Just In: Howard Keel Has Passed — Page 3

Thank goodness for the preservation of his amazing perfs. in the films of "Annie Get Your Gun," "Kiss Me, Kate" and "Seven Brides." What a voice!!!

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Who's Howard Keel?

This is sad. He was much older than I realized. I've only seen him in Seven Brides and his appearances on Dallas...I looked and looked for a copy of Kiss Me Kate a while back as I enjoy the show, but, alas, no one in my area carried it...

An icon has passed, but his stage work will live on in memory, and his films will be treasured forever. Thank you for your gift, and may many more come to receive it.

"Where is the life that late I led . . ."

I feel sick. Long story short, if it weren't for him and
"Seven Brides..." I wouldn't have the absolute love, devotion and passion about performing and musical theater that I have right now! I was just looking for "Kiss Me Kate" TODAY at the video store and they didn't have it so I rented "HAIR" again. I hope people take notice and if they don't know who he was they should educate themselves.

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That's probably right Ken. A few years ago I sent a note to Howard Keel asking him for an autograph. He included one of his concert programs in his reply and the bio in the program shows that he appeared in "I Do, I Do" in the 70's.

The program says his first theatre experience came after his agent took him to meet Oscar Hammerstein II. Hammerstein was so impressed with the young man that he gave him a part in the Broadway production of "Carousel" as an understudy. This was his first non-concert theatrical experience. He eventually was elevated to the leading role of Billy Bigelow, replacing John Raitt in the role. Shortly after that he replaced Alfred Drake in the role of Curly in the long-running "Oklahoma". (He took this role to London where he was a smash hit).

Late in his theatrical career he appeared in "Man of La Mancha", "Camelot", "Kismet", "No Strings", "Gigi", "Showboat", "Plaza Suite", "Carousel", "The Most Happy Fella", "The Fantastics", "I Do, I Do", "Mr. Roberts", and "Paint Your Wagon". He and Jane Powell also recreated their film roles in the summer stock production of "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers", as well as appearing together in "South Pacific".

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Okay, the entrance exam idea is entertaining, but I'd just like to say that don't you think this board is a wonderful place to get educated? Shouldn't this be a place where people can ask about legendary performers and get informed by the people who know? I've learned so much in the 3 months or so I've been on the board. Maybe what we need to do is have a "legend of the day/week" and then those people who don't know these performers could learn. Instead of excluding people, we'd be educating them! I, for one, would thoroughly enjoy reading them. Just an idea...

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*raises hand*

I've learned a ton here, including things that are probably considered part of the "core curriculum." But maybe because I've had message board experience, I knew better than to try to contribute to every single thread with the exact same pool of knowledge.

I always loved Howard Keel. I think my favorite role of his was Bill Hickok in Calamity Jane.
Such a powerful voice and commanding presence.
Another one of the greats, gone.

Updated On: 11/8/04 at 10:35 AM

He was my favorite, as some of you know (see picture). One of the first weekly quizzes on this site was one I wrote and sent to Rob on the great Howard Keel. Oh, that voice!

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