Donna McKechnie on Marvin Hamlisch: 'This is a great loss for all of us'

As BroadwayWorld reported earlier today, composer Marvin Hamlisch passed away Monday evening at 68 years old following a brief illness.

Hamlisch, one of only eleven EGOT winners in the history of the entertainment industry, was awarded three Oscars, four Grammys, four Emmys, a Tony and three Golden Globe awards for his work. On Broadway, he wrote the music for A Chorus Line - which received the Pulitzer Prize - as well as They’re Playing Our Song, The Goodbye Girl and Sweet Smell of Success

Tony-winner Donna McKechnie, who worked closely with Hamlisch on A CHORUS LINE as the original 'Cassie', released the following statement to BroadwayWorld.com on his passing:

Marvin had a rare musical intelligence and imagination. His work seemed to easily bridge the gap between Art and Commerce. His artistry in writing beautiful melodies always moved me, and spoke to me of his classicism and deep feeling nature. This is a great loss for all of us. One consolation is that his music has been made popular around the world, and people in so many different countries will continue to be moved and inspired by his music as we are.

McKechnie's credits include: How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying; A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (national tour); The Education of Hyman Kaplan; Sondheim-A Musical Tribute (which she also choreographed); On the Town; Promises, Promises; Company and State Fair.