Past News Releases
James F. "Doc" Stuart
December 22, 1928 - March 7, 2005
James F. Stuart, whose passion and commitment to lyric theatre led to the creation of The Ohio Light Opera over 25 years ago, died Monday, March 7, 2005 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He was 76.
"We were all fortunate to have had the experience to know his dedication, passion, and expertise in all forms of music and lyric theatre," said Steven Daigle, who succeeded Stuart as the Company's artistic director in 1999. "The Ohio Light Opera, its patrons, and the College of Wooster are indebted to Dr. Stuart for his tremendous service to the world of theatre and music."
Born in Baton Rouge on December 22, 1928, Stuart became the founding Artistic Director of The Ohio Light Opera of The College of Wooster in 1979 and served in that capacity until his retirement in 1999, developing the Company into a renowned ensemble unique in its festival presentation of operettas from America, continental Europe, and the British Isles. Stuart received his bachelor's and master's degrees from Louisiana State University and the Doctor of Musical Arts from the Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester. He was a member of the music faculties at Boston University, the Boston Conservatory of Music, and Kent State University.
Stuart was involved in every facet of the lyric theatre, from performer to producer to stage director. He performed with opera companies in New York, Boston, Cleveland, Chautauqua, Atlanta, and New Orleans and was the principal tenor in Dorothy Raedler's American Savoyards and the Martyn Green Gilbert and Sullivan Company. As a soloist, he appeared with the Cleveland Orchestra, Rochester Philharmonic, New Orleans Symphony, the Boston Handel and Haydn Society, and the orchestras of Lewisohn Stadium, Grant Park, and Robin Hood Dell, with renowned artists such as singers: Beverly Sills, Joan Sutherland, Richard Tucker, and Robert Merrill as well as conductors: Franz Allers, Richard Bonynge, Renato Cellini, Boris Goldovsky, Louis Lane, Jonel Perlea, Nicola Rescigno, Julius Rudel, and Robert Shaw. His television credits include "The Perry Como Show" and "The Andy Williams Show".
During his long and illustrious career as a scholar, educator, and performing artist, Stuart received many professional honors, including investiture in the College of Fellows of the American Theatre at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, selection as a Significant Sig by the Sigma Chi Fraternity, and inclusion in the Dictionary of International Biography and International Who's Who in Music. Stuart was awarded the 1999 Ohioana Citation for Distinguished Service in the field of music, and in 2002 he received an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree from The College of Wooster. In 1999 and 2003, he received Awards of Achievement from Northern Ohio Live magazine.
Stuart is survived by his brother, Morgon, two nieces, and five nephews. Gifts in his memory may be made to The Ohio Light Opera Endowment Fund at The College of Wooster, Wooster, Ohio 44691.
Article written by John Finn
Brian Woods
November 30, 1973 - January 8, 2005
Brian Woods, a veteran performer with The Ohio Light Opera, died Saturday, January 8, 2005, in Pittsburg, Kansas after an extended battle with cancer. He was 31. A popular tenor, Woods had a number of lead roles with The Ohio Light Opera over the years, including Camille in The Merry Widow, Raoul in The Violet of Montmartre, Sir Guy in Robin Hood, and King Louis in The Vagabond King this past summer.
"Brian touched countless lives through his passionate love for performing operetta with The Ohio Light Opera," said Laura Neill, company manager and producer. "He was a devoted husband to his wife, Jessie, and he will be greatly missed by everyone in the company as well as the thousands of patrons who enjoyed his unique performances since 1998. Brian and Jessie have always considered Wooster their home during the many summers they spent at OLO, so this is truly like losing a member of our loving, close-knit family. His legacy is a brilliant one, and his beautiful voice and kind heart continue to inspire us all."
Born November 30, 1973 in New Orleans, Woods' achievements began at an early age when he earned his Eagle Scout Badge and was named a Golden Crusader at Brother Martin High School in 1991. He received his bachelor of music and a master of music degrees in vocal performance from Louisiana State University. He married Jessie Wright Martin, also a cast member of The Ohio Light Opera on December 19, 1998 in Baton Rouge. The couple moved to Pittsburg, Kansas, in 2001, where Woods accepted a position as the director of opera and a member of the voice faculty in the music department at Pittsburg State University.
In addition to his wife, Woods is survived by his parents, Gary M. and Sandy B. Woods of River Ridge, Louisiana; sisters Stacey L. Woods and Renee M. Woods; and grandmother, Myrtis L. Woods. Grandparents Emile W. Broadmeyer, Emelda K. Broadmeyer, and Harlan C. Woods died previously.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to The Ohio Light Opera, The College of Wooster, Wooster, Ohio 44691. Please note "Brian Woods' Fund" on any contributions.
