[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 106 (Wednesday, July 15, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1777]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              IN HONOR AND RECOGNITION OF DAVID O. FRAZIER

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                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 15, 2009

  Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of 
David O. Frazier, actor, singer, author and lyricist, on the occasion 
of his 70th birthday, and in recognition of his recent induction into 
the Cleveland Playhouse Hall of Fame for Outstanding Achievement in 
Theatre.
  Mr. Frazier began his entertainment career as a child, under the 
instruction of piano teacher Nelly Kelly, the aunt of Princess Grace of 
Monaco. During his teenage years, he learned about hard work by picking 
cotton in Texas. As a young man, fate guided him to Cleveland, where he 
began his professional career at the Cleveland Playhouse. Mr. Frazier 
has appeared in over 150 productions. Moreover, Mr. Frazier's 
unwavering commitment and advocacy on behalf of the arts was a critical 
factor in saving the Cleveland Playhouse from demolition. His 
appearance in the record-breaking two and a half year run in the 
production of ``Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris'' at 
the Playhouse Square Foundation stopped the demolition of and revived 
Cleveland's five historic theatre houses. Today, Playhouse Square is 
the second largest performing arts complex in the nation.
  Mr. Frazier has performed on private and public stages around the 
world, singing, dancing and writing his way into the hearts of 
audiences ranging from accomplished writers and actors, heads of state, 
and thousands of theatre patrons. He co-wrote his one man show, 
``Conversations with an Irish Rascal,'' with his partner and 
collaborator of more than thirty years, Joe Garry. Together, Mr. 
Frazier and Mr. Garry have co-written and co-produced fifteen original 
musicals. Mr. Frazier also appeals to young audiences in his starring 
role on NBC's children series, ``Hickory Hideout,'' for which he was 
awarded an Emmy Award.
  Madam Speaker Colleagues, please join me in honor of Mr. David O. 
Frazier, whose passion for music, limitless talent and unwavering 
dedication to the theatre has served as a source of entertainment and 
inspiration for audiences in Cleveland, Ohio and throughout the world. 
Furthermore, his dedication to promoting and preserving theatre in 
Cleveland has enriched the diverse culture of the entire community. I 
wish Mr. Frazier a very happy birthday and congratulations on his 
induction to the Cleveland Playhouse Hall of Fame.

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