[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 90 (Tuesday, June 26, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1208]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      IN HONOR OF DAVID O. FRAZIER

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 26, 2001

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of David O. Frazier, 
on his incredible accomplishments in the arts and contributions to 
theater in Cleveland.
  Frazier began his musical profession the old-fashioned way by 
performing in a recital for his piano teacher. Little did he know that 
this was the starting point of an amazing career that would span more 
than five decades and take him around the world. Fate eventually led 
him to Cleveland where his professional career took off with his 
performance at the Cleveland Playhouse, America's oldest resident 
professional theater. His dedicated work kept him busy at the Playhouse 
for 34 years during which he performed in over 150 productions.
  When Cleveland's Playhouse Square was threatened with demolition, 
Frazier took a leave of absence from his career to aid in rescuing it. 
He appeared in the record breaking production of ``Jacques Brel is 
Alive and Well and Living in Paris'', which became the longest running 
show. The production saved Playhouse Square. Now 27 years later, 
Playhouse Square has become the second largest performing arts center 
in America.
  Together with his partner and collaborator Joe Garry, they have 
accomplished many awestruck performances. Recently, they have performed 
on the Cunard liners, QE2, Caronia and Seaboun Sea, There they sail the 
world first class and perform on the bill with many theater legends, 
while hosting a group of Cleveland friends and including them in the 
performances.
  Frazier, being privileged to perform one man concerts at private 
functions for diverse people like Pulitzer Prize Playwright John 
Patrick, has produced plays, musicals, and operas. Together with his 
partner, they have actively produced 15 musicals. They have received 
many prestigious awards, including being inducted into The Cleveland 
Play House Hall of Fame for their many years as actor in repertory 
there, and for performing both nationally and internationally.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask all members of the House of Representatives to 
join with me in recognizing David O. Frazier, a man who exemplifies the 
best that Cleveland's stages have to offer.

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