Alexander Slobodyanik, one of The Community Theatre’s Founders, passes away.
The Community Theatre Family lost a valued friend with the passing of eminent master pianist Alexander Slobodyanik on August 10.
Mr. Slobodyanik was one of the principal individuals responsible for the revival of The Community Theatre in 1994. It was Mr. Slobodyanik, who along with his wife Laryssa Krupa, brought Valery Gergiev, musical director of the Kirov Orchestra, to the then abandoned theatre. Gergiev famously snapped his fingers and told them, "The Kirov will play here." On September 29, 1994, after an exhaustive effort by local volunteers, that promise was delivered. "
The Community Theatre at Mayo Center for the Performing Arts would not exist today had it not been for the foresight of Alexander Slobodyanik, who recognized that a world class performing arts center lurked within the rotting walls of a run-down movie theater back in 1994," said Allison Larena, Executive Director of The Community Theatre. "Our hearts go out to his family for their loss."
Mr. Slobodyanik and his wife returned to perform at the 10th anniversary of the Theatre's revival in 2004, and were honored at the Theatre's annual Starlight Ball that year. The Theatre plans to honor Mr. Slobodyanik's contributions some time during the 2008-2009 season.
Please visit www.slobodyanik.com for information regarding funeral services as well as a tribute to Alexander's life and career
