Steve On Broadway (SOB)

RIP Patrick Lee (1959-2010)

RIP Patrick Lee (1959-2010)

This afternoon, it was revealed that theatre writer/blogger Patrick Lee died of a heart attack earlier this month. This sad news came as quite a shock to those of us who were fortunate to know him.

If you didn't know who Patrick Lee was, then you have missed out on knowing an exceptional class act and entrepreneur who was every bit as passionate about live theatre as he was writing about it. Not only did he write for both Theatermania and TDF, but he also grew to become one of our most preeminent theatre bloggers with Just Goes To Show You and Show Showdown.

Just last month, Patrick served as the Awards Chairman for the Independent Theatre Bloggers Association (ITBA) and handled his duties with grace, dignity and requisite fairness. The awards were announced with style on May 20, although Patrick seemed to carefully avoid the limelight despite his tremendous efforts.

Earlier last month, on May 1, I had my final opportunity to see Patrick. We spent several hours together, first as the two of us interviewed composer Robert Reale before we dashed off for the ITBA Awards Nominating Committee Meeting, which he chaired with distinction. Just a week earlier, the two of us lunched together and cemented what I hoped would be a friendship lasting years.

How fortunate I was to have known Patrick. His contributions and enthusiasm for live theatre will be sorely missed.

Rest in peace, Patrick.

This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).

Labels: In Memoriam, Just Shows To Go You, Patrick Lee, theatre bloggers

posted by Steve On Broadway (SOB) @ Wednesday, June 09, 2010