Andre De Shields Pens Tribute to Geoffrey Holder in American Theatre Magazine

Award-winning Broadway legend André De Shields has written a tribute to his dear friend and mentor, the inimitable Geoffrey Holder, who passed away on October 5, for American Theatre, the magazine of the American not-for-profit theatre. It will appear in the magazine's December issue but is currently available on the magazine's website here.

De Shields, who created the title role in the original Broadway production of THE WIZ, calls his homage "Giants in the Earth: a Tribute to Geoffrey Holder," and has known the gentle giant "for the greater portion of my 45 years as a performing artist, during which time my constant impression of him was of a half-man, half-god."

In addition to THE WIZ, De Shields has created memorable performances in the original Broadway productions of THE FULL MONTY, PLAY ON! and AIN'T MISBEHAVIN' among many others. De Shields is currently performing in THE FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE at the Public Theater.