The St. Louis theatrical community and Broadway enthusiasts alike are mourning the passing of Ken Page, a consummate performer and native of St. Louis, who passed away at the age of 70. Page's death was announced yesterday by his longtime friend and producer, Dorian Hannaway, across social media platforms.
Known for his iconic role as the lion in The Wiz and his memorable voice-acting as Oogie Boogie in Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas, Page was a vital part of the St. Louis arts scene and a beloved figure on the Broadway stage. According to Fox 2 Now, Page continued delighting audiences with his performance this past summer at the Muny's production of Les Misérables.
Page's journey in theatre began in St. Louis; he graduated from Bishop Dubourg High School and, pursued his passion for theatre at Fontbonne College on a full scholarship, St. Louis Today reports. His career spanned numerous Broadway shows, including the original casts of The Wiz, Ain’t Misbehavin’, Cats, and It Ain’t Nothin’ But the Blues.
The Muny, a St. Louis institution with whom Page had a long-standing and cherished relationship, expressed deep sorrow over his passing. "The Muny family is heartbroken by the passing of our beloved colleague, friend and “voice,” the legendary Ken Page," they shared in a touching tribute. His voice welcomed audiences before each performance since 2013 and his impact reached far beyond the footlights as a source of inspiration for young artists, First Alert 4 relayed. Page's last role at The Muny was as the Bishop of Digne in Les Misérables, a testament to his enduring dedication to the arts and his local community.
