Composer, Lyricist, Playwright & Performer John Scoullar Passes Away at 62

John Scoullar, born in Providence, R.I., July 26,1949 has passed away after a short illness. A composer, lyricist, playwright and performer, John's work has been enjoyed for more than 40 years around the country. With Rick Cummins, he wrote the musical and dramatic adaptations of Antoine St. Exupery's "The Little Prince" which will open The New Victory Theater's fall season this October 2011. With playwright Joseph Kavanagh he wrote "Old Fashion Bargain Days" at Playwright's Horizon, "Canticle" at Hartman Conservatory Theatre, the musical "The Legend of Finn McCool and "Hello, Dears" in which he starred in at The Players Theatre.

John began his performing career at the age of 12 with the American Tour of the Bolshoi Ballet and made his Broadway debut in "Over, Here" with the Andrew Sisters. Original productions of "King of Hearts", Leonard Bernstein's "Candide" and "Truckload" followed. Off-Broadway credits include "Hot L Baltimore", God Bless You Mr. Rosewater", The Crazy Locomotive" and "The Red Blue Grass Western Flyer Show".He also served as choreographer and consultant for a few pre-Broadway workshops.

He is survived by his son Nick, daughter-in-law Faryl, his partner Bradshaw Smith of Broadway Beat, and his favorite waitress Rose Elaine Polansky nee Murtel. In one of his plays he wrote, "You get only two choices in life, the one you make and the one you live with". John choice was to live a full and extraordinary life!

Donations in his name can be made to his favorite charity Broadway Cares / Equity Fight AIDS

Daisy Eagan and Natascia Diaz in the original Off-Broadway production
of Rick Cummings and John Scoullar's The Little Prince.
Photo Courtesy of Natascia Diaz