Memories of Gerald Schoenfeld from Bernadette Peters, Chita Rivera, Elizabeth Ashley & More
As news spread of the sudden death of Gerald Schoenfeld, chairman of the Shubert Organization, on November 25, Broadway pros shared their personal memories of this theatrical giant.
Elizabeth Ashley, actress: “I’ve known Gerry since I was 19, and he was everything you wanted a man of the theater to be; he was the real deal. I respected and cherished him as a professional, and I just adored him as a friend. He was the most powerful man in the theater and yet you could go directly to him with problems and he would always be straight with you. He was also a great supporter of regional theater and cared deeply about getting good stuff produced. Gerry had a great sense of humor: You could run into him in Shubert Alley and talk trash, and you felt better about everything when you went inside the theater. It's going to be a stab in the heart every time I hit the Alley. I will miss him until the day I die.”
Carolee Carmello, actress: "I will miss his passion for the theater. He made an everlasting mark on Broadway and will not be forgotten. Gerry was always quick with a big smile and a big kiss! I will definitely be thinking of him tonight at the Winter Garden...the ghost light will shine a little brighter with his spirit added to the glow."
Patti LuPone, actress: "It’s the end of an era! He was a generous, funny man—it was really incongruous that this high-powered lawyer and real-estate mogul was also a great showman and a true man of the theater. I sang for him when he was honored as a living landmark of New York, and that’s exactly what he was—a landmark of the Broadway theater. He was fair, he was dignified, he was a gentleman, he was a rollicking good time and he’s going to be missed. What’s Broadway going to be without him?"
Stew, actor, singer and composer: "I will never forget the tour he gave me of the Shubert offices the day we first met. That was one of my best days on Broadway, honestly. The whole vibe was cinematic. After that hang, who cared about putting on a show? I just wanted to hang out with the guy and listen to his stories."
Bob Boyett, producer: “On a day like today, I can only think of my personal relationship with Gerry. From the very day I produced my first Broadway show, he gave me advice and guidance like a friend. He was never too busy to inquire about my personal health and well being. Although a man with great love for theater and for the practice of good business principles, he was first and foremost a person who cared about people. He did expect a high standard of good behavior and decorum, but he was one of the most loyal people I have ever known. His many acts of personal kindness are too numerous to ever be recorded. He was always there for the worthy who needed a job or a little support along the way. Gerry was also a great wit and raconteur. To sit with him in his office and hear his many theatrical anecdotes was pure joy. I shall miss him terribly.”
Tim Rice, lyricist: “It’s awful. A real shock. I was with him last week in New York City, and he looked in fine form. He was totally dedicated to what he did: supporting people in the theater. If he believed in something, he wouldn’t abandon it.”
Chita Rivera, actress: "I’ve known Gerry…it feels like all my career. He was always there with his warm, fatherly smile making you feel you always had a hit. Gerry WAS the theater. I am shocked and saddened and will find it hard to think of the theater without him.”
Bernadette Peters, actress: “I can’t imagine not seeing him at every opening night, sitting on the aisle. He was a great friend and supporter of the Broadway community. There will be a large void, and I will miss him.”
Bernard Gersten, Lincoln Center Theater executive producer: “I think of him as a butch Carrie Nation of the theater—he presented this rather strict exterior, but he was intent on getting rid of the sleaze in the theater district. In the early 70s, Broadway shows had an earlier curtain time because people didn’t feel safe in the district late at night. He fought insistently and valiantly to bring sanity back to the entire area, with a spirit that transcended his own economic interests; he was concerned more with the life of the theater itself.”
Hugh Jackman, actor: “Gerry was one of the true greats—a class act through and through. I am heartbroken to hear of his passing and know Broadway’s lights will never shine quite as bright with him gone. This is a great loss to the theater community and beyond. His brilliance, kindness, and creativity will never be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones.”
