In memoriam

By Marcus Crowder -- Bee Staff Writer

Published 2:15 a.m. PDT Thursday, September 25, 2003

 

 

Actor Mark Brey, who lit up the Sacramento Theatre Company's stage in several productions of "Cinderella," died Saturday in New York after suffering a heart attack. Brey was 47.

An engaging singer and dancer as well as a singular dramatic actor, Brey starred as the gloriously mean Mrs. Baden-Rotten in the first two productions of STC's "Cinderella," earning standing ovations at every performance. He was scheduled to return to Sacramento this fall to appear in STC's production of "The Santaland Diaries."

"Mark was one of the most talented actors that I've had the pleasure to work with," said STC artistic director Peggy Shannon. "He was one of those people who would really light up a stage.

"He was larger than life, but totally in touch with life, and I think that's what made him so accessible to people."

"He always made sure everyone in the cast, no matter who, was comfortable and happy. He'd talk to them about their careers or their lives. He was just very kind and very generous," Shannon said.
Brey was also highly acclaimed for his work as Hedda Gabler in the innovative "Speed Hedda," a production by the Fabulous Monsters Performance Company. He performed the role in both Los Angeles and New York.

Los Angeles-based choreographer Peggy Hickey, who recommended Brey for the STC part, was a close friend of the actor, who was the godfather of her two children.

"It's tragedy, he was just hitting his stride in New York," Hickey said. "He was getting great roles all around the country and I just know it was matter of time before he was going to be on Broadway.

"Everyone in this world has their supporters and detractors, but I never met anyone ever who had anything negative to say about Mark Brey," Hickey said. "He was truly one of those pure spirits. He never spoke ill of any one. There was nothing negative about him."

There will be a memorial service Saturday in New York for Brey. STC will honor his memory later this year.

 

--Marcus Crowder
Reach him at mcrowder@sacbee.com