The Theater Development Fund‘s Stages blog has a nice little story on Seymour “Red” Press, a veteran Broadway woodwind doubler and contractor and an alumnus of Benny Goodman’s band.
The cast of Chicago changes frequently, but if you listen to the orchestra behind the actors, then you’ll hear the same man night after night.
Woodwinds player Seymour “Red” Press has been in the orchestra of the long-running Broadway revival since it opened in 1996, and that’s just part of a career that spans over fifty years and 100 shows. He’s played everything from Pippin to Meet Me in St. Louis to A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, not to mention the original production of Chicago.
Read the whole thing here, and see a photo of Mr. Press in his natural habitat.
This thread at the Clarinet BBoard brought the story to my attention, and has some nice comments from some of Mr. Press’s colleagues and admirers.
Hi….I saw Nice work…last matinee…with my granddaughter and her husband from the first row/orchestra. Loved it. my third husband died on July 30 I am a very busy commercial actress!! !! love Phoebe
Great article..my son sent it to me…I am very impressed..you look great..I am still busy doing commercials. Husband #3 died Juy 30 Phoebe
I too am still going strong…with lots of commercials….I moved to Port Jefferson Station Long Island…I am living with Jim Grady….My son Jonathan continues to wow them on percussion in Jersey Boys…and lots more…His gorgeous 16 year old Kirrilee Berger is Miss NJ..and a lot of other MISS…..and appears in Disney movies. .and lots of other TV films…love Phoebe………………
Look me up Phoebe Lou Dixon Roome….and on Debbie Chasen agency Orange NJ and The Agency W 38th St NYC….
I have worked with Red for close to 20 years. He is kind, wsrm and highly talented man. As a producer/director I have experienced many OF his Hats. He is an honest but tough negotiator, fiercely devoted to his musicians, but committed to a fine production.
Thank for a great career.