Oh, man. This HURTS. As a StL resident the past few years, I’ve been able to see Ken in multiple St. Louis Symphony Orchestra concerts, and most recently this summer in Les Mis at The Muny which must have been his final stage appearance. He had an enormous presence in our city and will be sorely missed. Two devastating losses for the theater community in the past 24 hours.
Just more horrible news. Ken was an electric talent. May he live on forever scaring new kids every Halloween and Christmas. And hopefully more and more of them grow up to discover the rest of his work like I did.
I remember seeing CATS early in its original run. Ken, as Old Deuteronomy, would stay on stage during intermission and you could walk up and interact with him. I was probably 11 or 12. He was so kind and welcoming. Saw him in several things after that but never forgot that day.
quizking101 said: "I just saw him at CATS over the summer on a day he was judging. This is just another kick in the rubber parts I didn’t need.
May he rest in power."
I was at that performance, too! De Shields bowing to him was very moving. Can't believe we lost him and Gavin on the same day- two far too-soon losses.
"...everyone finally shut up, and the audience could enjoy the beginning of the Anatevka Pogram in peace."
Well we kinda did, at least, with the screenings of the movie accompanied by live orchestra and original cast. I saw him reprise his Oogie Boogie there, and he was great!
RIP
Beyoncé is not an ally. Actions speak louder than words, Mrs. Carter. #Dubai #$$$
This one really hurt to be honest. My grandma introduced me to Nightmare Before Christmas and Cats at essentially the same time growing up around 1999/2000. Playing both The Evil and The Father. Ken's voice has always been a constant for me and there is nobody like him. And you can see it in face the joy that performing brought him.
ChrisTyler1288 said: "There’s a great recording of his solo show Page by Page, where he talks about his life and career and sings quite a bit as well."
He tells a very interesting story in his show about his experience doing Guys & Dolls and how a lot of the theatre community was really against an all-Black production. People would call the box office to buy tickets and be told the show was sold out, but the theatre would be at half-capacity. Sad.