Press Releases

<< back to news list

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Broadway Dims Lights May 25th In Memory Of Beloved Theatre Journalist Mike Kuchwara
May 24, 2010

The Broadway community mourns the loss of drama critic and writer, Michael Kuchwara. He died on Saturday at age 63. The marquees of Broadway theatres in New York will be dimmed in his memory on Tuesday, May 25, at exactly 7:00pm for one minute.

Charlotte St. Martin, Executive Director of The Broadway League, commented, “Mike Kuchwara covered hundreds of shows during his career spanning almost three decades, and his reviews and features were seen and held in high esteem by millions of people. He tirelessly supported and encouraged the theatre industry worldwide.” She continued, “Mike's likeable and intelligent presence was a comforting constant in the theatre community. He has always been one of the extra special people in our world, and will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him.”

Mr. Kuchwara had been the drama critic and drama writer for the Associated Press since 1984. Before being named to that position, he worked for the AP in Chicago as a general assignment editor and reporter and in New York on its General (now National) Desk, the main editing desk for national news. Born in Scranton, PA, he is a graduate of Syracuse University, and has a master's degree in journalism from the University of Missouri. He is a past president of the New York Drama Critics' Circle, where he remained a very active member.

Thanks to his expertise and warm personality, he was a frequent guest on CUNY-TV Theater Talk, ATW's Working in the Theatre, and was often asked to participate in numerous panels and appearances. As newspapers began to distribute content in new ways, he kept up with digital evolution by preparing his reviews and features in numerous formats – especially as more newspapers throughout the country relied on his content.

He is survived by his wife Johnnie and his sister, Pat Henley.