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DECEASED ALUM: CALVIN REMSBERG, FHHS '68
Palm Springs, CA and Santa Fe, NM
Calvin Remsberg, 71, a stage, TV and film actor, and stage director, a long-time resident of Los Angeles and Palm Springs, died of heart failure at Eisenhower Medical Center, Rancho Mirage on January 29, 2022.
Born and raised in Roanoke, VA and the metropolitan D.C. area, Calvin studied English and Theatre Arts at The College of William & Mary. He directed classmate Glenn Close in a production of Menotti's "The Medium."
He sang with the Washington Opera Company and at Wolf Trap Farm Park, and also was Director of Theatre at The Madeira School and taught at The Spence School.
In 1980, director Hal Prince, on the recommendation of Ms. Close, chose Calvin as The Beadle Bamford in the First National Tour of Steven Sondheim's "Sweeney Todd," opposite Angela Lansbury and George Hearn, opening at The Kennedy Center, and later at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. That production was filmed by RKO for PBS and later released on video/DVD and in theaters in Europe. Some years later, he repeated the role in a production starring June Havoc, who became a dear friend until her death.
In 1983, director Trevor Nunn hired Calvin for Old Deuteronomy in the First National Company of Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Cats," which toured the country.
Hal Prince once again tapped Calvin in 1989 for the role of Messr. Firmin in the First National Company of Lloyd Webber's "The Phantom of the Opera" for its entire Los Angeles run, 1989-1993.
Staying in Los Angeles, Calvin became a sought-after voice coach and teacher, while also appearing on TV ("Cheers" and "The X-Files) and in film ("Pretty Woman" and "Shrek"). David Hyde-Pierce, Calvin's vocal student, thanked him in his acceptance speech when he won The Tony for his performance in "Curtains."
While continuing to coach, Calvin directed plays and musicals in the Los Angeles theatre scene. A highlight came when Sondheim selected Calvin to direct the 20th Anniversary of "Sweeney Todd" in Los Angeles, starring Kelsey Grammer, Christine Baranski, Neil Patrick Harris, Melissa Manchester and Davis Gaines at The Ahmanson Theatre.
With a home in Palm Springs, Calvin agreed to write and direct several of Michael Childers' annual charity events at The McCallum Theater, "One Night Only," which is the climax of the greater Palm Springs area's cultural and social season.
There will be a private family burial. Donations can be made to The Actor's Fund or your favorite charity in Calvin's memory.
Published by Los Angeles Times on Feb. 6, 2022.
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Elizabeth Ann Pepper (Page) (1969)
I had the pleasure of seeing Calvin, who was a Thespian at Fort Hunt, play Mr. Mistopheles in the traveling production of Cats in Boston in February, 1984. He was amazing! It was so exciting to see his name in the Playbill, and know his talent enjoyed by thousands around the country.
John Wood (1968)
Yes, well do I remember Calvin. A pleasure to be in the presence of his wit and repartee! He got me interested in drama and coaxed me into trying out for the part of Howard in the FHHS production of "Inherit the Wind". Ms. Roper, the drama teacher and director, seemed satisified and I got the part. A lot of rehearsals but it was fun. If it handn't been for Calvin I most likely wouldn't have had that experience. He was quite persuasive!
John Wood, Class of '68
Susan Lane (1968)
I was in Mr. Ed Gassek's drama class in our senior year and I remember Calvin very well. We were also in the play "You Can't Take It With You" that year (1968).Many of us recognized that Calvin was quite talented. Years later my parents saw Calvin acting and singing in the San Francisco opera.
John Blackwell Chilton (1971)
I didn't know Calvin - before my time. I know we can all use Google, but here's a good bio. Quite a career!
https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Actor-and-Director-Calvin-Remsberg-Dies-at-72-20220130
Eileen Aldridge (Shropshire) (1967)
I'm so sad to learn of Calvin's passing. He was my brother's roommate freshman year at William and Mary. (I was older, FHHS class of '67.). He was the vocal coach for David Hyde Pierce, who was in "Hello Dolly" on Broadway. DHP signed autographs after the musical and I asked him if Calvin was still his vocal coach. "No, not anymore, he is West Coast and I am East Coast." But he said Calvin was a big help to him.
Roberta Garrison (Brown) (1968)
My favorite memory of Calvin is from about 1983. I was in Chicago for a technical meeting and decided to avoid vendor hospitality suites to go to see Cats. As soon as I saw old Deuteronomy on stage, I knew it was Calvin before I even looked at the program. His voice was so distinctive. As the players stay on stage during the intermission, I was able to go up and chat with him for a few minutes. How wonderful to see a fellow classmate have such success in his chosen field.
Danny Hoehne (1968)
Hi all. Danny Hoehne here. Another alumnis from the senior class play. I was Donald...blackface and all!! That was such fun for all of us, wasn't it?! Hope everyone is well
Shelley Hullar (1968)
We had so much fun doing "You Can't Take It With You" Calvin was so focused and helpful. I loosely followed his career. Such well deserved success for such a great guy. Ave atque vale dear man
Virginia Harper (1968)
Calvin ws one of my favorite classmates. He was the make up artist for DeMaines funeral home and it's how he honed his theater makeup arts. He prepared my father for his funeral. I am happy he went on to theater success. Very much respected and appreciated.