, he met theater pro Joe Hayes, who helped Dietzler overcome his shyness.
"He made [the high school show] seem like it was going to be the best thing ever," Dietzler said.
Caught up in Hayes' excitement, Dietzler got a part in a music revue and remembers riding a trolley to his first show and carrying his costume.
