Steven Cole Hughes, Playwright and Actor
Towards the end of Tony's time at the DCTC, when he was legally blind but still acting up a storm, the standard operating procedure when you saw Tony backstage or in the hallway was to identify yourself: "Hi Tony, it's Steve." People who failed to identify themselves properly – “Hey Tony. How are you?” – were greeted with a squint, a moment's pause and then in his smiling, smooth British accent "Hello Person." It was always funny, sincere and classy.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Tribute from Anthony Powell
Anthony Powell, Director and Actor
As is the same with everyone who got a chance to work with Tony as part of the DCTC clan, I've a thousand delightful memories of the man, but mostly think of the wonderful times we shared on productions like The Dresser, Racing Demon, and especially Someone Who'll Watch Over Me. The kindness and support he unfailingly extended to me as a colleague proved a great gift over the years, particularly when I was first starting out as a director and had no earthly idea what I was doing. But of course this was Tony's modus vivendi; he loved the theatre and everyone in it completely, unstintingly. And he never let anyone forget that he was first, last and always rooting for them, "In for a penny, in for a pound." A lovely man.
As is the same with everyone who got a chance to work with Tony as part of the DCTC clan, I've a thousand delightful memories of the man, but mostly think of the wonderful times we shared on productions like The Dresser, Racing Demon, and especially Someone Who'll Watch Over Me. The kindness and support he unfailingly extended to me as a colleague proved a great gift over the years, particularly when I was first starting out as a director and had no earthly idea what I was doing. But of course this was Tony's modus vivendi; he loved the theatre and everyone in it completely, unstintingly. And he never let anyone forget that he was first, last and always rooting for them, "In for a penny, in for a pound." A lovely man.
Tribute from Nagle Jackson
Nagle Jackson, Playwright and Director
I first saw Tony in an RSC production at Stratford of Timon of Athens (ages ago) where he appeared with Paul Scofield who preceded him in death by just a few days. Scofield was shameful; he phoned in the performance (a matinee). I was so disappointed but this Tony Church guy was interesting. The next day I saw him in The Jew of Malta and he was terrific. Imagine my surprise and delight when many years later I found myself having the audacity to direct him! What fun we had in You Never Can Tell and Travels With My Aunt, The Quick-Change Room and two of my own plays, The Elevation of Thieves and Taking Leave. I wrote Taking Leave with Tony's voice in mind and he surpassed my wildest expectations. What a joy and what a privilege to have known and collaborated with this genuine man of the theater. "There's a great spirit gone".
I first saw Tony in an RSC production at Stratford of Timon of Athens (ages ago) where he appeared with Paul Scofield who preceded him in death by just a few days. Scofield was shameful; he phoned in the performance (a matinee). I was so disappointed but this Tony Church guy was interesting. The next day I saw him in The Jew of Malta and he was terrific. Imagine my surprise and delight when many years later I found myself having the audacity to direct him! What fun we had in You Never Can Tell and Travels With My Aunt, The Quick-Change Room and two of my own plays, The Elevation of Thieves and Taking Leave. I wrote Taking Leave with Tony's voice in mind and he surpassed my wildest expectations. What a joy and what a privilege to have known and collaborated with this genuine man of the theater. "There's a great spirit gone".
Tribute from Jennifer McCray Rincon
Jennifer McCray Rincon, Co-Chair of Acting, National Theatre Conservatory
I will tell you that when I found out about his death yesterday I called my mom. She knew Tony for many years. She said, ”I am so sorry I loved him so much but do you know what he loved you so much.” That was Tony’s great gift to me he celebrated me and loved me in a way that always made me more than I am. That is what he did for everyone around him. He made people feel the best of themselves and they always grew and became what he imagined they could be. I am here because of Tony. He found me so to speak. He was at the birth of each of my three children and though we had a professional working relationship he was a member of my family. I will miss him very much. Last night Stephanie Cozart and I went to the Teatro and drank some wine for him and looked at his pictures on the walls and remembered how much he is a part of everything we do here.
I will tell you that when I found out about his death yesterday I called my mom. She knew Tony for many years. She said, ”I am so sorry I loved him so much but do you know what he loved you so much.” That was Tony’s great gift to me he celebrated me and loved me in a way that always made me more than I am. That is what he did for everyone around him. He made people feel the best of themselves and they always grew and became what he imagined they could be. I am here because of Tony. He found me so to speak. He was at the birth of each of my three children and though we had a professional working relationship he was a member of my family. I will miss him very much. Last night Stephanie Cozart and I went to the Teatro and drank some wine for him and looked at his pictures on the walls and remembered how much he is a part of everything we do here.
Tribute from Elijah Alexander
Elijah Alexander, Actor
The stars in the sky have dimmed as another shoots across and goes out in a blaze of glory. He will be missed.
The stars in the sky have dimmed as another shoots across and goes out in a blaze of glory. He will be missed.
Tribute from Daniel Renner
Daniel Renner, Dean, National Theatre Conservatory, Denver Center Theatre Company
When I arrived in Denver in 1996 to become the dean of the NTC I knew it was a tall order to fill. How do you replace a man like Tony Church who had served as the dean for seven years and was beloved by one and all? Well, Tony being the consummate professional took care of that by mentoring me and being my biggest booster. His enthusiasm, wealth of incredible stories, and daily "Hello luv" made me feel at home; made me feel part of the larger theatre world in which he was a titan. Now that Tony and his friend Paul Scofield, who died a few days before him, are up in that great repertory company in the sky, I expect they are reworking bits of their famous production of King Lear for an extended run. I look forward to seeing it.
When I arrived in Denver in 1996 to become the dean of the NTC I knew it was a tall order to fill. How do you replace a man like Tony Church who had served as the dean for seven years and was beloved by one and all? Well, Tony being the consummate professional took care of that by mentoring me and being my biggest booster. His enthusiasm, wealth of incredible stories, and daily "Hello luv" made me feel at home; made me feel part of the larger theatre world in which he was a titan. Now that Tony and his friend Paul Scofield, who died a few days before him, are up in that great repertory company in the sky, I expect they are reworking bits of their famous production of King Lear for an extended run. I look forward to seeing it.
Tribute from Barbara Sellers
Barbara Sellers, Former Producing Director, Denver Center Theatre Company
I'm glad that Tony is at peace...it has been a hard final year for him (and Mary). He led a wonderfully adventuresom life and he never stopped enjoying himself. He was childlike in his awe of new discoveries and it was infectious....each new encounter in life tickled him. I suspect that we all feel very fortunate to have shared a part of the journey with him. I hear his laughter and know that he's free.
I'm glad that Tony is at peace...it has been a hard final year for him (and Mary). He led a wonderfully adventuresom life and he never stopped enjoying himself. He was childlike in his awe of new discoveries and it was infectious....each new encounter in life tickled him. I suspect that we all feel very fortunate to have shared a part of the journey with him. I hear his laughter and know that he's free.
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