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Broadway Veteran Calvin Remsburg (Sweeney Todd, Cats And Phantom) Passes Away In Palm Springs

Acclaimed Actor And Vocal Coach Calvin Remsburg Is Remembered By His Friends And The Broadway Community

By: David Green Feb. 03, 2022

Broadway Veteran Calvin Remsburg (Sweeney Todd, Cats And Phantom) Passes Away In Palm Springs Image

CALVIN REMSBERG

Died of Heart Failure Saturday January 29, 2022

The recent passing of the talented, versatile, dynamic Calvin Remsberg has left a very deep loss to all who knew and loved him, as well as to those who worked and studied with him.

He grew up in Roanoke and Northern Virginia (Washington DC Metro area) and consequently was childhood pals with Tony winner Gary Beach and they remained close until Gary passed away. Calvin attended The College of William & Mary where he majored in theatre. Among his college colleagues was Glenn Close whom he directed in Menotti's THE MEDIUM.

He was the Director of Theater at the prestigious Madeira School and taught at the Spence School. He performed at WolfTrap Farm Park and with the Washington Opera at the Kennedy Center for several years. In 1980 Hal Prince hired him at the urging of Glenn Close for the First National Tour of SWEENEY TODD as Beadle Bamford. He played opposite Angela Lansbury and George Hearn. He won the hearts of audiences and critics and since the production was filmed for PBS and theatrically released, he gained a lasting immortality. He then went on another tour of SWEENEY TODD opposite the legendary June Havoc who became a dear friend until her death in the 1990's.

He then joined the First National Tour of CATS in 1983 and shined as Old Deuteronomy for several years.

Hal Prince once again directed him in the Los Angeles run of THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA as Messer Firmin.

After PHANTOM he became a sought after vocal coach in Southern California and counted among his students many celebrities including David Hyde Pierce who became a dear friend. When Pierce won the Tony for CURTAINS he thanked Calvin publicly.

While living in Los Angeles he branched into films and is seen in PRETTY WOMAN and he voiced a few of the Merry Men in the film of SHREK. He was also seen in the TV series CHEERS and THE X-FILES.

As an accomplished director of plays and musicals, as well as gala events, his work was seen throughout Southern California. Stephen Sondheim selected Calvin to direct the 20th Anniversary production of SWEENEY TODD in Los Angles starring Christine Baranski ,Kelsey Grammar, Neil Patrick Harris, Davis Gaines and Melissa Manchester.

Calvin was also tapped to direct and write for Michael Childers' ONE NIGHT ONLY benefits at the McCallum Theater in The Greater Palm Springs Area.

Calvin's accomplishments were many and varied, creative and fascinating. His humor and insights were a strong element in all he did. He was a true friend to all and loyal to the professional ethics he learned from his amazing career journey.

He was unique and set standards by which all artists should emulate.

He will be sorely missed.

RIP dear friend and mentor Calvin....You are among the Stars you adored along with Hal Prince and Stephen Sondheim. BRAVO!

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