A little part of me died

The revival of Pirates of Penzance was a staple in my musical theater repertoire as a young girl. Not only a funny show and fun to pretend I could sing along with the soprano, but it had two handsome pirates in thigh-high leather boots with luscious perms.


Though Kevin Kline’s charisma has a certain pull, my girlish crush fell on Frederic, played by Rex Smith. Those earnest eyes, the tiny ponytail, the way he over-enunciated each and every word with those pouty lips. I had forgotten about his capacity to make me swoon until we saw the play in Park City, prompting me to re-watch Amanda’s copy of the Joseph Papp production.

But where is Rex now? I think I heard he was doing more shows on Broadway, maybe even a Tony nomination or two. Hmm, let’s wander over to his official website . . .

Is there anything sadder than this?

4 Comments

  1. chitarita

    Aw, that is sad. At least I have memories of seeing him in “Pimpernel” to try to replace that Remax business card image with….

  2. Sarah K

    That’s pretty scary, I’m sorry for your loss.I must say about that revival, however–Linda Ronstadt as Mabel? I mean, I love her, don’t get me wrong…but I think she should stick to traveling “to the beat of a different drum.”

  3. fantasticterrific

    Well, as Socrates once said:“Justice will be served,and the battle will rage.This big dog will fightif you rattle his cage.”Oh wait. That was Mr. Keith.I’m sorry for your loss…almost as sorry as I am for the irrelevant misquote.

  4. fantasticterrific

    ps I have a luscious perm.-ft

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