Tony winners Lillias White, Phylicia Rashad, George Faison, Emmy/Golden Globe winner S. Epatha Merkerson and others will celebrate Broadway’s Timothy Graphenreed (“The Wiz”) in a virtual memorial on Sunday, Feb. 28.
The virtual celebration will be hosted by Lee Summers (“Dreamgirls”), directed by Jeffrey Thompson (“Eubie”), stage managed by Gwen Gilliam (“Eclipsed”) and Norman Anthony Small (Apollo Theater). The evening will include virtual remembrances from around the globe, including Terry Burrell (“Into the Woods”), Zane Mark (“Bring in the Noise, Bring in the Funk”), Jermaine Rowe (“Fela!”), Virginia Woodruff (“The Color Purple”), Randy Flood (“The Wiz”), composers Yuma Sung and Tinatin Japaridze with vocalists Clayton Bryant, Michael Salat and St. Croix’s own, army veteran Julio Petersen (“Mr. Pete’s Playhouse”).
Graphenreed, a Broadway composer/lyricist/librettist/musical director/vocal arranger/dance arranger/orchestrator/accompanist, was best known for composing “The Tornado” and “Emerald City Ballet” in the Broadway hit “The Wiz.” He also worked as arranger/musical director with numerous noted director/choreographers such as Maurice Hines, George Faison and Leslie Dockery. He accompanied and arranged for countless artists, including Lillias White, Jennifer Holliday, Phylicia Rashad, Gregory Hines and Maya Angelou.
He worked with St. Croix youth from 2001 to 2010, and St. Croix is fully represented in the memorial with St. Croix native Julio Petersen singing, speaker Dr. Chenzira Kahina and a photo montage of St. Croix youth.
Graphenreed is survived by his daughter, Traci Graphenreed Crane, grandchildren, Aaralyn and Donavan Wilkerson, and his loving life partner of 20 years J. David Moore.
Timothy Graphenreed’s virtual memorial will be held on Feb. 28 at 5:30 p.m., EST:
Zoom Link – https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82235646707
YouTube Link – https://youtu.be/yYRrLeg0SMo