Early Bird Theatre remembers Chris Tracey
By LEE CLARK ZUMPE
Article published on Wednesday, July 9, 2008  |
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| Bill Henricks and Chris Tracey star in one of Early Bird Dinner Theatre’s productions. |
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CLEARWATER – Ed Fletcher, producer of Early Bird Dinner Theatre, hosted a recent Celebration of Life ceremony in honor of Chris Tracey, a popular local actress who passed away in June.
Tracey, who had battled cancer for nine years, died on June 5. Though her cancer was in remission, treatments caused her kidneys to fail. She was 50.
An audience favorite, Tracey performed in more than 35 shows at Early Bird, including plays such as “A Bedfull of Foreigners,” “Crimes of the Heart,” “Whose Wives Are They, Anyway,” “Hotbed Hotel” and “Tea for Two.”
Her last appearance on the stage was in April 2007 when she played Ouiser Boudreaux in Early Bird’s production of “Steel Magnolias.” She also had been cast in “Social Security,” set to open in September.
“Chris Tracey was one of those larger than life personalities,” said Jennifer Sloane in a recent e-mail.
Sloane, another theater actress, edits the Early Bird Dinner Theatre’s newsletter.
“She packed a powerhouse of energy into each performance she gave,” Sloane said.
Sloane said that during the ceremony, Tracey’s friends recalled how she faced her illness with courage and that she often sang – particularly David Bowie songs – at the top of her lungs following chemotherapy treatments and medical procedures. Fellow actors spoke of her unique sense of humor and her love of life.
Robin New, artistic director at Early Bird, recalled how Tracey enjoyed the curtain calls.
“Chris loved standing ovations,” New said during the ceremony.
According to Sloane, those who gathered at the Celebration of Life ceremony gave the beloved actress one final standing ovation, showing their appreciation of and admiration for her talent, her generosity and her personal strength.
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Article published on Wednesday, July 9, 2008
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