This article appeared in the April 2011 issue of KC Stage
Local actor Karen Errington passed away from breast cancer on March 1. We’ve asked those that worked with her to share their memories in KC Stage. If you have a story to share, please leave a comment here or e-mail editor@kcstage.com
From J. Kent Barnhart, executive director, Quality Hill Playhouse:
Karen Errington performed in many, many cabaret revues at Quality Hill Playhouse. We all have memories of her incredible comic talents on stage; however, what separates the good performer from the great is the ability to deal with the unexpected in performance - and Karen showed that ability more than once. Years ago, QHP was presenting a Christmas cabaret show for the Brownville Concert Series in Brownville, Nebraska (a small town with a very prestigious cabaret series). The show had just begun, and the second song was Karen performing “Merry Christmas, Darling”. She had only sung a couple of words when all of the stage lights went out. From the darkness, Karen projected, “Well, if you want me to sing something else, just say so!”
Yes, Karen, we want you to sing something else.
From Sidonie Garrett, producing artistic director, Heart of America Shakespeare Festival:
I directed Karen twice, once at the Unicorn Theatre in Iron Kisses and once in The Merry Wives of Windsor for the Heart of America Shakespeare Festival. Neither role required her to use her celebrated singing talents. Both did require her great humor and her great heart.
In Iron Kisses, Karen and I worked hard together with Nathan Darrow to craft the story of a family told by a brother and a sister playing themselves and both of them also playing both of their parents. he physical and vocal mirroring that the two actors did together was key to the storytelling and it was a great challenge for both of them. Karen relished the play and the chance to create this non-singing role in an intimate theatre.
Having played Starlight Theatre and other huge houses, The Merry Wives of Windsor gave Karen a change to play on a different big stage. I knew her ability to play to a large house would be great for the role of Mistress Page. Karen knew how to make choices that would carry to the back wall and she loved to make people laugh! The production also gave her a chance to play the onstage wife of her offstage husband, David, which she thoroughly enjoyed.
Karen Errington was a singer, an actress, a performer. She was a loving mom to her adorable son, Jack. She was a great friend, a mensch, and a bit of a broad. She will be greatly missed by Kansas City audiences and her theatrical family.
From Anthony T. Edwards, music director:
I had the great pleasure of working with Karen in many different entertainment settings. We performed together in almost every theatre and did countless industrials and casual jobs around the city. Whether Karen was performing as a “Pick-a-Little” lady on the Starlight stage or in the intimate private room of area restaurants, Karen always gave her all! Karen was not only my “go to” alto, but was also my “go to” for song suggestions for any sort of occasion. Karen’s knowledge of music was extensive. She not only was a walking encyclopedia of musical theatre repertoire but also was more than familiar with pop literature through the decades. She always had just the right song in mind for just the right occasion. Both the theatre and music communities in Kansas City and I will miss her tremendously!
Kansas City’s theatre community has rallied to help her family face financial difficulties. You can send a check to the family directly. Checks payable to David Fritts can be mailed to David Fritts, 310 E 79th Ter, Kansas City, MO 64114. You can also make a credit card contribution through the Central Ticket Office at http://kea.nu/errington.
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