A Tribute to Kevin Gray - 'His Time To Shine'

In 2006 the two collaborated on Kevin's one and only long over due solo album entitled "My Time To Shine" at the prompting of Dodie and much to the delight of Kevin's loyal fans and friends.
Kevin was invited to be part of another unique performing opportunity; the touring concert program "Craig Schulman's -Three Phantoms in Concert" where he enjoyed the company and camaraderie of such wonderful fellow Phantoms as Craig Schulman, Cris Groenendaal, Mark Jacoby, Ron Bohmer, Keith Buterbaugh, Brad Little, Ted Keegan, and Hugh Panaro just to name a few. All shared wonderful experiences together as they delighted audiences around the world.

"Kevin Gray was an extraordinary human being. Audiences knew him as a powerful and versatile performer. Those of us who knew him personally found a warm, caring individual. Family and friends meant everything to Kevin. He maintained his relationships like no one I've ever known.Kevin could never say "no" to anybody. He committed to everything he did with 150% of himself. Whether performing a role, teaching or being a mensch, have it his all. He was always willing to listen and focused on you in conversation. He was always interested in what you had to say and he was the funniest, smartest guy in the room. He forever changed my life, and I will miss him always". ~ Craig Schulman

"Working and playing with Kevin was always full of surprise. Kevin never did anything halfway, sometimes creating "angst", but most often a sense of head turning wonderment, hilarity, or both. "Luke warm" could not be used to describe him. It was not in his vocabulary or work ethic, in fact, he was just the opposite -- always full of passion and boundless energy. His gift touched many and his presence always left a lasting impact." ~ Keith Buterbaugh

In 2010, Kevin revealed another wonderful gift; the extraordinary ability to teach. He took his richly creative talent and stage experience to Rollins College in Florida and in 2011 Kevin had begun as an associate professor of theatre at The Hartt School at the University of Hartford Conn. He brought a sense of inspiration to his students that allowed them to soar. His philosophy seemed to reflect that of Indian guru Sai Baba. "Life is a song - sing it. Life is a game - play it. Life is a challenge - meet it. Life is a dream - realize it. Life is a sacrifice - offer it. Life is love - enjoy it."

Kevin seemed to live by this set of laws sharing his life, his enormous gifts as an actor, mentor and friend and his zeal for the arts with everyone he knew. Yes, it would be fitting to "dim the lights on the chandelier" in his memory, but my heart tells me that he would rather see the fireworks in the sky in celebration of all the people that crossed his path, that were enriched by his energy and the joy that he so eagerly shared with so many.

He truly celebrated his life by enhancing the lives of others. His legacy will live on and be remembered every time we hear "Music of the Night" or "The American Dream". Now it is his time to shine in the hearts of those who had the pleasure of knowing Kevin Gray.

Kevin Gray Early Headshot

Kevin Gray as Phantom. Photo Credit: Joan Marcus

Kevin Gray & Dodie Petitt, Wang Center 1993 Photo from Dodie Pettit.com

Keith Buterbaugh (Raoul), Dodie Petitt (Meg Giry), Kevin Gray (Phantom), Terri Bibb (Christine) 1991 POTO Tour-photo from dodiepetitt.com

Kevin Gray as Engineer, Miss Saigon

Kevin Gray as Engineer, Miss Saigon

Kevin Gray Headshot, album cover "My Time to Shine"

Kevin Gray as Jekyll and Hyde, Pittsburgh CLO Poduction Photo

Kevin Gray and Dodie Petitt with Santa and their Children

Kevin Gray as King in King and I, UK Production

Cris Groendaahl, Kevin Gray, Craig Schulman, 3 Phantoms in Concert Hawaii 2008

Kevin Gray as Scar in Lion King Broadway Tour - Photo Credit Joan Marcus

Kevin Directing at Rollins College 2010. Photo Credit: Brad Levine

Kevin Gray Headshot

Kevin Gray (King) Michele Kelly ( Anna), King and I, Muny production 2012

Kevin Gray (Che) Lauren Kennedy (Eva Perrone) Evita- Regional production

Kevin Gray and Dodie Petitt

Kevin Gray, backstage left, King & I Muny Production. Photo Credit: Vincent Rodriguezz III

"Saving a Seat for Kevin" Hartt College First Rehearsal without Kevin.
Photo Credit: Meredith Swanson